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Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Common supplements and medications could cause liver damage, studies show
As cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) are on the rise, experts are warning of the hidden dangers associated with some common medications and supplements. Statistics show that DILI, also known as toxic hepatitis or hepatotoxicity — which is known to be a significant cause of acute liver failure — has been growing in Western countries since the 1960s. Around one-fifth of the total population who are prescribed medications will experience DILI, according to recent research published in the journal Toxicology Reports. Common Daily Vitamin Could Slow Biological Aging, Major Study Suggests Potential triggers of liver injury include herbal products, dietary supplements and medications, the study found. Those with pre-existing liver conditions and nutritional deficiencies are at a higher risk, as are pregnant women. Read On The Fox News App One of the liver's main functions is to break down substances taken orally, including supplements and medications, according to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). For some people, the process of metabolizing these substances can be slower, increasing the risk of liver damage. Colorectal Cancer Risk Reduced By This Common Vitamin, Study Suggests Even medications that have been tested for safety and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can potentially cause liver injury in rare cases, stated the ACG. Common symptoms of liver disease include nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, generalized itching, dark urine and jaundice, although some people may notice no signs, per the above source. Alcohol Drives Up Liver Transplant Demand In Young People The recent study in Toxicology Reports identified several drugs that are most likely to cause liver injury. Paracetamol (acetaminophen), a common over-the-counter pain reliever Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are often used to treat headaches, fever and chronic inflammatory disorders Aspirin, a common over-the-counter medication used as a fever-reducer, pain reliever and blood thinner Nimesulide, an NSAID used to relieve pain and reduce fever Methotrexate, an antimetabolite medication that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, leukemia and other cancers Corticosteroids, which are used to treat conditions involving inflammation or overactive immune systems Isoniazid, a first-line treatment for tuberculosis Tetracyclines, a class of antibiotics that treat multiple types of bacterial infections Halothane, which is used as a general anaesthetic during surgical procedures Medications aren't the only agents that can cause drug-induced liver injuries. Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, spoke with Fox News Digital about the risks of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) affecting the liver. "The biggest problem with herbal supplements is that the amount you are taking of active chemicals isn't strictly regulated, so you don't know exactly what you are getting," he said. "And since several of the supplements are metabolized through the liver, there is now an increasing incidence of liver toxicity in users." Cases of DILI linked to herbal or dietary supplements have nearly tripled between 2004 and 2014, according to a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers identified the following most commonly used botanical products known for potential liver toxicity. Turmeric, a common spice added to foods Green tea Ashwagandha, an herb used for stress and anxiety Garcinia cambogia, a popular weight-loss supplement Red yeast rice, which is said to help lower cholesterol levels Black cohosh, a dietary supplement used to relieve menopause symptoms It is estimated that at least 15.6 million U.S. adults have used at least one of these six botanical products within the past 30 days. Common Supplement Could Help You Live Longer, Research Suggests "The most commonly implicated botanical products in the DILIN (Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network) include turmeric, kratom, green tea extract and Garcinia cambogia, with potentially severe and even fatal liver injury," the study stated. Drug-induced liver injury caused by HDS can be severe or even fatal, leading to death or liver transplantation, the researchers noted. Fox News' Siegel also warned against the potential liver-related risks of some of these named supplements. "Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and may be useful in small doses, but can be toxic in large doses," he cautioned. "Garcinia cambogia is very popular, especially as a weight-loss agent, but there is no real evidence that it actually works, and there is no reason to take it, especially with the new GLP-1 drugs." While red yeast rice has cholesterol-lowering statin-type properties, Siegel cautioned that the amount of active chemicals isn't as strictly regulated as approved medications. "I find it useful in some patients who are reluctant to start statins and are looking for a more natural alternative, but I must strictly monitor the amount taken and the effect on the liver," he said. Regarding green tea, Siegel noted that it does have antioxidant properties and can be useful to consume as a beverage (though it has a lot of caffeine) — "but there is no reason whatsoever to take more of it in an extract, where it can be toxic." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The FDA states on its website that it does regulate dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients, but under "a different set of regulations than those covering 'conventional' foods and drug products." "Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded," the agency says. "That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended by DSHEA and FDA regulations." For more Health articles, visit Fox News Digital reached out to several researchers and the FDA regarding the rise in drug- and HSD-related liver article source: Common supplements and medications could cause liver damage, studies show
