14 Reasons For Shaking Hands

 Essential Tremor

This nerve disorder is the most common reason your coffee cup won't stay still while you hold it. It kicks in while your hands are doing something, but goes away when they're not. There's no clear cause, but it's sometimes traced to a change in a gene. If your symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment. If they get in the way of everyday tasks or your job, you may need medicine, occupational therapy, or surgery.

Parkinson's Disease

When you have this condition, your hand shakes because brain cells that tell your muscles to move get damaged. The shaking usually starts on one hand, but over time may spread to the other. You may also move more slowly, have trouble with balance, or find that your arms and legs stiffen up. The main treatment for Parkinson's tremors is medication and sometimes surgery for better muscle control.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

This condition damages a coating on your nerves called myelin. When this happens, you may get symptoms that include shaking in your hands or other parts of your body. Medicine is the most common way to treat it. A physical or occupational therapist can help you learn ways to manage your symptoms.

Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)

Have you had your thyroid hormone levels checked lately? Shaky hands may be a sign of hyperthyroidism. This means your thyroid gland is working too hard and kicking your heart rate into high gear. You may also notice that you lose weight without trying, are sensitive to light, get a fast heartbeat, and have trouble sleeping. A simple blood test will help you and your doctor figure out what's going on.

Too Much Caffeine

Can't do without your morning coffee? Have a cup or two, then cut yourself off. Caffeine is a stimulant, so the same natural chemical that helps you wake up will also make your hands shake if you have too much. Coffee isn't the only culprit. You can also find caffeine in over-the-counter headache medicine, chocolate, and some sodas.

Alcohol Withdrawal

If you have an alcohol addiction, you could get symptoms that include shaky hands when you quit. It starts as soon as 10 hours after your last drink and can last a few weeks. Some detox programs use medication to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.

Lack of Sleep

You can't expect a car to run if you don't give it gas. And you can't expect your brain to send messages to all the right places without sleep. When you don't get enough shut-eye, it can cause your brain to mistakenly tell your hands to tremble. Luckily, you can snooze your way back to steady hands.

Low Blood Sugar

Your nerves and muscles are powered by blood sugar. When they don't get enough, they tell your hands to shake. Low blood sugar can be caused by diabetes, certain medications, too much alcohol, or not enough food. A doctor can help you narrow down what's happening and why.

Stress

When something stresses you out, like giving a speech or watching a scary movie, your nerves kick into overdrive. Your hands shake, and your heart beats fast. The shakiness will go away when the stress does. Try stress relief techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

Certain Medications

Twitchy hands are a common side effect of many different types of prescription drugs. Among the most common are medicines for your mood, seizures, migraine, neuropathy, and asthma. Some antihistamines cause this problem, too.

Smoking

Though some people do it because they hope it will ease stress, smoking can cause anxiety. Nicotine, the addictive drug in tobacco, gets into your bloodstream and makes your heart beat faster. This can make you feel anxious and cause your hands to shake. Talk to your doctor to get ideas on how to quit tobacco.

Lack of Vitamin B12

B12 plays a big role in keeping your nervous system healthy. If you don't eat meat or eggs, don’t drink milk, or if you take certain medications, you might have lower-than-normal levels of this vitamin. This can cause your hands to shake or make your arms and legs feel numb and tingly. Your doctor can tell you if you need to take supplements.

Pheochromocytoma

This is a long word for a rare tumor that grows in your adrenal gland. Though the tumor is usually benign, it makes your blood pressure go way up. It could make you shake as well as cause heavy sweating, shortness of breath, and headache. The tumor can also lead to heart disease and stroke, so it's best to remove it with surgery.

Liver Disorders

Shaking is a symptom of a few liver disorders, like Wilson's disease. In this genetic condition, a buildup of copper in your body damages your liver and brain. You'll also feel tired and get jaundice -- a yellow tint to your eyes and skin. Doctors treat Wilson's disease with medication and diet changes.

