Alcohol
Cirrhosis symptoms can be extremely debilitating and make it difficult for patients to live normal, productive lives. They can also lead to serious health complications like gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy.
The human liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the bloodstream. However, it can only do this effectively up to a certain point. When too many toxins build up in the liver, it becomes damaged. Alcohol is a toxin, and cirrhotic patients should avoid drinking alcohol to prevent further damage to their livers.
In addition to damaging the liver directly, alcohol inhibits its ability to regenerate itself. The liver is the only organ in the human body that can regenerate itself, but this process is hindered by alcohol consumption. As a result, cirrhotic patients who drink alcohol are more likely to experience liver failure than those who abstain from drinking. Cirrhosis is a progressive disease that will eventually lead to death if left untreated. However, drinking alcohol can speed up the progression of cirrhosis and make its symptoms more severe.
