By Dr. Axe
Acetaminophen overdose accounts for more than 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and an estimated 458 deaths due to acute liver failure each year. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15239078/)
Data from the U.S Acute Liver Failure Study Group registry of more than 700 patients with acute liver failure across the U.S. implicates that acetaminophen poisoning is responsible for nearly 50% of these cases. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15239078/)
Because acetaminophen is widely advertised and readily available over the counter, consumers as well as health care professionals perceive this medication to be nontoxic. Large or repeated doses of acetaminophen can produce hepatotoxicity, which can occur within 24 hours of an overdose. However, because the signs and symptoms of acetaminophen overdose mimic common illnesses, the real diagnosis may go undetected (Baer & Williams, 1996). Early detection and treatment of acetaminophen overdose is imperative to avoid hepatotoxicity. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9239068/)
What is acetaminophen: a pain medication found in both over-the-counter & prescription pain relievers. It is labeled as an analgesic because it reduces pain and an antipyretic because it reduces fever.
Some common over-the-counter brands that contain acetaminophen include:
•Tylenol (Headache & Pain Relief, Sinus Pain Relief, Children & Infants, Arthritis Pain, Extra Strength, PM)
•DayQuil
•NyQuil
•Excedrin
•Midol
•Robitussin
•Theraflu
•Vicks
•Benadryl
•Sudafed
The most common symptoms of acetaminophen overdose include:
*Upset stomach
*Vomiting
*Diarrhea
*Nausea
*Abdominal pain
*Appetite loss
*Sweating
*Yellowing eyes/skin
*Extreme tiredness
*Dark urine
*Convulsions
*Irritability
*Jaundice
*Coma
To avoid overdose:
do not take more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen a day
do not take for more than 10 days in a row
do not combine with drugs & alcohol
Safe, Natural Alternatives to Acetaminophen
1. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil provides muscle pain relief, and it works as a natural energizer and fever reducer. Use 1–3 drops topically. To reduce pain, apply peppermint oil to the area of concern twice daily. To reduce fever, apply the oil to the back of the neck and bottoms of the feet.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera reduces inflammation that can lead to pain, heals wounds and burns, and boosts the immune system. It can be taken in a capsule or applied directly to the skin.
3. Ginger
The gingerol present in ginger is a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It eases digestion, prevents bacterial and fungal infections, and reduces pain. You can eat raw ginger, make ginger tea, add ginger powder to your smoothie or use ginger essential oil.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric has powerful healing properties when ingested or applied directly to the skin. It reduces inflammation and fights pain naturally. It can be used as a natural treatment for arthritis and it even supports brain health and memory.
5. Liver Cleanse
A natural liver cleanse removes toxins from the body, which can be important after ingesting acetaminophen. A liver cleanse destroys old red blood cells, breaks down and metabolizes medications and alcohol, removes toxins from the blood, and regulates blood composition.
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