Brain Disorders

If you've had a stroke or a traumatic brain injury, the muscles in your hands may have a mind of their own. Ask your doctor about medication or occupational therapy to manage shakiness. And steer clear of caffeine, nicotine, or anything else that makes the symptoms worse.

13 Worst Things in Your Fridge

 What’s in Your Fridge?

That moldy leftover chili may not be the only thing you should throw out. There may be secret agents in your fridge that hide empty calories, trans fats, and loads of sugar. You can help yourself make healthier choices if you keep these foods out of your fridge and freezer.

Flavored Yogurt

Strawberry, blueberry, vanilla -- a typical 6-ounce serving of flavored yogurt has 3 times the sugar of plain. Try some plain full-fat yogurt with fresh berries and nuts. You’ll get less sugar, more fiber, and lots more nutrients. And full-fat yogurt helps curb hunger better than nonfat yogurt-- and that may help you lose weight.

Ketchup

You may not think about that seemingly harmless bottle when you count the calories in your new low-sugar diet. But imagine that a quarter of it is filled with sugar -- 4 grams per tablespoon -- and that might change your view. Try a little spicy homemade marinara sauce with those eggs instead.

Mayonnaise

A tablespoon has 93.8 calories. The same amount of Dijon mustard has about 15 -- though you’d probably use far less of it. It’s too tempting to slap on a sandwich if it’s right there in the fridge, so toss the mayo. Keep the mustard.

Flavored Non-Dairy Creamer

It’s highly processed and has sugar, artificial sweeteners, and artificial flavors. Ingredients can include corn syrup, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, sodium caseinate, dipotassium phosphate, mono- and diglycerides, and sodium stearoyl lactylate. Just use milk -- you know what it is.

Soda

No surprise here. It’s loaded with empty calories and has almost no nutritional value. Pitch it: You can’t drink it if it’s not there. For an alternative, try some seltzer with a little lemon for flavor.

Hot Dogs

Meat that’s been processed to make it last longer (through curing or smoking, for example) has been linked to colorectal cancer and possibly stomach cancer as well. This includes hot dogs, ham, sausage, and corned beef, among others.

Tonic Water

The quinine that gives tonic water its unique bitter taste is sweetened to the tune of 124 calories per 12-ounce bottle -- that’s almost the same as cola. If you use it as a cocktail mixer, try some club soda and lime instead -- it works well and has far fewer calories.

Gourmet Ice Cream

You know which ones we’re talking about: small containers, crazy flavors, loads of fat and sugar -- often more than double the amount of other ice cream. The best substitute is plain yogurt with fresh berries and granola. But if you just gotta have ice cream, check the fat and sugar content and choose a brand that keeps them to a minimum.

Creamy Salad Dressing

It’s often high in fat. And when it’s low-fat, it’s usually high in sugar or salt or artificial sweeteners -- and filled with ingredients you can’t pronounce. It’s easy to dress your own salad with nothing but olive oil, sea salt, and a touch of vinegar -- simple and delicious.

Frozen French Fries

They’re tough to resist when the guy at the restaurant asks, “You want fries with that?” Don’t make it harder on yourself by having those delicious, fat-soaked, calorie-packed salt sticks in the freezer next to the frozen spinach. Let’s be honest: If the fries are there, there’s no way you’re choosing the spinach.

Pickles

Most grocery store pickles are loaded with salt. But cucumbers, from which pickles are made, are good for you. They have lots of water, which can help you stay hydrated. They also have antioxidants and help curb inflammation. Why not buy them fresh? If you want a little extra zip, mix them with a bit of vinegar. You could even throw in a dash of salt, but not too much.

Frozen Pizza

A typical frozen pizza is loaded with calories (1,920 in a typical “6-serving” pizza), saturated fat (30 grams), and sodium (5,040 milligrams). Keep some berries, veggies, and soup in your freezer instead: Your heart -- and your waistline -- will thank you for it.

Beer

If you like to have one beer after work, you may get some health benefits from it, so it might be worth keeping around. But if it’s too easy for you to knock back a 6-pack during a football game, then don’t tempt yourself. Besides the empty calories, that much alcohol is linked to numerous health problems. And hangovers.

