Supplements warning: Two ‘natural’ supplements causing deadly ‘toxic liver disease’
Cirrhosis sufferer explains his previous relationship with alcohol
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Dr Minesh Khatri verified that herbal supplements could lead to toxic liver disease – also known as hepatotoxicity – which can be deadly. The liver filters everything that goes into the body, including supplements. When such a bodily process occurs, depending on the substance being processed, toxins can form.
Toxins can go on to inflame and damage the liver, which may lead to scarring or cirrhosis.
Symptoms of toxicity include:
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Dark-coloured urine
- Itching
- Jaundice, or yellowish eyes and skin
- Headaches
- No appetite
- Nausea
- Pain in your stomach
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- White or grey stool.
Dr Khatri confirmed that herbal supplements that contain aloe vera or black cohosh could be “bad for your liver”.
Other herbs that may lead to toxic liver disease include:
- Cascara
- Chaparral
- Comfrey
- Ephedra
- Kava.
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If you notice any signs of toxicity, when you visit your doctor, you must tell them of any supplements you have been taking.
Diagnostic tools for toxic liver disease may include blood tests, an ultrasound or CT scan and, in some instances, a liver biopsy.
Blood tests can inform your doctor how well your liver is currently functioning.
The scans are useful to gain a clearer image of your liver, whereas a biopsy can be checked for severe liver disease.
Treatment might involve avoiding herbal supplements and, if needed, hospital care.
You might require IV fluids or dehydration or anti-nausea medicine depending on the severity of toxic liver disease.
Other causes might include: prescription drugs, over-the-counter pain relievers, and chemicals.
This is why it is crucial to only take medication, for example, under a doctor’s guidance.
Cirrhosis
The NHS explained cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by long-term damage.
Symptoms of cirrhosis include:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Muscle mass wasting
- Red patches on the palm
- Spider-like blood vessels on the skin.
Complications can lead to:
- Jaundice
- Vomiting blood
- Itchy skin
- Dark pee
- Tarry-looking poo
- Bleeding or bruising easily
- Swollen legs
- Swollen stomach
- Loss of sex drive.
Anybody concerned they may be suffering from cirrhosis are recommended to see a doctor.
Other causes of cirrhosis can include drinking too much alcohol over many years and being infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C.
“Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that’s spread through blood and body fluids,” the NHS elaborated.
“Hepatitis C is a virus that can infect the liver,” the national health service continued.
“If left untreated, it can sometimes cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage to the liver over many years.”
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