A painkiller found in almost every British medicine cabinet can quietly damage the livers of people, has warned a leading pharmacist.
Paracetamol – used daily by millions to treat everything, from headache to fever – is safe when it is taken correctly.
But even somewhat exceeding the recommended dose can cause permanent liver damage, says Dipar Kamdar, a pharmacist and fellow at Kingston University.
“Although in general safe when used as prescribed, too much – even somewhat – can be extremely dangerous for your liver,” she wrote this week in the conversation.
‘Even small overdoses, or combining paracetamol with alcohol, can increase the risk of serious damage.
“Always stay with the recommended dose and talk to a doctor if you notice that you regularly need pain relief.”
She explained that the danger comes from how the liver processes paracetamol. While it breaks down the medicine, it produces a toxic by -product called Napqi.
Normally this is neutralized by a protective substance in the body that is known as glutathione.
Without a prescription, painkillers, such as paracetamol, are used every day by millions of British to deal with headache, muscle pain or fever – but can cause permanent damage to the liver
But in high doses, the liver can become overwhelmed to potentially life-threatening damage.
‘In an overdose, however, glutathione stores are exhausted, allowing Napqi to collect and attack liver cells. This can lead to acute liver failure, which can be fatal. ‘
There is growing concern about the spiral number of cases of liver disease.
The diagnoses have risen by 40 percent and deaths caused by liver disease have risen four times in the last two decades.
About 10,000 people per year die, with those of 45 to 64 years that make up half.
The British Liver Trust says that 90 percent of this can be prevented by lifestyle changes.
There are two types of liver disease: alcoholic liver fat and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (previously non-alcoholic liver fat from the fatty liver).
Excess fat accumulation in the liver can cause the organ to become inflamed.
Over time, this can lead to scars that limit the liver function. Left untreated, it can lead to liver disease in the final stage, also known as cirrhosis.
Liver disease often presents with few or no symptoms in the early stages, but as it progresses, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain and swelling in the legs and ankles can cause.
The liver filters toxins, produces coagulation factors and regulates blood flow. When it fails, complications follow, which can lead to death.
The British Liver Trust estimates that 80 percent of people who live with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease are not diagnosed-with no less than one in three suffering from a form of the condition.
The pharmacist also warns that poor diet and unhealthy eating habits make an important contribution to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
She recommends food with a lot of saturated fat, such as red meat, fried food and processed snacks.
While he suggests that ‘diets rich in vegetables, fruit, full cereals, legumes and fish can reduce liver fat and can improve related risk factors such as high blood sugar and cholesterol.
Other risk factors are a lack of exercise, smoking and drinking alcohol.
Mrs. Kamdar says: ‘The liver is a remarkably robust organ – but it is not invincible. You can protect it by drinking alcohol in moderation, quitting smoking, taking medication responsibly, eating a balanced diet, staying active and staying hydrated.
‘If you notice symptoms that can suggest liver problems, such as constant fatigue, nausea or jaundice, speaking do not delay with your doctor. The earlier liver problems are detected, the better the chance of successful treatment. ‘
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