[mande95747]

How much can my liver take? Does genetics play into this too? I have been drinking for about 12 years now.

[Got ?'s]

Well you must ask yourself many questions, not the least of which is: Are you a giant? If you are 7'2" and weigh 400 pounds you can probably drink that much per day and never get liver damage. If you are a 4'11" Blondie cheerleader who weighs 92 lbs. you are probably drunk all the time.

[Not Guilty!]

It will take a lot more than 4 drinks a day to give you cirrhosis. My husband has cirrhosis, and he is only 41. He has very early stages. He has been drinking since he was 15. H would drink 12 to 18 beers a day, and sometimes liquor.

[wondering]

You can ask your doctor.
You should go to aa.
Cirrosis????
Dangerous thing!

[KMCTP]

You are risking your health and your relationships with others. Talk to your doctor, but in general the rule of thumb is that men should have no more than two drinks a day (one drink is considered one beer or one ounce of hard liquor, or one 5 ounce glass of wine) and women no more than one. That is considered moderate drinking. And yes, heredity is a factor. If you have a blood relative with a drinking problem you are more likely to develop one too. If I were you, I'd go to AA just to talk to people and find out more. You can learn a lot.

[marriot]

Nice idea to cut back.

You not only do you have cirrhosis to worry about, but heart disease, muscle wasting, and an increased risk for multiple forms of cancer.

What is your general physical condition? When was your last physical exam? Do you smoke also? Do you exercise on a regular basis, the minimum being three times a week? What is your daily nutritional intake?

And yes, genetics plays a huge role in this. If you have relatives who have developed liver problems associated with drinking, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will too, but you must take preventative measures to protect yourself. It is never too late to improve your health and well being.

Lots of variables have to be considered to answer that question, but, if you are asking, then I assume that you are concerned about something?

Have you noticed some change in yourself lately to give you concern? Or, has a relative developed a condition to cause you concern?

I am glad that you are concerned enough to go onto Answers. Can you cut back to three drinks a day for a while, then maybe go down to two?

Please be honest with yourself and if you feel that cutting back is not right for you, then do find other ways to improve your health and well being, like trying to eat healthier and getting in about two hours of cardiovascular-based exercise per week.

Peace.

[in love :)]

tomorrow