Fox News
02-06-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Common supplements and medications could cause liver damage, studies show
As cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) are on the rise, experts are warning of the hidden dangers associated with some common medications and supplements. Statistics show that DILI, also known as toxic hepatitis or hepatotoxicity — which is known to be a significant cause of acute liver failure — has been growing in Western countries since the 1960s. Around one-fifth of the total population who are prescribed medications will experience DILI, according to recent research published in the journal Toxicology Reports. Potential triggers of liver injury include herbal products, dietary supplements and medications, the study found. Those with pre-existing liver conditions and nutritional deficiencies are at a higher risk, as are pregnant women. One of the liver's main functions is to break down substances taken orally, including supplements and medications, according to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). For some people, the process of metabolizing these substances can be slower, increasing the risk of liver damage. Even medications that have been tested for safety and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can potentially cause liver injury in rare cases, stated the ACG. Common symptoms of liver disease include nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, generalized itching, dark urine and jaundice, although some people may notice no signs, per the above source. The recent study in Toxicology Reports identified several drugs that are most likely to cause liver injury. Medications aren't the only agents that can cause drug-induced liver injuries. Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, spoke with Fox News Digital about the risks of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) affecting the liver. "The biggest problem with herbal supplements is that the amount you are taking of active chemicals isn't strictly regulated, so you don't know exactly what you are getting." "The biggest problem with herbal supplements is that the amount you are taking of active chemicals isn't strictly regulated, so you don't know exactly what you are getting," he said. "And since several of the supplements are metabolized through the liver, there is now an increasing incidence of liver toxicity in users." Cases of DILI linked to herbal or dietary supplements have nearly tripled between 2004 and 2014, according to a 2024 study published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers identified the following most commonly used botanical products known for potential liver toxicity. It is estimated that at least 15.6 million U.S. adults have used at least one of these six botanical products within the past 30 days. "The most commonly implicated botanical products in the DILIN (Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network) include turmeric, kratom, green tea extract and Garcinia cambogia, with potentially severe and even fatal liver injury," the study stated. Drug-induced liver injury caused by HDS can be severe or even fatal, leading to death or liver transplantation, the researchers noted. Fox News' Siegel also warned against the potential liver-related risks of some of these named supplements. "Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and may be useful in small doses, but can be toxic in large doses," he cautioned. "Garcinia cambogia is very popular, especially as a weight-loss agent, but there is no real evidence that it actually works, and there is no reason to take it, especially with the new GLP-1 drugs." While red yeast rice has cholesterol-lowering statin-type properties, Siegel cautioned that the amount of active chemicals isn't as strictly regulated as approved medications. "Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and may be useful in small doses, but can be toxic in large doses." "I find it useful in some patients who are reluctant to start statins and are looking for a more natural alternative, but I must strictly monitor the amount taken and the effect on the liver," he said. Regarding green tea, Siegel noted that it does have antioxidant properties and can be useful to consume as a beverage (though it has a lot of caffeine) — "but there is no reason whatsoever to take more of it in an extract, where it can be toxic." The FDA states on its website that it does regulate dietary supplement products and dietary ingredients, but under "a different set of regulations than those covering 'conventional' foods and drug products." "Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded," the agency says. "That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended by DSHEA and FDA regulations." For more Health articles, visit Fox News Digital reached out to several researchers and the FDA regarding the rise in drug- and HSD-related liver injury.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 Best Foods to Eat If You Have IBS, Recommended by Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Kelly Plowe, M.S., RDNutrition experts agree that personalized nutrition is key to managing IBS symptoms. Foods low in FODMAPs, like some berries and citrus fruits, and quinoa, may help with symptoms. Other strategies included prioritizing sleep, deep-breathing exercises and eating you've ever dealt with stomach pain, gas, bloating or unpredictable trips to the bathroom, you're not alone. These are hallmark symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, a chronic gut condition that involves the gut-brain axis and comes with more than just digestive discomfort. Irritable bowel syndrome can take a real emotional toll on your psyche, often bringing anxiety and stress along for the ride. