Herbal remedies are gaining much popularity among people across the world considering they are largely seen as free of side-effects. Green tea, turmeric, ashwagandha are all healthy additions to your diet and one often doesn't think twice before consuming them for boosting immunity and strengthening health. However, relying blindly on age-old wisdom, without consultation from your health experts could damage your liver. Taking herbal supplements in huge quantities and without the advice of a healthcare expert could be damaging your health silently. There could be injury to liver and other body parts if these supplements are picked over the counter.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that drug-induced liver injury, tied with products like green tea extract, turmeric or curcumin, ashwagandha, black cohosh, red yeast rice, and Garcinia cambogia, has been seeing a rise in the US, highlighting the need to dangers of indiscriminate use of the herbal supplements, partly due to weak laws around regulation of dietary supplement industry. Nearly 5% of American adults might be taking one or more of these products, per the new report.
As per studies using herbal and dietary supplements in the US has been linked with an estimated 23,000 annual emergency department visits and 2,154 hospitalizations in 2014. The use of these products has also been associated with more than 20% of all drug-induced liver injury cases in the U.S.
There are many benefits of the above-mentioned herbs if taken in moderation, but many people tend to over-do their consumption, the risk of injury to internal organs can increase.
Here are 5 herbs that could be harming your liver silently, as per the above study:
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular herb which derived from the roots of the plant Curcuma longa and is widely used in culinary preparations. Turmeric is part of many traditional Ayurvedic formulations due to its main beneficial component curcumin which can offer a range of benefits from controlling inflammation, improving antioxidant activities, heart health and reducing risk of cancer. However, consuming turmeric in large quantities is linked to liver damage and increase the risk of kidney stone formation. Cases of acute hepatic injury, liver failure, and liver damage have been reported with consuming excessive turmeric. While using turmeric while cooking in small amounts is perfectly healthy, taking supplements or shots should be strictly on recommendation by a medical expert.
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb, is derived from Withania somnifera root extract, an evergreen shrub that is endemic to India and Southeast Asia. It is also called 'Indian ginseng' and is known to boost brain health and lower anti-inflammatory activities. It is used to treat stress, fatigue, pain, skin diseases, diabetes, arthritis and epilepsy. An energy tonic, it also helps reduce fatigue and counteract the effects of aging. Cases of liver injury in people who took commercial herbal products that are labelled as containing ashwagandha, have been observed, according to Livertox. The liver injury could also be due to impurities in the ashwagandha, higher concentrations of extracts, or taking more than the recommended dose.
3. Green tea extract
Green tea has a reputation in health watchers due to its high antioxidant content that can prevent inflammation in the body. Green tea's many benefits have been highlighted in many studies as the herbal tea is known for protection against cancer, heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, liver damage linked to green tea extract has been reported in many cases, cautioning the green tea lovers to exercise caution while consuming it in large quantities. Green tea extract is found in a number of herbal and dietary supplements. Green tea extract or having large amounts of green tea have in some cases lead to acute liver failure or need for urgent liver transplantation or death.
US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) warns that green tea extract has been linked with liver damage so severe as to require transplant or lead to death.
4. Black cohosh
Black cohosh, a popular herbal remedy used for menopausal symptoms, has been linked to liver injuries such as jaundice, hepatitis, and autoimmune hepatitis. The adverse effects can appear between 2 to 12 weeks of consumption, while in some it has been reported 48 weeks after use. The U.S. Pharmacopeia advises individuals with liver disorders to avoid black cohosh, and recommends that anyone experiencing signs of liver trouble discontinue its use and seek medical advice. Published literature suggests that large doses of black cohosh might be associated with gastrointestinal irritation, headache, dizziness, and vomiting.
5. Red yeast rice
Red yeast rice is the product of rice fermented with a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. It has monacolin K, the same active ingredient found in the prescription drug lovastatin, which is known to cause liver damage. However, the concentration of monacolin K in red yeast rice is unregulated, varying significantly from 0.09 to 10.94 mg per daily dose, which makes its effects unpredictable. This supplement has been linked to severe adverse reactions, like acute liver injury, and recovery can take months after discontinuation. Due to these risks, individuals with liver disease or those at risk for liver problems should avoid red yeast rice.
Herbal supplements can elevate your health and improve well-being but in larger quantities, it can spell digestive trouble and lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some of these supplements can also cause headache, muscle or joint pain, or lead to sleeplessness. One may be careful that they do not interact with the current medications you are taking.
To use herbal supplements correctly and ensure safety against interfering with drugs, always seek a doctor's guidance first. Always follow the recommended dosage indicated in the supplement's label, since any intake over or under this measure may have bad effects on the body. Take the supplement regularly and at about the same time every day to have improved effects, and take it as prescribed, either with or without food.
Choose high-quality, reputable brands that have the products third-party tested for purity. Monitor your body's reaction: if you experience any side effects, stop use immediately. Periodically evaluate your supplement regimen as part of your overall health plan.
To keep your liver healthy, it's important to adopt a balanced lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, like leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats such as those found in nuts and olive oil, can help reduce inflammation and support liver function.
Taking care of your liver is important as the crucial organ is responsible for many body functions. Foods and drinks like oatmeal, green tea, berries, olive oil, and garlic are known to boost liver health. For a healthy liver, you must stay away from fatty foods and those high in salt and sugar.
Maintaining liver health requires a holistic approach that combines a nutritious diet, physical activity, hydration, and mindful lifestyle choices. Incorporating antioxidant-rich foods, healthy fats, and liver-friendly drinks like green tea can boost liver function and counter inflammation.
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