10 Nutrients To Prevent Liver Damage Caused By Over-The-Counter Drugs

The liver is a very important organ. One of its main tasks is to filter or break down anything you take into your body. It’s basically your body’s chemical processing plant.

That’s why, it shouldn’t come to you as a surprise that the number one cause of acute liver failure in America is caused by over-the-counter pills.

OTC meds such as Tylenol, Excedrin, NyQuil, Theraflu, and prescription painkillers like Vicoden and Percocet all contain acetaminophen.

This single ingredient is responsible for 80,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations, and around 500 deaths annually (1).

Acetaminophen Is a Liver Toxin

Acetaminophen consumption in the long-run is dangerous even in low doses. Those with liver conditions, such as hepatitis or fatty liver should avoid acetaminophen products completely. via WebMD

To make matters worse taking more than one pharmaceutical containing acetaminophen at the same time can lead to overdose.

One study has even determined that taking acetaminophen products even as directed can cause liver damage. With all the toxins we’re exposed to daily, your liver and kidneys don’t need the extra work.

How To Protect Your Liver

Acetaminophen depletes glutathione. If the amount of glutathione in your liver drops too rapidly, it can cause acute liver failure. Here’s a list of nutrients you should focus on to promote glutathione production:

• milk thistle
• sulfur-rich foods (cruciferous vegetables)
• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC supplements)
• α-Lipoic Acid
• methylation nutrients (vitamins B6, B9, B12, and biotin)
• selenium (brazil nuts)
• vitamin C & E

One last thing you can do to boost your body’s production of glutathione is to exercise regularly. As long as you don’t exercise to complete exhaustion, exercise acts as a minor stress on your body, boosts your immune system and improves your detoxification abilities. It is often said that “sitting is inflammatory” because inactivity raises your body’s production of inflammation generating compounds. Exercise helps to counteract that. via LiverDoctor