Explaining Health Supplements Liver Damage

Health supplements liver damage - Most herbs that are toxic to the liver are not available in commercial preparations.

Some, which have been linked to liver damage, have controversy and misinformation surrounding the reports that condemned them, kava being a good example.

Some herbs, like comfrey, are highly dangerous if taken internally, but it is excellent when applied externally as an ointment. This, as an external preparation, is how confrey is sold. Comfrey has been linked to liver cancer, and was traditionally not taken internally.

However, if you have pre-existing liver damage, for example from hepatits C, there are health supplements that the Hepatits C Council of South Australia recommend you avoid. Many of these herbs are in use by herbal practitioners and on the shelves, and are considered fine for people who are not in the 'at risk' category like those suffering from hepatitis C. If in doubt, always see a doctor first before you take anything.

The herbs mentioned on the above site are: Barberry, Comfrey, Golden Ragwort, Groundsel, Huang qin, Misletoe, Pennyroyal, Sassafras, Scullcap, Senna, Valerian, Wall Germander, Wood Sage.

If you want more information on why they believe they are of concern with regards liver damage, see the link above.

In discussing health supplements liver damage however, one author on about.com writes that many times when we see the warning on the label that a supplement 'may cause liver damage' it is there to serve as a warning. A point that there may be some individuals that may have an adverse reaction, as some people are allergic to peanuts, or damage their liver through a reaction to aspirin. She also says:

"Many people do not know or will acknowledge that a great deal of what they consume, is toxic to the liver. Many processed foods containing preservatives, raw and processed foods treated with pesticides, the wrong kind of fats, over the counter and prescription medications and more, all contribute to the damage of your liver."

Having said that, some health supplements have been identified by the treating doctors as very dangerous. One example is Lipokinetix, the weight loss supplement. This article discusses 7 patients who required medical treatment, and one lady a liver transplant, as a consequence of taking lipokinetix. So there is reason to be cautious in some instances.

That article discussing health supplements liver damage makes the point, (not necessarily with regards lipokinetix), that potential liver damage is dose dependant. So always follow the instructions on the bottle or see a qualified natural therapist who is versed in the protocol of prescribing herbs safely.

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