13 Habits that Are Wrecking Your Hair

 Brushing Too Much

The old “100 strokes a day” beauty tip is a myth. Brushing your hair too much can cause split ends. Over time, it could even lead to hair loss.

Too Many Blowouts

The more often you heat your hair, the more damaged it gets. Air-drying keeps hair its healthiest. When you can’t do that, be sure you keep your dryer’s heat setting on "low" and hold it at least 6 inches from your hair as you dry it.

Not Shampooing Often Enough

Your hair may not need a daily wash (or even one every other day). But it’s important to shampoo often enough to keep oily buildup at bay. That can lead to dandruff and other scalp problems.

Overusing Shampoo

When it comes to shampoo, a little dab will do. Focus on scrubbing your scalp instead of lathering up the whole length of your hair.

Brushing Wet Hair

Water weakens your hair, so treat wet hair with care. To tackle tangles after a wash, use gentle strokes with a wide-toothed comb instead of tugging your tresses with a brush.

Flat-Ironing It When It's Damp

When heat hits water in your hair, it can turn to steam and cause “bubble hair.” You're left with brittle locks that have frizzy ends and break easily. Be sure your hair is dry before you use a hot styling tool. Keep it on the lowest temperature you can, and use a heat protectant spray before you style.

Toweling It Dry

Wrapping your hair gently in a towel after a wash is fine (air drying is best). But rubbing it with a towel will damage the strands.

Sticking to the Same Tight 'Do

If you leave weaves or hair extensions in too long, or you pull them out without a professional’s help, it can cause big-time breakage. The same goes for braids, buns, and ponytails -- too tight for too long, and you’ll start to see split strands. Mix up your 'do to keep hair healthy.

Too Much Chemistry

Perms, relaxers, and hair coloring all use chemicals to curl, straighten, and dye your hair. These chemicals can do a number on your hair and scalp, including breakage and irritation. So use them wisely.

Being Reckless With Relaxers

You may want to straighten your hair yourself. It’s best to leave it to the professionals, so you don't fry your hair. Never use relaxers on hair that’s already gone through the process. After your hair gets straightened, avoid blow-dryers, flat irons, and curling irons, which can further wreck your tresses.

Going Hatless in the Sun

Summer (and winter) rays can dry out your hair and cause it break. Cover up your coif when you can to protect it -- and the skin on your scalp -- from sun damage.

Going Capless in the Pool

Chlorine can mean on hair. It can dry it out and cause split ends and breaking. For the best protection, wear a cap when you take a dip in the pool. If a swim cap isn’t your thing, be sure you rinse your hair right after you swim. When that's done, wash with a swimmer’s shampoo and follow up with conditioner.

Skipping Your Trim

It seems backward, but if you’re trying to grow long, healthy locks, the best thing you can do is get regular haircuts. The cut culls out split ends, which helps your hair look healthier.

12 Habits of Super-Healthy People

 Have Breakfast

It's important for a bunch of reasons. It jump-starts your metabolism and stops you from overeating later. Plus, studies show that adults who have a healthy breakfast do better at work, and kids who eat a morning meal score higher on tests. If a big plateful first thing isn't for you, keep it light with a granola bar or a piece of fruit. Just don't skip it.

Plan Your Meals

It'll help you save time and money in the long run. Block out some time, then sit down and consider your goals and needs. Do you want to lose weight? Cut back on sugar, fat, or carbs? Add protein or vitamins? Meal prep keeps you in control. You know what you're eating and when. A bonus: It'll be that much easier to skip those doughnuts in the breakroom at work.

Drink Plenty of Water

It can do so many good things for you. Staying hydrated is at the top of the list, but it may also help you lose weight. Another reason to go for H2O? Sugary drinks are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. If you aren't a fan of plain water, add flavor with slices of orange, lemon, lime, watermelon, or cucumber.

