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Common toxins to avoid

As well as our 12 top liver-loving foods we’ve sourced the worst common toxins that can damage your liver. Some you should avoid completely. Others just need to be taken in moderation and with caution. One of the most common causes of liver damage is alcohol, so much so that we’ve given it a page all of its own. Read more about the effects of alcohol on your liver.

#1 Cigarettes

If you smoke cigarettes there’s a chance that you are causing damage to your liver – increasing your risk of developing liver cancer and decreasing your liver’s ability to rid your body of dangerous toxins. In turn, this could leave you more susceptible to the damaging effects of some medications on the liver too. Talk to your doctor or ring Quitline to get help.

#2 Marijuana

If you’ve been diagnosed with hepatitis, try to limit how much marijuana (cannabis) you use. Smoking marijuana on a regular basis may decrease the effectiveness of your hepatitis medications and, if you have hepatitis C, it can significantly increase liver scarring (fibrosis).

#3 Illicit drugs

All drugs have the potential to put stress on your liver. While heroin and morphine are not toxic to the liver, the substances that they are mixed with can be. What’s more, intravenous drug use is particularly renowned for transmitting infection and diseases such as hepatitis B and C. There is also evidence to suggest that hallucinogenic mushrooms contain many chemicals that the liver cannot tolerate, while amphetamines (speed) can damage your liver and cocaine and ecstasy can cause liver toxicity and even liver failure.

#5 Some herbal remedies

Many herbs and herbal remedies are known to be toxic to your liver. Here’s a list of the most common herbal toxins: Barberry, black cohosh, chaparral, Chinese ginseng, comfrey, creosote bush, germander, gordoloba yerba tea, greasewood, greater celandine, false pennyroyal, Jamaican bush tea, Jin Bu Huan, Kombucha tea, misteltoe, Sho-saiko-to, pennyroyal oil (squawmint oil), sassafras, senna, skullcap and valerian combined and white chameleon.

#6 Large doses of vitamin A

Did you know, a massive 50% to 80% of your body’s total vitamin A source is stored in the liver? That’s why excessive consumption can cause damage to your liver. The highest recommended daily intake of Vitamin A depends on your age and sex. If you have a high alcohol intake, pre-existing liver disease, high cholesterol or severe protein malnutrition the safe level of vitamin A intake may be lower for you. For adults, the safe daily intake of vitamin A is around 3,000 micrograms – this is much lower for children and adolescents. Consult your doctor for more detailed information.

#7 Some prescription medicines

The liver plays a huge role in processing medications, and there are some prescribed medications that contain higher levels of toxins than others, such as paracetamol, codeine, corticosteroids, tetracycline and carbon tetrachloride. Take your medications as directed by your doctor to avoid unnecessary damage to your liver.

#8 Some over-the-counter medications

Even over-the-counter medications should be taken with caution – always follow the directions on the packaging. Consumed in high doses, some medications such as paracetamol, codeine, aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac can damage the liver.

#9 Salt

You probably know that high salt intake can increase your blood pressure, but did you know that high blood pressure can contribute to fatty liver disease? Try to limit salt/sodium in your diet to a maximum total of one teaspoon (2,300 milligrams) a day. Read the nutrition label and reduce your intake of high-salt processed foods such as meat, bacon and sausages. Talk to your doctor about medications that can help keep your blood pressure under control.

Weight gain, obesity, fatty foods and saturated fats are also common causes of liver damage and liver disease. Read What can damage your liver and learn how easy it is to love your liver by taking a look at our recipes and diet and exercise tips.