What is cirrhosis primarily caused by?

Cirrhosis is primarily caused by chronic alcohol consumption, leading to liver damage over time. The excessive intake of alcohol creates toxic byproducts in the liver, resulting in inflammation and scarring, known as fibrosis. This scarring disrupts the normal structure and function of the liver, ultimately impairing its ability to process nutrients, hormones, and medications, as well as eliminating toxins from the body.

While viral infections, such as hepatitis B and C, can also contribute to the development of cirrhosis, chronic alcoholism is one of the leading causes in many regions. Bacterial infections can lead to complications like liver abscesses but are not direct causes of cirrhosis. Increased dietary fiber is actually considered beneficial for digestive health and plays no role in the development of cirrhosis.