Take an Exercise Break

Don't just grab another cup of coffee -- get up and move. Do some deep lunges or stretches. It's great for your body and mind. Just 30 minutes of walking five times a week may help keep the blues at bay. And if you can't do those minutes all at once, short bursts help, too.

Go Offline

Checking your email and social media a lot? Sure, your friends' and family's latest updates are just a click away, but do you really need to see pictures of your cousin's latest meal? Let it wait until morning. Set a time to log off and put the phone down. When you cut back on screen time, it frees you to do other things. Take a walk, read a book, or help your cousin chop veggies for their next great dinner.

Learn Something New

New skills help keep your brain healthy. Sign up for a dance class or a creative writing workshop. Better yet, master a new language. The mental work it takes can slow the signs of aging and may even delay the effects of Alzheimer's disease.

Don't Smoke

If you light up, quit. It's a big move toward better health. Your body repairs itself quickly. As soon as 20 minutes after your last cigarette, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. Why wait? Kick the habit today. Your doctor will be happy to help you get started.

Sleep Well

There are almost too many benefits to list. A good night's sleep keeps you in a better mood, sharpens memory and focus, and helps you learn new things. In the long term, it lowers your risk of heart disease and helps you keep trim. Aim to get 7 to 9 hours a night. For the best rest, do it on schedule -- turning in and waking up at about the same times every day.

Train Your Muscles

Strength training helps your body trade fat for muscle mass. That means you'll burn more calories even when you're being a couch potato. But these workouts can also help you slim down, strengthen your heart, and build up your bones. Do strength-training exercises -- like push-ups, lunges, and weight lifting -- at least twice a week.

Head Outdoors

A few minutes in the sunshine raises vitamin D levels, and that's good for your bones, your heart, and your mood. Plus, being outside means you're more likely to move your body instead of parking it in front of the TV or computer. Choose nature over city streets, if you can. One study found that people who strolled in urban green spaces were calmer than people who walked in built-up areas.

Keep Your Balance

If you're young and active, good balance will help you avoid injuries. If you're older, it will keep you active longer and lower the chances you'll fall and break a bone. No matter your age, good balance means better muscle tone, a healthier heart, and greater confidence. Yoga and tai chi are great ways to work on it, but just about anything that keeps you moving, even walking, can help.

Be Mindful

It can mean meditating or simply stopping to smell the roses. However you do it, studies show mindfulness slashes stress, relieves pain, and improves your mood. And scientists are beginning to understand how. One study found that 8 weeks of regular meditation can change parts of your brain related to emotions, learning, and memory. Even washing dishes can be good for your brain, as long as you do it mindfully.

10 Ways You're Drinking Water Wrong

 Using Bottles With BPA

BPA is short for the chemical bisphenol A. It’s used to make lots of products, including water bottles. But research shows BPA can get into your food and drinks. There’s also concern that too much exposure can lead to birth defects. More research is needed, but experts think the chemical might also play a role in some health conditions. These include high blood pressure, hormonal imbalance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Opt for water bottles that say they’re BPA-free or made with glass or stainless steel.

Believing the Cold Water Myth

Cold water doesn’t narrow your blood vessels or make food harder to digest. It’s an easy way to cool down and hydrate when you’re hot. If you have a cold, warm water will help thin your mucus, but that’s about it.

Adding Sliced Fruit or Veggies

It may make your water tastier and more refreshing. But if you’re not careful, it can also fill it with foodborne illness like salmonellaand E.coli. That’s because when the rind isn’t clean, slicing into it moves bacteria to the flesh. Fruit and veggies sliced on the same board used to cut raw meat can also lead to foodborne illness. So, items are not stored at the right temperature. Be sure to wash or scrub fruits and vegetables under running water.

Not Drinking It With Alcohol

Alcoholic drinks are diuretics, which means they trigger your body to make more urine. And peeing a lot can lead to dehydration. To avoid this, match your drinks one for one: that’s one glass of water for every cup of coffee or alcoholic drink.

Not Downing a Full Glass With Pills

Don’t just drink enough to get them down your throat. Use vitamins and medication as an opportunity to hydrate. Drinking a full glass of water also helps keep medicine from getting stuck in your esophagus and irritating it. It helps your body better absorb water-soluble vitamins, too.

