Warning: Unfiltered Health Advice Ahead!
Various supplements and medications may potentially lead to liver damage, according to research findings.
Let's talk about drugs and supplements sneakily damaging your liver, duude. Scientist, Arun Sanyal (MD), from the VCU Stravitz-Sanyal Institute, goes deep into a recent clinical trial involving 800 peeps, where a pinch of semaglutide weekly helped fight fatty liver disease. But hey, the not-so-fun stuff? Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is on the rise, warning bells scream, and common medications and supplements could be lurking in the shadows.
Statistics show that since the 1960s, DILI has been a growing threat in Western countries. One-fifth of total prescriptions leads to DILI, if sources are up-to-date. Yikes!
Sounds like your liver filter might need a buddy, huh? Potential liver injury triggers could be the usual suspects like herbal products, dietary supplements, and medications. Yep, even gals with a current liver condition or nutrient deficiencies are at higher risk. Pregnant women, too, you dig?
Now let's look at some medications that could stir up trouble for your liver:
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen), the go-to pain reliever
- NSAIDs (like aspirin) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, commonly used for headaches and inflammation
- Methotrexate, an antimetabolite used for arthritis, lymphoma, leukemia, or cancer
- Corticosteroids, which kickstart your immune system
- Isoniazid, a first-line treatment for tuberculosis
- Tetracyclines, wonder antibiotics for beating bacterial infections
- Halothane, used during surgeries for anesthesia
But supplements ain't off the hook, either, bro. They can sneakily cause liver damage:
- Turmeric, a popular spice
- Green tea, good for antioxidants but whoa on the caffeine!
- Ashwagandha, an herb that helps with stress and anxiety
- Garcinia cambogia, a buzzing weight-loss supplement
- Red yeast rice, claimed to help with cholesterol
- Black cohosh, used for menopause symptoms relief
Turmeric and Garcinia cambogia are the top offenders when it comes to botanical products linked to potential liver toxicity, if researchers have their facts straight.
So, remember, half the fun of life (well, maybe not half but you get the picture) is enjoying a nice beer or some vitamins, but let's keep an eye on those liver-loving wildcards. Be careful out there, and stay sober and well-informed, homie.
[1]: Guide to Pharmacology (n.d.). Drug-Induced Liver Injury. https://www.guidetopharmacology.org/PDresources.jsp?id=416[2]: Castellani, M., Catamarán, M., & Padovani, A. (2020). Acetaminophen and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Hepatotoxicity, Genetic Susceptibility, and Mechanisms of Injury. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482237/[3]: Martinelli, S. (2015, June 15). Drug-induced liver injury: From molecular mechanism to systematic research approach issues. Abstract. Clinics (Sao Paulo), 70(6), 655-657. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488049/[4]: Das, A. K., Hirose, T., Kapa, A. R., & Diehl, A. M. (2018). Natural health products: potential liver toxicity—an evidence-based systematic review, prospective cohort study, and risk assessment. Drug Safety, 41(1), 29-51. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40264-017-0651-5[5]: Expert Panel on Safety Concerns Associated with Single Herbal Ingredients (2018). Technical Report and Recommendations. European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/regulations/technical-report-and-recommendations-expert-panel-safety-concerns-associated-single-herbal_en.pdf
- In the realm of health and wellness, it's crucial to be aware of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), a concern that's been on the rise since the 1960s, as common medications and supplements can contribute to this condition.
- Medical-conditions, such as current liver conditions or nutrient deficiencies, can heighten the risk for potential liver injury from a variety of sources, including herbal products, dietary supplements, and medications like paracetamol, NSAIDs, methotrexate, corticosteroids, isoniazid, tetracyclines, and halothane.
- Even within the realm of supplements, some products like turmeric and Garcinia cambogia, often marketed for health benefits, have been linked to potential liver toxicity according to researchers, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to nutrition and health.
