Have you considered that medication you are taking could silently be causing harm to your liver? Liver damage is extremely common, and in the early to moderate stages typically causes no symptoms at all. You may not realise a serious problem is occurring until significant harm has been done. Having elevated liver enzymes on a blood test means your liver cells have been injured. Some commonly used medication could be the culprit. The liver has a remarkable ability to repair and regenerate itself, but only up to a point. Eventually scar tissue can replace normal healthy liver cells, leaving the liver unable to carry out its many vital functions.

Elevations in blood levels of the liver enzymes aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are typical indicators of liver damage. It is also possible to experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue and nausea. Drug-induced cholestasis (blockage in the flow of bile caused by injury to the bile ducts) can present in the same way as cholestasis of autoimmune liver disease (primary biliary cirrhosis) and cause elevations in blood levels of bilirubin (leading to jaundice), alkaline phosphatase (a liver enzyme), and itching.

If you already suffer with a liver condition, please ensure your doctor is aware of it whenever prescribing medication for you.

The following medications may harm the liver:

  • Antibiotics, especially Augmentin and Nitrofurantoin
  • Anticonvulsants, used to treat epilepsy and some mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychosis
  • Amiodarone (Cordarone)
  • Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall)
  • Oral anti-fungal medication
  • Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Nurofen)
  • Lithium
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane or Roaccutane) used to treat severe acne.

Individuals who take two or more of these medications increase their risk of liver injury substantially. It is important to remember that many people can safely take these medications and not suffer with any harm. This is just a caution I want you to be aware of. Please do not discontinue any medication without first consulting with your doctor.

Having a liver function test each year, and more often if you take one of these medications can save your liver and your life.

A liver function test consists of the following:

  • AST (aspartate aminotransferase). The normal range is 5-45 U/L.
  • ALT (alanine aminotransferase). The normal range is 5-45 U/L.
  • AP (alkaline phosphatase). The normal range is 30-120 U/L.  AP is sometimes raised in non-liver related conditions.
  • GGT (gamma glutamyl transpeptidase). The normal range is 5-35 U/L.

How to protect and repair your liver cells

Take a comprehensive liver tonic

Even if you eat well, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy liver. St Mary’s thistle has been used for more than 2000 years in traditional European herbal medicine. The active constituent, silymarin, protects the membranes of the liver cells with its powerful antioxidant properties and stimulates the production of new healthy liver cells. It also supports the liver filter which removes dangerous toxins. The clinically effective dose of the herb St Mary’s Thistle, is the dose that has been proven to help the liver in hundreds of clinical trials. At least 420 mg of pure silymarin is required daily. Livatone Plus contains Silybum marianum as well as all the B-group vitamins, which are essential for healthy liver function and detoxification. It also contains the sulphur-bearing amino acids, Glutamine, Glycine, Taurine & Cysteine, which are needed for efficient liver detoxification. Livatone Plus also contains an effective dose of the most important antioxidant vitamins, namely vitamin C, E and natural beta-carotene.

Don’t over dose on carbohydrate

Sugar and high carbohydrate foods form the basis of most people’s diet. Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, breakfast cereals, soda and any food that contains flour all fall into this category. Carbohydrate rich foods are convenient and they are fun foods to eat. They can also be very addictive to some people. Once they start eating them, they can’t stop. Sugar and carbohydrate rich foods promote abdominal weight gain and the development of fatty liver disease and high blood pressure. In some cases, sugar can do just as much harm to your liver as alcohol. See the book Fatty Liver: You Can Reverse It for a delicious, easy to follow meal plan.

Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and salads

Vegetables contain the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your liver cells need in order to carry out detoxification and fat burning. The pigments that give vegetables their colors are powerful antioxidants that help to protect your liver cells from damage. Vegetables are also high in fiber. This is good for preventing constipation, but the fiber in vegetables also acts as food for good bacteria in your gut. We say that the fiber in vegetables acts as a prebiotic. An easy way to get a concentrated dose of nutrients in your diet is to make your own raw vegetable juices. They are energizing and enhance immune cell function. There are many delicious juice recipes in the book Raw Juices Can Save Your Life.

Selenium aids detoxification and has anti viral properties

Your liver requires a high level of selenium in order to produce the powerful antioxidant glutathione peroxidise. This antioxidant helps to mop up harmful free radicals in your body, and it is required for phase 2 detoxification in your liver. Selenium also helps your body to fight viruses, and several viruses are capable of causing harm to liver cells. Selenomune Designer Energy capsules contain 200 micrograms of selenium per capsule. They also contain a range of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. Selenomune contains kelp, which is a rich source of iodine. Iodine is required for an efficient metabolism and thyroid hormone production.

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.