Your liver will always thank you for cutting down on alcohol, but there is no better time to do so than July. Dry July is a campaign that encourages us to go alcohol-free in July for our own health, and for a good cause – to help raise funds for people affected by cancer.
All over Australia people are discovering the benefits of feeling better and being more healthy when they give up drinking. Some have extended their Dry July indefinitely!
If you drink large amounts, your liver starts to have a hard time processing the alcohol. Your liver cells can then become overworked, which can lead to damage. This damage can cause fatty liver or fibrosis (scarring of the liver) and sometimes cirrhosis (serious liver damage).
In general, the amount of alcohol consumed (how much, how often and for how long) determines the risk and severity of any potential liver damage. The less you choose to drink, the lower your risk of alcohol-related harm. For some people not drinking at all is the safest option. If you have a health condition, such as chronic hepatitis B or a cirrhotic liver, it is a good idea to stop drinking alcohol completely.
The funds you raise as part of your Dry July campaign will provide invaluable services for cancer patients, their families, and carers – whether that be a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, access to therapy programs, or a bed close to treatment. Going alcohol-free for a month also supports improved liver health and overall wellbeing, so you will be helping yourself while helping others.
To find out how to register for Dry July click below.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we work - the lands of the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We express our gratitude to them for their continued care and curation of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
LiverWELL observes and honours the Kulin Nation's intrinsic connection to land, sky and water, and the creator Bunjil. LiverWELL is committed to being led and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on bridging health outcomes for communities and improving liver health.