The liver metabolizes drugs, but many of them - including over-the-counter drugs that we use during colds or flu - can damage it, especially if we use them for a long time, without adhering to the doses recommended in the leaflet. Which drugs are the most common liver damage and how can I prevent it? How can you protect your liver while taking your medications?
How to protect the liver by taking a lot of drugs?Contrary to appearances, this is an important question: the liver is responsible for the metabolism of the vast majority of drugs.
Meanwhile, drugs contained in drugs - including herbal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs available over the counter - substances can damage it.
While taking one tablet or a serving of cough syrup once in a while is not dangerous, their regular consumption, especially without consulting a doctor, may be harmful - especially if, due to a chronic disease, we are already taking other medications on a permanent basis .
The liver may also need support in the season of fall-winter infections, when due to infections that are typical for this season, we take more drugs than at other times of the year, usually without consulting a doctor.
Incorrect use of medications may lead to, among others, to drug-induced liver damage, the symptoms of which may be, for example, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain (they may appear even some time after the end of treatment), and as a consequence - even liver failure. That is why it is so important to take care of your liver when taking medications.
Which drugs are most harmful to the liver?
There are many drugs that can damage the liver, including antibiotics, antiviral drugs, drugs to treat spasticity, peptic ulcer disease or tricyclic antidepressants. This group also includes drugs commonly used for headaches, colds or flu, such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, statins that lower cholesterol, as well as herbs - kava kava and garlic cabbage.
People over 50, obese people, patients with liver or kidney problems and pregnant women are most likely to suffer from liver damage caused by drugs. The risk increases when taking two or more drugs with a toxic effect at the same timeon liver cells.
How to protect the liver by taking a lot of medications?
If you are taking a lot of medications, do not use another on your own. Even if it is not stated in the leaflet that the syrup or tablets you are about to take may be toxic to the liver, this can happen if they interact with the medications you are already taking. How else can you protect your liver?
Always inform your doctor about medications you take- even if prescribed by a doctor of another speci alty. This is important in order to avoid undesirable interactions between drug components from different groups. In addition, the doctor, knowing that you are already taking medications that may have a negative effect on the liver, may modify the treatment accordingly.
If you are taking medications that may damage the liver , it is worth - also after consulting a doctor - taking preparations that regenerate and support the functioning of this organ, e.g. containing phospholipids.
Do not take medication for longerthan the time recommended in the package leaflet (usually 3-5 days) without consulting your doctor.
Follow the recommended dosesmedications and the duration of their use, both those prescribed by your doctor and those you take on your own.
Do not drink alcohol during the treatment , which may increase the risk of liver damage and products that affect the work of liver enzymes and the metabolism of drugs - e.g. grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Take care of your diet- limit highly processed, fatty, fried dishes and animal fats as well as simple carbohydrates (sweets, white bread, pasta) - eat more whole grains, vegetables, fruit, vegetable fats, fish, poultry.
It is also worth using herbsprotecting the liver, rich in substances such as silymarin (e.g. milk thistle) or cynarin (artichoke) - even though they are safe for the liver , however, it is a good idea to consult a doctor if you want to take them to assess whether such treatment will be safe in your case.
