Can the liver repair itself?

[cass8008]

If someone was an occasional binge drinker, for example only drinking on one night every fortnight or month or so, but drinking a lot on those nights, for around 4 years or so, would the liver be able to repair itself back to almost normality, and how long would it take, if the person was 18.

[soozmac]

I think I might have heard somewhere that the liver is the only organ which can replenish itself. Someone else will probably be able to tell you what the time span might be.

[teag1rl]

The liver can repair itself, but I don't now specifics I'm afraid. Milk thistle and artichoke extract are supposed to help the liver though.

[Champagne]

From what I understand the liver does repair itself but it won't repair fully after years of abuse.

I took precautions and replaced my liver with a sponge.

[ali_alic]

I believe you can also use part of the liver to donate to someone else and both parts will work fine!!

[violetblue]

There was a series on about de-toxing your life, big style, and there was a woman who abused her liver like nobody's business. The doctor told her that, although the liver can regenerate itself to some degree, that it depends how badly damaged it is. Severely cirrhotic livers (in the case of chronic alcoholics) become damaged beyond repair, it's just a case of damage limitation by total abstenance.

[eyeshade]

Well, if I am right and I am no doctor, your liver can rebuild itself providing you do not touch alcohol in 8 full weeks. It was on TV they showed a serious drinker who remained tee total for 8 weeks and the picture of his liver before and after was simply amazing, the cells had all regrown. It certainly wouldn't harm you if you deetoxed for 8 weeks, not much really when you could die is it?

[Madgirl2]

Post your question under 'Science'. There is a guy on there called The Prof' and he knows EVERYTHING there is about health and medicine. He has about 4 university degrees in Biochemistry, Genetics etc. He will definitely be able to answer your question.

[cass8008]

Thanks for your replies guys, I've also posted it in the science section to see what the prof says Madgirl.