Do supplements tax the liver?

[member11823]

How about herbal formulas/herbs?

How about taking thyroid? T3/T4?

 

[Deborah888]

Fwiw, I have taken over 30 supplements per day for 15 years. Just had a cmp blood test and all my numbers were perfect, including liver numbers. I THOUGHT they wouldn't be but it turns out my gallbladder was just acting up due to residual symptoms from a fad diet I tried about a year ago now. (Taking chanca piedra and peppermint tea for that now!). My liver numbers have always been fine thankfully. I am very careful with fats, liver toxins, etc. And, I am extremely careful about supplement ingredients and dosages, keeping alarms, pillboxes, and a diary of any symptoms. (My CBC numbers were NOT perfect though because I'm anemic, however, so now I'm dealing with that).

I sometimes think I'm crazy taking this much but each one I take has helped me in some way. Also, when you look at some multivitamins/minerals, they can have 20 different nutrients in them. I take those separately, in the most absorbable form I can, away from anything else that will interfere with its absorption. So my "stack" is mainly comprised of what people take in a daily multi anyway.

I also have looked up each supplement (especially any herbs) to see if they are toxic to the liver or kidneys in the dose I need. If you aren't willing to do research or get your liver enzymes tested you are right to worry, though.

Oh I once od'd on something accidentally because I was taking an adrenal complex that had a small amount of licorice in it. Over time that licorice built up! So I also stay away from multi-ingredient supplements now. Too much to keep track of.

 

[Eberhardt]

I would say they usually does. I try to minimize it but I also have a compromized liver. At least all who isnt really a nutrient but has some druglike effect like herbs and pharmaceuticals. Of course this is generalized

 

[TheSir]

Over time that licorice built up!

What were the symptoms of the build up? Thinking of dosing licorice because I've once again ruined my adrenals with a bout of coffee use.

 

[Deborah888]

What were the symptoms of the build up? Thinking of dosing licorice because I've once again ruined my adrenals with a bout of coffee use.

My symptoms were edema, high BP, urinating a LOT, and overall weakness. I thought my hormonal issues were getting worse. But my blood and urine tests showed pseudohyperaldosteronism - from licorice ingestion (which included low potassium and high sodium). It was just a small amount in the "Adrenal Complex" supplement I took, but over a long period of time it built up. My symptoms all went away after a few weeks (after stopping).