Adding Anything Artificial

It's fine once in a while, but doing it every day isn’t recommended. Research suggests artificial flavorings and sweeteners may put you at higher risk for type 2 diabetes and cancer. They can also make you feel hungry more often. Try to avoid anything with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, or sucralose. Use lemon, lime, mint, herbs, or cucumbers instead. But don’t forget to wash them first.

Not Reaching for It When Tired

Feeling fatigued and don’t know why? It could be a sign of dehydration. You don’t have to be sick or exercise hard to get dehydrated. You lose water every day through basic body functions like breathing and defecating.

Not Taking Your Time

A glass or two of water is fine, but don’t wake up and chug a gallon. There’s no evidence it kickstarts your metabolism. And you don’t want to drink a lot before bed and spend all night in the bathroom, either. That disrupts your sleep. Sip slowly throughout the day instead. Experts recommend no more than 1 liter an hour.

Drinking Out of Rivers or Streams

Natural water sources may look clear and clean, but many things can contaminate them. This includes toxic plants, animal pee and poop, and illegal chemical dumping. Treat natural water with filtration tablets or water filters before drinking.

Not Drinking Enough

Your body is mostly water and uses it in many ways. It helps digestion and can ease and ward off constipation or trouble pooping. It also flushes out toxins, stops kidney stones from forming, and hydrates your skin. The recommended minimum daily amount is 11.5 cups for women and 15.5 cups for men.

6 Symptoms Not to Ignore

 Written by Mary Jo DiLonardoMedically Reviewed by James Beckerman, MD, FACC

Most aches and pains are rarely a big deal. But there are a few critical symptoms that you should have checked out as soon as possible. See your doctor if you have any of these things.

Weakness in Your Arms and Legs

If you get numb or weak in your leg, arm, or face, it could be a sign of a stroke. It's especially important if it's on one side of your body or if it comes on without warning.

You could also be having a stroke if you feel dizzy, can't keep your balance, or find it hard to walk. You may also have a sudden bad headache, be unable to see well, or have problems talking or understanding.

Don't wait to see if symptoms stop. Get emergency help right away, because every moment counts. If you get a drug to break up the clot within 4.5 hours after symptoms start, you'll lower your chances of long-term problems.

If you have heart-related issues like high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, pay close attention to these symptoms. If you have these conditions, you’re more likely to have a stroke. Learn more about how some arm problems can be related to your heart.

Chest Pain

We've all felt chest pain in some form, whether it's a dull throb or a sharp stab. Because it can be a sign of a serious problem, it's important to get medical help right away. Chest pain or pressure can be a sign of a heart attack or heart disease, especially if it happens when you’re active.

People who've had heart-related pain describe it as a burning, full, or tight feeling in the chest. It's sometimes a searing sensation in one or both arms that can move up into the neck, jaw, and shoulders. The discomfort can last for more than a few minutes, get worse when you're active, go away, and then come back.

Often, chest pain doesn't have anything to do with your heart. It could be due to things like heartburn or other digestive issues.

Don't try to tough it out or wait for it to go away. See a doctor right away if you have new or unexplained pain in your chest. Learn more about other causes of chest pain.

Tenderness and Pain in the Back of Your Lower Leg

This can be a sign of a blood clot in your leg. It's called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can happen when you have a condition that affects how your blood clots. You can also get one if you’ve been sitting or confined to bed for a long time. Pregnancy, using birth control pills, smoking, and being overweight can also make it more likely.

If you have a clot, you might feel pain or tenderness. The area might be swollen. Your skin might feel warm, or it could look red.

It isn’t uncommon to be sore after exercise, but get medical help if you notice swelling, warmth, and redness. DVT can be serious. Blood clots in your legs can break off, travel through your bloodstream, and block blood flow to your lungs. Doctors call this a pulmonary embolism, and it can be deadly. Learn more about blood clot symptoms and how to tell if you have one.