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, approximately 10% to 15% of adults in the United States struggle with symptoms related to IBS; yet, only 5% to 7% of the population have received a diagnosis. While this isn't a substitute for seeking medical care, there are things you can do from the comfort of your home that may offer some relief, like taking a closer look at your diet. For example, the low-FODMAP diet (FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols), has received a lot of attention surrounding IBS, thanks in part to a growing body of research studying the connection between the two. A meta-analysis looking at 13 randomized clinical trials found that compared to various alternative interventions, the low-FODMAP diet ranked the highest in terms of its ability to help alleviate some common IBS symptoms. Gut-health expert Jessie Wong, RDN, LD, founder of Team IBS Dietitian and host of the IBS Nutrition Podcast, uses the low-FODMAP diet with her clients. Wong shares, 'The low-FODMAP diet works well for many people with IBS because it limits fermentable carbohydrates that commonly cause gas, bloating and irregular bowel movements. But, it's a tool, not a forever fix.' To help get you started, we're sharing six low-FODMAP foods that gut-health nutrition experts recommend patients with IBS consider including in their diet. Registered dietitian Beth Rosen, M.S., RD, CDN, a gut-health specialist and co-author of Comprehensive Nutrition Therapy for Co-Occurring Gastrointestinal and Eating Disorders, recommends berries as one of her top foods to include in your diet if you have IBS. Rosen shares, 'In general, berries are low in fermentable carbohydrates and high in fiber,' a dynamic duo that may support IBS symptom relief. That said, portions matter. Keeping your serving of berries in check—about ⅓ cup raspberries, 1 cup blueberries or 5 medium strawberries—will help keep the portion of fruit low in FODMAPs. One exception is blackberries—they are not considered a low-FODMAP food. Studies have confirmed that fruits, like berries, offer important nutrients that aid IBS symptom relief. The nutrient matrix found in these foods, like polyphenols, fiber and minerals, may help relieve bloating and improve stool consistency in patients with IBS. While more research is certainly encouraged, try adding berries to your meal plan. Similar to berries, citrus fruits, like oranges, are low in FODMAPs and have earned their spot on the list of foods to consider including if you have IBS. 'Oranges and most other citrus fruits are low-FODMAP, widely available year-round and rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They're also less likely to cause fermentation in the gut compared to high-FODMAP fruits, making them a refreshing and nutrient-dense choice,' says Wong. One medium orange provides 3 grams of fiber and 63 milligrams of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, while offering up immune-health benefits to boot. Two caveats: First, oranges, lemons and limes are considered low-FODMAP, but grapefruit is not. If you're trying grapefruit, keep the portion to one-third of a small grapefruit (or less) to keep the amount of fructose at a minimum. And while oranges are low in FODMAPs, orange juice is not. There's good news for plant-based eaters who struggle with IBS. A clinical trial found that isoflavones, a plant-based compound found in soy products, may help to reduce some IBS symptoms, especially in women. But this doesn't mean all soy products will help. A pilot study found that patients with IBS who consumed more soy foods complained of worsening symptoms. But one limitation of the study is that it didn't evaluate specific types of soy products over others. Wong shares that those with IBS should focus on firm (and extra-firm) tofu because of its lower FODMAP content. 'Firm tofu is a gentle, plant-based protein that's low-FODMAP and easy on the digestive system. It's well tolerated by most people with IBS, and it's simple to prepare in stir-fries, bowls or soups without adding unnecessary gut stress.' Silken tofu, on the other hand, is higher in FODMAPs. Standard dairy milk isn't recommended on a low-FODMAP diet, so instead, Rosen encourages patients to consider a lactose-free option. 'It's full of calcium and protein and won't trigger gas and bloating.' Since lactose, a disaccharide sugar found in standard dairy milk and dairy products, can trigger IBS symptoms, it's best to avoid these products and choose those made without lactose. Thankfully, there's a plethora of options to choose from on the market these days, so feel free to explore brands that fit with your budget and taste preference. Consider lactose-free yogurt too, for the potential added probiotic benefits. Good news: most whole grains aren't off-limits on a low-FODMAP diet. Wong shares that quinoa is a great food to include in your diet. 'This gluten-free whole grain is naturally low-FODMAP, high in fiber and rich in protein, making it a great option for individuals with IBS. It's also versatile and easy to digest, helping support regular bowel movements without triggering bloating.' While an individualized approach is key, research shows that you can have up to six servings of whole grains a day while on a low-FODMAP diet. Other great options include rolled oats, rice, corn, millet and buckwheat. Related: Exactly How to Make Perfect Quinoa A nice portable snack to keep on hand is a do-it-yourself trail mix, shares Rosen. 'Because it's filled with carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber and flavor,' she says, trail mix can easily fit into a low-FODMAP diet that works for you. However, before you pick up a prepared mix, look at the list of ingredients. Better yet, make your own. Research suggests low-FODMAP items that would work great in a trail mix are almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts and pumpkin seeds. But, hold off on adding dried fruits until you know which foods trigger your symptoms. Since water is removed from the fruits, they contain a higher concentration of sugars, and depending on your individual needs, may worsen IBS symptoms. Working with a dietitian is a great way to identify which foods you can include (and which to limit) to manage your condition best. 