Introduction
In the modern world of designer steroids that are processed by the liver, it’s becoming increasingly important to understand the effects of these compounds on our livers and how to mitigate some of these concerns by providing our liver with adequate protection. In particular methylated compounds pose an increased risk to liver health, while there are many popular non-methylated compounds available, methylated compounds are generally considered more effective and thus their popularity has rapidly increased.
Compound Stacking
It’s absolutely critical, NOT, to stack two methylated compounds. Doing so creates SIGNIFICANT liver risk that can result in heavily elevated liver functional values, liver failure or possibly even death.
Things To Avoid
While on a methylated steroid on pro-hormone it’s important to avoid using anything that is known to put strain on the liver, as our livers are already under significant strain on cycle imposing any additional strain may put your liver values over the safe threshold. The following is a short list of some commonly used items that put additional undesired strain on our livers.
- Alcohol (Beer, Liquor, Wine) any type of Alcoholic drink.
- Acetaminophen (i.e Tylenol)
- Painkillers (i.e Vicodin, Percocet) as most contain Acetaminophen
- Cholesterol medications (i.e Statins, Niacin, etc)
- Many common antibiotics as well.
In general while on cycle before taking any prescription medication, always consult with your doctor to check whether the medication elevates liver values as these are drugs we will want to avoid at all costs. Before buying any over the counter medication please check the ingredients as Acetaminophen should be avoided at all costs and it’s commonly found in hundreds of over the counter medications, in general be cautious of everything. If you’re in need of pain relief aspirin or ibuprofen are suitable replacements, but as always never exceed the recommended dosage.
One of the most common questions received is regarding drinking, if possible avoiding alcohol all-together is strongly recommended, not only due the increased liver risks but also as it’s known for increasing cortisol and estrogen levels which can hinder gains on cycle. However IF Alcohol can’t be avoided, it’s acceptable to consume 1-2 alcoholic drinks (a light beer is heavily recommended) over a period of several hours, no more than once per week.
Covering The Basics.
If you’ve read of our designer steroid tutorials, you’ll notice that it’s heavily recommended to consume either Anabolic Innovations Cycle Support (powder) or Life Support (pills). Both are well rounded “all-in-one” cycle protection products, however since this article focuses on the liver we will simply talk about that aspect. So you may be wondering how these products provide the liver with defense, both products contain the following.
- Milk Thistle which has been shown to support healthy liver function.
- NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) the antioxidant activity of NAC protects the liver from the adverse effects of exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Celery Seed Extract a powerful antioxidant has shown to provide liver benefit, albeit minor.
For most cycles, running Cycle Support or Life Support throughout the entire duration of the cycle will provide sufficient liver protection.
Additional Protection
For some cycles, additional protection should be included with your cycle, in general more advanced cycles such as those that are ran for extended periods of time or at dosages higher than typical, those using “harsher” compounds such as Superdrol should also consider additional protection. In general, if you’re running a methylated compound and can afford to, it’s better to be safer and run additional liver protection. Instead of talking about ingredients here, we will talk about several popular products commonly found in many users cycles.
- Himalaya LiverCare (Liv.52) was introduced in the 1950s and has many studies supporting it’s effectiveness, this is a great affordable option to add to any cycle an entire cycle’s worth of Liv.52 can be purchased online for as little as $15.00.
- Another option is adding SamE (S-Adenosyl L-Methionine) and or Alpha Lipoic Acid, both can be purchased relatively cheaply from reputable vendors such as NOW supplements.
In general, Himalaya LiverCare (Liv.52) is the recommended route based on the cost to effectiveness factor, it’s incredibly affordable and proven time and time again to be an effective liver aid. Alternatively SamE (S-Adenosyl L-Methionine) and or Alpha Lipoic Acid are both well researched supplements that have shown to help detoxify the liver, they should be ran at their recommended dosages (as per bottle).
Troubling Signs
In some rare cases, some users may experience significantly elevated liver values and begin to experience negative side effects and possibly chart into dangerous territory. This is a common result of family history of liver problems or users who prior to cycle had an existing liver condition that they may or may not have been aware of and this is certainly the case for users who forgo warning and don’t follow standard protocol (i.e no liver protection used etc). Below are some common signs of potential liver hepatotoxicity.
- Painful/Swollen Abdomen
- Nausea or Loss of Appetite
- Fatigue, Weakness, Tiredness
- Mental Confusion/Disorientation
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice (Yellowing of Skin/Eyes)
Typically side effects can become onset unexpectedly or gradually, if you’re experience any unusual side effects including but not limited to those listed above, immediately consult with your physician or nearest hospital.
Disclaimer
We are not doctors, therefore before starting any supplement or training regiment you should consult with your doctor.