Liver Longer - oral steroids extreme toxicity

Powerfull Protection

Ok, so the liver isn't the most exciting topic right? Probably not. Afterall, building muscle is far more interesting. But then again, liver toxicity is one he!! of a scary topic and an even scarier reality to gamble with! The fact is simple. Your liver is vital for your survival. There is no way to survive without it. So if you are currently using 17-alpha alkylated pro-hormones/steroids, have done so in the past, or plan to in the future, listen up!

The use of such oral steroids like Dianabol, Anadrol, and Winstrol, in addition to over the counter pro-hormones like "Phera this" and "Drol that" is very common today. They are legal and easy to obtain, but "easy" comes with a heavy price that many are unaware of.

Oh yeah? Like what?

These steroids are modified at the 17-alpha position of their alkyl group. What that does is give the compound a long half-life to exert its powerful effects on muscle tissue. It seems like a good idea on the surface, but the reality is quite the opposite.

As the steroid enters the liver it forms what are known as 17-glucouronide metabolites(6). These metabolites will accumulate in the liver where they are believed to cause a down regulation of bile acid transporters(1,6). Basically, the bile acid transporters become clogged, bile can no longer flow in the liver, and THAT is when big trouble starts. How big? BIGGER than big.

You see, there are three main types of liver toxicity you may encounter; intrahepatic cholestasis, peliosis hepatis, and hepatic adenoma. Cholestasis is the most common side effect seen, and interestingly, all three of these toxicities are believed to be related and stem from cholestasis. Cholestasis occurs when bile flow through the liver is impaired. When this happens, products that are normally carried in the bile to the gut and excreted begin to build up within the liver. Not good! These products can in fact reach toxic levels and cause cell damage and death.

In addition, Cholesterol metabolism becomes impaired as a result of cholestasis, with an increase in LDL (Bad cholesterol) and decrease in HDL (Good cholesterol)(2). These cholesterol changes may lead to an increased risk of heart disease, and are very common with oral steroid use. And if that isn't scary enough, jaundice may also occur. Basically, bilirubin, which is formed when red blood cells break down, begins to build up too. Since it cannot be excreted in the bile, it essentially backs up into the body and causes a yellowing of skin and eyes. See the BIG problems?

This is precisely WHY ThermoLife scientists developed Liver Longer!

TAUROURSODEOXYCHOLIC ACID (TUDCA)

A commonly prescribed drug for cholestasis is called Ursodiol (UDCA). However, it is a prescription drug and therefore NOT an option for OTC use. Fortunately, we believe there is a better choice, and that is tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). TUDCA is the taurine conjugate of UDCA. It is an endogenous bile acid (found in bear gall bladder) accounting for a small percent of the bile found in the human body and has been used for years to treat liver disorders.

TUDCA aids in normal liver function in many ways. First, this bile acid acts to restore bile acid transporters. Doing this allows bile to flow normally via these transporters. Not only that, but it also acts to prevent formation of the toxic steroid glucuronides in the first place. A 2003 study showed that TUDCA is a noncompetitive inhibitor of steroid glucuronidation in vivo and in vitro(3). This means fewer toxic metabolites will be made in the first place! And, TUDCA may also increase the excretion of any glucuronide metabolites that do get formed, so they will not be around long enough in the liver to start down regulating any bile acid transporters(4).

As you can see, TUDCA is targeted toward steroid toxicity, and is not your typical run of the mill liver protector made with milk thistle. TUDCA helps prevent the formation of toxic steroid metabolites, reverses the toxic actions of those metabolites that do get formed, and speeds the elimination of the metabolites from the liver.

It is important to note that ThermoLife does not advocate the use of steroids. But the reality is that many people do use these products and do so without medical supervision. If you are going to do it, do it right.

A product such as Liver Longer may be extremely valuable as a health protective measure to anyone who chooses to use oral steroids, whether they are legal dietary supplements or illegal anabolic steroids.