Read your labels! Over-the-counter drugs responsible for liver damage

Headaches, back pain, joint and muscle stiffness are just a few of the reasons people pop over-the-counter painkillers in search of relief. However, industry professionals and physicians continually raise questions about the safety of these drugs since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires serious warning labels for such drug manufacturers.

Drugs that contain acetaminophen—widely known by the brand name Tylenol^®—and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen are widely known to cause a whole host of health problems. FDA officials cite gastritis, peptic ulcers and stomach bleeding as possible complications from normal use of these medicines. But that’s not even the worst possible outcome from continued use of these drugs.

Your liver is most at risk when it comes to the intake of medications. This is because your liver processes and breaks down everything you eat and drink, including foods, medications and alcohol. It pulls out the harmful substances from your bloodstream so your body can reap the benefits from the vitamins, minerals, proteins and fiber in your diet. However, these harmful substances can destroy healthy liver cells. Over time, this could lead to liver damage and disease.

According to the American Liver Foundation, you can develop hepatitis and liver damage just by taking more than the recommended 4 gram daily maximum of acetaminophen. The organization also says acetaminophen is even toxic in lower doses for people who regularly drink more than two alcoholic beverages daily.

The FDA estimates 56,000 Americans visit emergency rooms each year for acetaminophen related overdoses, and 26,000 people are hospitalized each year. Research also states that acetaminophen is among the leading causes of pharmaceutical deaths. In most cases, accidental abuse of over-the-counter medicines is the most dangerous mistake people make—simply by taking too many painkillers too quickly. People should read and adhere the warning labels that clarify maximum recommended dosages.

Not only are you at risk of overdose, but even regular consumption over a long period of time can be dangerous to you health. Continuous, moderate use of these drugs can clog your liver and kidneys with poisons and toxins. There are safe and effective nutrients to help unclog your liver and eliminate the poisons accumulating in your system.

These include:

• Milk Thistle—to help your liver replace dead or damaged cells.
• Soy Lecithin—to remove excess fat and cholesterol that can clog your liver.
• Turmeric Root—helps remove toxins from the liver and stimulates bile production.
• Dandelion Root—to gently filter toxins from your liver and kidneys.

These healing nutrients are just a few of the safe and natural substances you can use to help clean, improve and maintain optimum liver performance.