Last summer, "U.S. News & World Report published an article saying that the FDA has recommended lowering the maximum dose of over-the-counter acetaminophen – the key ingredient in Tylenol. But wait … Tylenol is not the "most trusted doctors"? The report found that the severe liver damage and even death can result from a "lack of consumer awareness that acetaminophen can cause damage."

I did not know the terrible events of paracetamol until he worked as a psychiatric nurse and witnessed the tragic consequences that can come from intentional overdose of the drug. After seeing the damage in the liver that occurred in young adolescents, who are often readily available as Tylenol, I came to understand how was toxic.

Before that I always felt it was safe, except for the time he was "manipulated" in the 80's. It was certainly marketed to be just that.

Acetaminophen is found in more than 200 OTC cold and flu preparations, making it the most widely used analgesic in the U.S.. And also found in prescription painkillers – do a Google search of the ingredients in Vicodin and Percocet, and acetaminophen find there, too.

The fact is, you can suffer liver damage only to take Tylenol at recommended doses, (ie, 8 extra-strength Tylenol every day for a couple of weeks). overload excess of acetaminophen in the liver and causes damage by ozone-depleting glutathione, an important antioxidant that protects cells from toxins.

Interesting enough, the protocol for the Tylenol poisoning is administration of N-acetyl cysteine, which is the nutrient for the formation of intracellular glutathione. It is recommended if you take acetaminophen on a regular basis, you consider adding the glutathione supplement.

Remember to be careful with whatever you enter in your body. All medicines have side effects. As with food, try to understand what is really at the medicines you take. And remember, just because something you buy without a prescription, does not mean it is necessarily safe.

Tina Marian is a registered nurse and the Psychiatric Triage Coordinator for Metro West Medical Center in Natick, Massachusetts. She is a holistic health counselor and practitioner of Wellness Medicine, practicing under the aegis of The Wellness Nurse. Additionally, she has two EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Certificates of Completion (EFT-CC and EFT-ADV) and Level 1 Reiki Training. For more information regarding Tina and her services, go to http://www.tinamarian.com

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