Dietary Supplements Health Risks: Could the pursuit of "natural" cause liver and kidney damage? Avoid these 7 supplements today.:Kidney Health Tips: Some of the things we use for various purposes in our daily lives are not beneficial for our health, especially our kidneys and liver. Let's find out.

News Topical, Digital Desk : People often assume that supplements are safe because they're labeled "natural." But the truth is a little different. A recent study published in the famous National Library of Medicine in the US states that herbal and dietary supplements are classified as food products, meaning they are taken to fill dietary deficiencies. This doesn't mean they're completely safe for everyone. Especially if your kidneys or liver are already weak, some supplements can put additional strain on these organs. Let us tell you which products you should stay away from if you have kidney or liver problems.

Green Tea Extract

A cup of green tea is safe for most people, but according to the journal CLD Clinical Liver Disease, green tea extract pills contain high amounts of catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate. In large doses, these can cause liver inflammation and even serious injury, especially in people with pre-existing liver problems.

High-Dose Protein Powder

High-dose protein powders can also pose a risk. Protein supplements taken for bodybuilding or weight gain, if taken in excessive amounts, can put an additional strain on the kidneys. Excess protein causes the kidneys to work harder to remove nitrogenous waste, which can rapidly worsen the condition of patients with chronic kidney disease.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K are stored in the body. They are not easily excreted like water-soluble vitamins. Excessive amounts of vitamin A can put a strain on the liver and cause serious damage. Vitamins D and E can also be harmful if taken without a doctor's advice, especially in people with kidney or liver problems.

Iron supplements

Taking iron supplements without testing can also be dangerous. Iron is essential, but too much of it in the body can accumulate in the liver and cause a condition called hemochromatosis. According to the journal Statpearls, this disease is associated with excessive iron accumulation in body tissues, affecting the functioning of many organs.

Herbal remedy

Some herbal remedies can also harm the liver. Comfrey contains compounds that can cause serious liver damage. Black cohosh, used for menopausal symptoms, has been linked to liver toxicity. Garcinia cambogia, common in weight loss products, has been associated with liver injury. Many traditional herbal remedies lack strict control over the quantity and purity of active ingredients.

liquorice

Licorice root also requires caution. It contains glycyrrhizin, which can increase blood pressure and lower potassium. This can be dangerous for kidney or heart patients. Therefore, supplements high in these minerals should be taken under strict supervision.

Detox or Fat-Burning Pills

Similarly, detox or fat-burning pills can be risky. They may contain stimulants, diuretics, or other unknown ingredients that affect liver metabolism and kidney filtration. In particular, the liver has to work extra hard to break down these chemicals, which can increase oxidative stress and inflammation.