Acetaminophen

Milk thistle is effective as a protective measure for a broad range of hepatotoxic medications. Dietary MSG elimination produced pain reduction similar to acetaminophen. The toxic threshold for acetaminophen is 4 grams per day, and the recommended maximum is 3 grams per 24-hour period. Acetaminophen tablets are available in doses as high as 1,000 mg each. Taking NyQuil and Alka-Seltzer Plus at two doses each twice per day delivers over 4,400 mg of acetaminophen, exceeding the toxic threshold. A minimum 12-hour separation between alcohol consumption and any acetaminophen dose is recommended. A study compared dietary MSG elimination plus increased water intake against acetaminophen for pain reduction. Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol. Adding alcohol to acetaminophen dramatically increases hepatotoxicity because both substances compete for the same liver detoxification pathways. Acetaminophen generates a toxic intermediate called NAPQI that binds to liver cells and kills them when glutathione stores are depleted. Acetaminophen in excess overwhelms the liver and depletes glutathione stores. Acetaminophen is the most common cause of liver transplants in the United States.…