'Managing IBS isn't just about food—it's about the whole picture,' shares Wong. Given that the gut and brain are intricately connected, your entire health profile, meaning your sleep, stress, anxiety and daily habits, collectively influence how you digest the foods you eat. But there's hope for those struggling with IBS symptoms, and there are proactive things you can do at home. Wong emphasizes, 'With the right tools and guidance, it is possible to identify your triggers, reduce flare-ups, and build a sustainable, flexible way of eating that gives you freedom and confidence again.' Consider these other tips from Wong and Rosen to help manage IBS symptoms in your daily life. Prioritize sleep. Changes in sleep can impact our circadian rhythm—the internal clock responsible for sleeping and waking, immune response and, yes, digestion—and play a role in triggering IBS symptoms. Practice deep breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing, or taking deep belly breaths, can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress, a trigger for IBS symptoms. Rosen writes, 'It's one of the easiest tools to master when it comes to managing IBS when stress is a trigger.' Track your symptoms—and your stool: Identifying patterns is key to understanding what drives your symptoms. Wong recommends logging food, stress and bowel movements to help pinpoint triggers. Be mindful at mealtime: Eating slowly, chewing thoroughly and limiting distractions can significantly ease bloating and discomfort. These small habits help support better digestion. Use fiber supplements wisely: Psyllium is one of the most effective and well-tolerated fiber supplements for IBS. It's water-soluble, gel-forming and nonfermentable—meaning it helps regulate stool form without contributing to gas or bloating. Start small and always increase fluid intake when incorporating fiber. Work with a multidisciplinary treatment team: Creating a health care team that includes a trained GI physician, registered dietitian and therapist is key to managing your IBS symptoms. Dietitians have (evidence-based) tricks up their sleeves to manage IBS symptoms and help you to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of IBS flares. If you're experience uncomfortable symptoms related to IBS, know that you're not alone. And there are several foods, including berries, citrus fruits, tofu, quinoa, trail mix and lactose-free dairy products, that might help reduce them. However, dietary pattern is only one of the factors that influences IBS management. Consider things like your sleep habits, stress management and supplement routine for a whole health approach. Also, be sure to stay connected with an interdisciplinary healthcare team for individualized advice. Related: The #1 Spice You Should Eat If You Have IBS, According to Dietitians Read the original article on EATINGWELL
CBS News
25-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Foods that trigger acid reflux, how to prevent it and when to consult a doctor
An estimated 20% of Americans suffer from GERD, a chronic form of acid reflux that goes beyond occasional heartburn. GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, can be more common among older people, those who are obese, and pregnant women, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. When should symptoms raise concern? CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook broke down what to know about serious acid reflux on "CBS Mornings Plus" Tuesday. "The stomach loves acid, it helps with digestion. The esophagus, the swallowing tube, hates acid," LaPook, who is a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, explained. "Fortunately, there's a valve in between the stomach and the esophagus that stops acid from bubbling up and giving you symptoms. When that loosens up, acid bubbles up, and it can cause all sorts of symptoms." Symptoms can include heartburn , cough and chest pain, he noted. Certain foods and other products can also trigger acid reflux, including: "Basically anything that gives you even an iota of pleasure," LaPook laughed. Besides avoiding these trigger foods, there are ways to prevent and treat acid reflux, including antacids and other medications. "Things that can make it better are things like antacids. So you have pills that actually go into the stomach, or liquid that coats the esophagus and goes into the stomach — the liquid tends to work a little faster — and they hit that stomach acid ... and decrease the amount of acid the stomach," LaPook said. If that doesn't work, there are medications that can help stop the production of acid. "They can get increasingly powerful, and they can be more important in the long run for controlling long-term symptoms," he said. Finishing meals at least 2 to 3 hours before going to sleep, and elevating your head in bed, can also help reduce discomfort, the Sleep Foundation suggests. While most commonly acid reflux is something that can be treated with medication, diet or weight loss, LaPook urges people to talk to their doctor in case it's the sign of something more serious. "My advice to people is, when you have something pop up, especially a new symptom, talk to your health care provider about it, because it can be tricky knowing when to do what," he said. For patients experiencing chest pain, LaPook said it could just be acid reflux but also cautioned that it " could be a lot of things ," including an ulcer, gallbladder disease or heart issue. "People with heart attacks or angina can feel burning in their chest," he said, highlighting the importance of bringing up your exact symptoms to your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
