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At a warm family gathering, Lao Liu's grandson mischievously held up a bottle of health care products and jokingly said, "Grandpa, are you going to live to be 100 years old?"
In the laughter of his family, Lao Liu proudly straightened his chest: "Of course, I want to grow up with you in good health." Lao Liu's health care product cabinet is full of all kinds of bottles and jars, from fish oil to grape seeds, from spirulina to various vitamins, there is nothing he doesn't know and doesn't take. However, this excessive pursuit of health did not take long for him to suffer a major reversal in his life.
A series of physical discomforts made Lao Liu finally sit on a hospital bed, and the doctor's diagnosis hit the whole family like a hammer: "Liver failure, must be hospitalized immediately." The doctor's further questioning brought the truth to the surface - long-term overdose of various health products has become the "culprit" of Lao Liu's liver failure.
The story is not alarmist. In fact, in today's increasingly pursuit of health and longevity, many people have great trust in health care products, and some people even think that "health care products are not medicines, and it doesn't hurt to eat too much". But in fact, the improper use of health supplements can have serious consequences for the body.
First of all, we need to clarify the boundaries between nutraceuticals and medicines. Health supplements are not used to treat diseases, they are intended to supplement nutrition and improve the health of the body. However, not all supplements are harmless, especially when taken for long periods of time or in excess without professional guidance.
Next, we will explore three common types of health supplements and drugs in the market, which can cause harm to vital organs such as the liver if misused or misused.
The first category is health products that contain heavy metals or harmful substances. Some health products on the market may be illegally added with heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, etc., due to pollution in the production process, or in order to enhance the effect. These substances cannot be broken down and metabolized in the body, and long-term accumulation can seriously impair liver function.
The second category is excessive vitamin and mineral supplements. While vitamins and minerals are essential for life, excessive intake can also take a toll on the liver. For example, vitamins A and D are fat-soluble in the body, they are stored in the liver, and excessive consumption can easily lead to liver toxicity.
The third category is certain herbal health supplements. Herbal products on the market often claim to be natural and harmless, but in reality, not all herbs are suitable for everyone. Some herbs contain specific chemical components that may cause direct toxic effects on liver cells, and long-term use may also lead to liver disease and even liver failure.
In the case of the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii, although it is widely used in traditional medicine, excessive or long-term consumption of Tripterygium wilfordii extract has been shown to cause liver damage.
In the case of Lao Liu, the doctor pointed out that several health supplements he blindly took contained the harmful ingredients mentioned above. Liu's case is not an isolated incident, and more and more clinical reports show that health problems caused by health supplements are on the rise. Therefore, people must be more cautious when choosing and using health supplements, and here are some practical suggestions:
Consult a doctor or registered dietitian: Consult a professional before starting to take any supplements. Depending on the individual's health condition, a doctor or dietitian can provide professional advice to avoid unnecessary health risks. Know the ingredients: Read the ingredient list carefully and understand each ingredient.
If there is an unknown substance or incomprehensible technical terms on the ingredient list, you should inquire further about the information or seek professional help. Check for certification: Choose those that have been certified by a third-party agency. These certification bodies can ensure the quality and purity of the product during the production process, as well as the consistency of the ingredients and actual content declared on the product label.
Beware of over-marketing: Be wary of supplements that claim to cure diseases or have miraculous effects. Legitimate manufacturers of nutraceuticals usually don't make such exaggerated marketing claims. Take in moderation: Even supplements that have proven health benefits should be taken in the recommended dosage.
An overdose of anything can cause harm to the body, including water and oxygen. Follow your doctor's instructions: If you're already taking a specific medication, you should tell your doctor about the supplements you plan to take to avoid possible drug interactions.
In Lao Liu's case, the timely discovery of his family and the timely treatment of doctors saved his life. Lao Liu is also deeply aware that health care products are not a panacea, and a healthy lifestyle and reasonable diet are the cornerstones of maintaining health.
In fact, most people can get the nutrients they need through a balanced diet, and only in individual cases, such as specific diseases, nutrient deficiencies, or special physiological conditions (such as pregnancy), may need additional supplementation.
As consumers, we should be more sensible about health supplements. Health is not a commodity that can be purchased with a bottle of health care products, but an attitude and way of life.
Choosing the right lifestyle, such as moderate exercise, maintaining a good mindset, and eating a reasonable diet, are the keys to longevity and health. For the selection and use of health care products, it is necessary to follow scientific and professional guidance, treat them rationally, and avoid falling into the misunderstanding of excessive consumption and dependence.
In the pursuit of health, each of us needs to be the gatekeeper of our own health. Through scientific methods, reasonable diet and living habits, we can enjoy health and longevity in the true sense. And for Lao Liu's lesson, it should become our wake-up call, reminding us to be vigilant and rational in the pursuit of health.
What do you think about health supplements? Welcome to discuss in the comment area!