A recent case study in the British Medical Journal reports that a 16-year-old girl suffering from symptoms of nausea, joint pain, and non-specific abdominal pain visited her physician. The doctor did not feel it was serious and sent her home stating she may just have a minor infection. When she did not get better and her symptoms worsened, she went to the ER. By the time she arrived in the ER she was jaundiced as well.
The girl explained that she had recently started drinking green tea she purchased online to help her lose weight. Citing she had only lost a few pounds when she started to experience horrid pains in her joints. She also felt very dizzy and sick the study reported. The teen was admitted to the hospital and put through a battery of tests.
Test results revealed she had acute hepatitis, or an inflamed liver. She was lucky because once the cause was found, she was given intravenous fluids and medication that let her quickly recover. She also stopped drinking the tea. While the tea she purchased was not tested, doctors theorized that the tea itself could have contained the materials that affected her liver function. While doctors said for the most part green tea is predominantly very safe and healthy to drink with the benefit of antioxidant properties, the danger may be in the additives.
These additives can be chemicals or other ingredients that can cause hepatotoxicity which is chemical-driven liver damage. They said this is especially true in teas made and marketed especially for weight loss. These teas in loose and bag varieties are being sold online through major online retailers and other sources. They have become quite popular with those looking to lose weight or detox their bodies. It actually appears a natural and safe way to slim down but as shown here, could have dire consequences. Beyond additives, pesticides used in growing the tea leaves could also be a culprit in liver disease.
Dr. Donna Seger, head of the Tennessee Poison Center in Nashville, said she’s always concerned when people buy herbal supplements or tea over the Internet without knowing much about where it came from. “I think there are still tons of people who don’t realize that because it’s natural,” doesn’t mean it can’t hurt you, Seger said of unlisted herbs or other materials in products. “They can have very significant toxicity.”Seger said people often turn to herbal supplements for weight loss and body building and that the liver, used to filter out toxins, is often the first organ to signal something is wrong.
The teen said she will never buy any online tea or weight-loss pills online again.
A New York Times Article told the story of 17-year-old Christopher Herrera. Christopher was using a concentrated green tea extract that he bought at a nutrition store as a “fat burning” supplement. However the effects on Christopher were life-threatening. When he went to the ER at Texas Children’s Hospital with his chest, face and eyes bright yellow it was determined he was suffering from severe liver damage from taking the supplement. The damage was so severe he was put on the waiting list for a liver transplant.
Christopher was terrified, this high school student from Katy, Texas was focused on the fact he needed a new liver and the possibility of his body rejecting it. Even with the best surgeons trying to comfort him it was gut wrenching. Research is showing us that Christopher’s case is not an isolated occurrence. Nutritional supplements account for nearly 20 percent of drug related liver issues that are seen in hospitals. This is up 13% from just a decade ago. Since this study only had data from the most severe cases of liver damage, investigators believe the actual number of cases is even higher.
It is not only naïve teenagers who are at risk. Today, growing numbers of middle-aged women are turning to dietary supplements that promise to speed up fat burning and help them lose weight. These supplements appear to be a good choice for them and the women consider them a “healthy option” to stack the weight loss deck in their favor. I think these discoveries and the potential effects will have a lot of people rethinking their choices.
“It’s really the Wild West,” said Dr. Herbert L. Bonkovsky, the director of the liver, digestive and metabolic disorders laboratory at Carolinas HealthCare System in Charlotte, N.C. “When people buy these dietary supplements, it’s anybody’s guess as to what they’re getting.”
So what do you think? Have you tried the detox or weight-loss teas? What about the herbal supplements like Garincia Cambogia, Forsklin, Raspberry Ketones, Green Tea and Green Coffee Extracts? What about the increasingly popular Matcha tea from Japan? Do you really know what is in those teas and supplements? Are you willing to play Russian Roulette with your health. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Ever carry multiple pairs of shoes to work? Have you ever struggled with picking only a couple of shoes to take on your next trip that would match everything? Alterre shoes were created with you in mind. Their patent pending technology, lets you mix and match your look to fit your lifestyle. With over 65 combinations, it is easy to transform your look from day to night and pack light for your next vacation. Customizable and comfortable, they are the perfect pair for any occasion. These shoes are as versatile as you are!
All of their shoes are designed in their New York Studio and made according to fair labor laws in Brazil. Alterre donates 5% of the proceeds to the women’s abuse shelter Restore NYC, so you get to do good while you look good.
Alterre Black Heel Starter Kit Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings:
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Amber Artisans creations are as unique in their composition and abilities as you are. Whether you’re looking for a remedy to reduce bodily aches and pains or mental stress, natural Baltic amber adapts itself to your condition and works with you immune system to create the perfect solution.
