Avoiding Liver Damaging Supplements
The best way to protect your liver from damage is to avoid using over-the-counter and prescription medications that are known to damage your liver. These include non-prescription pain relievers, especially those that are taken with alcohol. Other medications that can cause serious damage to your liver include some statin drugs, which are used to treat high cholesterol. Other drugs that are known to cause liver damage include azathioprine and phenytoin.
Artichoke Leaf
One of the dietary supplements that may help prevent the ravages of chronic liver disease is artichoke leaf extract. The plant is a source of nitric oxide, which helps widen blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. It also contains cynarin, which stimulates the production of bile, which removes toxins from the liver. It can help protect the liver and promote the regeneration of new tissue, and reduce cholesterol levels.
Comfrey
Comfrey has been used for centuries to heal wounds and soothe inflamed mucous membranes, but there’s a problem: It contains dangerous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause severe damage to the liver. This was first noted by the FDA in 1993, and herbalists immediately recommended that comfrey be used only externally. In response, the American Herbal Products Association, a group representing the interests of two-hundred major herbal product manufacturers, put this restriction into its code of ethics.
Green Tea
Green tea is known for its healthy antioxidants, and many herbal supplements contain green tea extract. However, there are reports of people getting liver damage when they take green tea supplements. The main ingredient, EGCG, has been linked to liver damage at higher doses. This compound is found in high concentrations in green tea supplements, so it is important to avoid these products if you have a history of liver disease.
Black Cohosh
Hepatotoxicity of herbal supplements poses a problem for consumers, health professionals, and researchers. One of the most notorious herbs is black cohosh, which has been linked to over 50 cases of liver damage. This herb is commonly used in menopause support supplements, but it’s important to know that it may cause damage to your liver.
Niacin
Niacin is a dietary supplement that has been shown to be toxic to the liver. It has been associated with serious hepatotoxicity and has been found to cause a wide range of adverse effects, including liver failure, multisystem organ failure, and even fatal liver failure. However, it is not the only dietary supplement that is toxic to the liver.
Acetaminophen
As one of the most common and highly-abused medicines in the United States, acetaminophen is one of the top causes of acute liver failure. Because of the potential for liver injury, the Food and Drug Administration has developed a public education program and has issued materials for use in a variety of media. These materials are geared towards patients who use OTC and prescription acetaminophen products. While this program has been in place for many years, it has not prevented all cases of liver injury caused by acetaminophen overdose.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States, but it can also be dangerous for the liver. While it has a short half-life and high bioavailability, it can cause significant harm to the liver when taken in excessive doses. The liver converts the paracetamol into toxic metabolites through the enzyme CYP450. The resulting aminotransferase level in the liver can be over ten thousand IU/L. Liver failure and death can occur within four to eighteen days of ingestion.
Apple Cider Vinegar
If you want to lose weight and avoid the health risks of liver damage, apple cider vinegar is a natural food supplement. It is produced through a process involving the fermentation of apple cider with the help of natural yeasts and bacteria. It has many benefits including improving blood sugar, improving heart health, and killing harmful bacteria. However, taking too much of the supplement can be dangerous. This is why you should always talk to your doctor before starting an apple cider vinegar diet or supplement.
){kind=link}