A survey commissioned by the Brazilian Liver Institute (Ibrafig) to Datafolha showed that 55% of Brazilians over the age of 18 consume alcoholic beverages, with 32%, one in three individuals, consuming them weekly. Of these, 44% consume more than three doses per day or occasion and in this group 11% consume more than ten doses per day. The standard dose indicated by the research is 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is equivalent to 45 ml of spirits, or 150 ml of wine or a can of beer.
The survey, conducted in September, showed that among those who claim to consume one or two doses of alcohol per day or on an occasion, women (42%) consume more than men (32%) and more than the national average (37%) as well as people over They are over 60 years old (52%). According to the survey, with an increase in daily consumption, the age group decreases by 10% and 12% among people between the ages of 18 and 59, compared to 5% for those over 60 years old.
Among Brazilians who consume three or more drinks at once, 44% are men, which rises to 49% among men in AB classes. Most respondents believe that frequent alcohol consumption drives the rankings for both liver cancer and cirrhosis, but most (56%) ignore their health when they say they have never been tested for alcohol-related liver damage.
According to the president of the Brazilian Liver Institute, Paulo Bettencourt, there is no safety limit for consumption, since sensitivity to alcohol is individual. However, in general, for people without liver disease, moderate consumption, 14 doses for men per week, or seven doses for women per week, can be considered safe. For those who have some kind of disease or fatty liver, it is recommended not to eat it.
Even those who only drink on weekends, known as social drinkers, are twice as likely to develop cirrhosis when they follow the WHO consumption pattern. [Organização Mundial da Saúde] as occasional heavy drinking (BPE), that is, more than four and five doses of alcohol on each occasion, respectively for women and men,” says the institute.
According to the institute, despite the risks, most people who consume alcoholic beverages will not develop cirrhosis and liver cancer, because in addition to alcohol use, there are individual susceptibility, genetic and environmental factors, such as underlying liver disease, obesity and diabetes. That increase the risk of liver damage from alcohol.
Paulo Bettencourt also cautioned that excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, or otherwise known as hangovers, cannot be balanced by tea, products labeled detox or medications called hepatoprotectors, because these medications do not protect the liver from the harmful effects of alcohol.
“The recommendation for moderate and conscious consumption, within parameters considered safer, for those without liver disease. However, for those who occasionally exceed the limit, it is important to compensate for the abuse by abstaining from alcohol in the following days, and drinking plenty of Fluids and eat properly.The specialist explained that the use of painkillers can increase the toxic effects of the liver associated with the use of alcohol.
To diagnose liver health, tests to assess the liver enzymes (blood) available in public and private networks are recommended in all individuals who abuse alcohol, even those who are occasional drinkers.
To learn more about it, follow @tudosobrefigado on social media or via Ibrafig’s website.
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