Alcohoolic Liver Disease

AlcoholicLiver Disease
What is it?
*Ethanol- alters key nutrients, decreases absorption of Vitamin B12, B1, folic acid,
fat, fat soluble vitamins- D, E, A, K
Signs and Symptoms:
*Agitation, restlessness, red spider angiomas on face, weight loss, anorexia,
insomnia, GI cramps, hand tremors, malnutrition, delirium tremors
Medications:
*Antabuse (Disulfiram)- causes vomiting after ingesting alcohol, dangerous
*Methylprednisolone (steroid)- alcoholic hepatitis, normalizes bilirubin, albumin,
can cause hyperglycemia, negative calcium/nitrogen balance
Facts:
*Affects 10% of the population
*Deficiency of Vitamin A, Zinc, Protein, Folic Acid, B1/Thiamin
*Alcohol- ulcerogenic to the esophagus, hepatotoxin
*Contributes to- infertility, endometriosis, higher mortality risks
-especially young people, women
*NAD (Nicotine-adenine dinucleicleotide)- rate limiting factor in metabolism of
alcohol
*Alcohol metabolism- slower with less calories
*Zinc- comes from alcohol dehydrogenase, zinc may improve appetite
*Detoxification- takes 5-7 days, rehabilitation takes 3-4 weeks, convalescence
8-12 months, as little as 6 for some patients
What can I do?
*See your Physician
*See RD for help as needed *See FFF RD on line for help
*AVOID ALCOHOL in cough syrups, sauces, vinegars
*Correct malnutrition, weight loss, nutrient/fluid needs, hypo/hyperglycemia
*High Protein/Calorie, monitor fat/cholesterol, supplements as needed
*Meals attractive, nutrient dense, appetizing to stimulate appetite