There are so many facets to the healing power of Amber such as promoting good health, providing recovery from addictions, healing the mind and spirit and so much more. Many wearers believe that Amber also inspires prosperity and success.
Along with the significant impact of healing mid, body, and spirit, Amber Artisans jewelry statements are exceptionally beautiful and stylish. You can enjoy being in fashion regardless of your person fashion statement. Amber jewelry comes in a variety of shapes and colors and will fit well with any wardrobe for the fashion conscious. More importantly, no one but you knows what incredible healing you’re experiencing while wearing it.
Every single amber healing bracelet or amber healing necklace designed by craftsman that has been working their trade for many generations is a work of art.
I have heard about the healing properties of Baltic Amber and we have featured other products before on our blog. I was eager to try one of the adult necklaces and after browsing the Amber Artisans website chose the 20″ Rainbow Sunshine Amber Beads Healing Necklace and was also sent a ring and some raw amber stones.
The beads on the necklace are beautiful and polished to perfection. They are so smooth and beautiful. The ring is colorful and comfortable as it is stretchy and I find during the day I move it from finger to finger. It is soothing just to hold the necklace and the ring when I am switching it from finger to finger. I really do feel like thy are making a difference in my spirit and I have only recently started wearing them. I really want to get a bracelet as well.
Mommy Ramblings has added Amber Artisans to our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide.
If you have been eager to try Baltic Amber for its healing properties, take a look at all the great designs on Amber Artisans website. They have bracelets, rings, teething necklaces, adult necklaces and more.
Amber Artisans is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky reader will win a Rainbow Sunshine Amber Beads Adult Healing Necklace. Thank you Amber Artisans for the review necklace and ring and for sponsoring this terrific giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. Open to US residents.
Amber Artisans Adult Healing Necklace Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck.
Hyundai $100 Giveaway!!!
Closer and closer to school starting for us and it’s so bittersweet for me. I don’t want the summer to be over. I don’t want the days to grow shorter and colder and I definitely don’t want to head into the winter that everyone is predicting will be one of the worst! As much as I try though, I can’t stop time. With the kids heading back to school it’s important to make sure they start the year off right. Did you know that the all-new nordstromrack.com has the top brands and latest styles for up to 70% off! They really do, and they make it easy to dress to impress with designer brands at clearance prices.
Some of my favorite picks for my boys for back to school on the site were:
The Tucker + Tate “Townsend” Straight Leg Jeans in Toddler and Little Boy Sizes. The jeans were only $12.97, that is 64% off the regular price
The Tucker + Tate Conrad Plaid Shirt is only $12.97 and 65% off the regular price!
The ASICS Performance Tees were only $9.97 which is 38% off the regular price. This one so aptly describes either one of my little guys!
Volcom ‘Stripeedo’ Hoodie was 14.97 a whopping 70% off the regular price!
The Stride Rite Racer Light-Up Sneakers were only $16.97! That’s 67% off the regular retail price.
And for mom, I saw so many great options to wear and accessorize for Meet the Teacher night at school.
My top picks for me were:
The Sienna Rose Fringe Sleeve Tunic Blouse for $35 is great for pairing with nice pants or jeans and is 37% off the regular price.
MOTHER ‘Daydreamer’ Skinny Flare Leg Jeans were 75% off the regular price of $196.00 which means they were only $49.00! Score!!!
The Sweet Trotters ‘Suki’ Flats were 63% off the regular price and were a steal at $36.97!
The Indio Leather Demi Handbag in ocean is a must have for me and at 50% off the regular price, why not? A gorgeous leather bag for $64.97!
Kohl’s is my go to department store. I love the brands they carry, the low prices and the super Kohl’s sales and stackable coupon codes they offer. Whether I am shopping online or in store I know I am getting the best prices on high quality merchandise.
Spring is officially here even though in most parts of the country it still feels like winter. If you are wondering about new spring fashion trends, styles and colors; Kohl’s has got you covered! Take a few minutes to check out the video on the Kohl’s Spring Fashion Google Hangout to find out the fashion scoop.
I will give you a hint, pink is red-hot this spring. Whether you use it as an accent or a bold statement, pinks are what’s in. I think pairing pink with some of the denim is the perfect way to incorporate it in my wardrobe. I also love these Pink Lauren Conrad Cutout Ballet Flats.
So check out Kohl’s Spring Fashion Google Hangout and let me know what you think. What styles and trends appeal to you the most. Let’s talk spring style together!