Blood in Your Urine

There are several reasons you might see blood when you pee.

If you have kidney stones, blood can make your urine pink or reddish. These small crystals that form in your urine can cause a lot of pain in your side or your back.

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Your doctor may take a CT scan or do an ultrasound to see them. Some kidney stones will pass on their own, but the wait can be painful. You might need a procedure to break up larger ones.

If you see blood in your urine, have to pee more often, or have a burning sensation when you go, you may have a urinary tract infection in your bladder or kidney. Get help right away. This condition can lead to kidney damage and more serious problems.

Blood in your urine can sometimes also be a sign of other illnesses, including bladder or kidney cancer. Learn more about bladder cancer symptoms.

Wheezing

If you hear a whistling sound when you breathe, contact your doctor. Wheezing could be a sign of asthma, a lung disease, a severe allergic reaction, or exposure to chemicals. It could also signal pneumonia or bronchitis.

Treatment depends on the cause. For example, if asthma is to blame, an inhaler could be part of your treatment plan to stop flare-ups. Learn more about the causes of wheezing.

Suicidal Thoughts

If you feel hopeless, like there's no way to solve your problems, reach out for help right away. It can make you feel better to talk to a trained counselor.

Call 911 or a suicide hotline number. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). It's free and available 24 hours a day. It's private, so you can feel comfortable talking about how you feel.

You can also walk into an emergency room ora walk-in clinic and ask for help. A doctor or counselor can refer you to a professional who can help. Learn more about the warning signs of suicide.

Sources

UCSF Health: "Stroke Signs and Symptoms."

Rush University Medical Center: "10 Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore."

Mayo Clinic: "Stroke," "Chest Pain," "Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)," "Suicide and suicidal thoughts."

Cleveland Clinic: "Atrial Fibrillation (Afib)," "Wheezing."

American Heart Association: "Symptoms and Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)."

National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: " Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)," "Kidney Infection."

UpToDate: "Kidney stones in adults (Beyond the Basics)."

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

5 Supplements that Can Harm Your Liver

 Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is a supplement made from rice fermented with a specific type of mold. Some of the chemicals in it, including one called monacolin K, are like those in the prescription drug lovastatin, a drug used to lower LDL cholesterol. But there’s a risk of serious side effects, including liver damage. The FDA has banned red yeast rice extracts that contain enhanced or added lovastatin. Supplement makers don’t have to prove to the FDA that their products are safe and effective like drug manufacturers do. So while red yeast rice might seem like a natural alternative to statins, the potential impact on the liver makes it risky. If you're looking for natural ways to lower your cholesterol, your doctor can help you know what works and what’s safe.

Chaparral

Chaparral, made from the leaves of a desert shrub called creosote in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, has been used for centuries in traditional Native American medicine. But it’s been linked to cases of severe, permanent liver damage. In some of those cases, the people who took chaparral needed an emergency liver transplant. While these severe liver injury cases have been rare, the FDA has warned against swallowing or injecting chaparral. Chaparral may be more likely to cause problems if you take certain types of medications, including those that can affect your liver or kidneys. Symptoms of liver toxicity from chaparral can include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. Those symptoms typically started within three to 12 weeks of starting to take chaparral daily or increasing the daily dose.

High Doses of Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps your vision, immune system, and many other parts of your body. But too much of it can bring health problems for your liver and the rest of your body. Here’s why: Your body stores vitamin A, and you don’t want too much to build up. Symptoms of too much vitamin A from supplements include headache, nausea, dizziness, and liver damage. High-dose supplements of beta-carotene, a form of vitamin A, may also make lung cancer more likely in smokers, people who used to smoke, and those who have been exposed to asbestos. A safer way to get vitamin A is through foods such as certain fish (including salmon), spinach, carrots, cantaloupe, and apricots. (Think of green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables.) If you think you still need a supplement, stick to the recommended levels. Health experts usually recommend food as the first source for nutrients.

Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is an herb that has long been used in traditional medicine, but in some forms, it poses serious and even life-threatening risks, including to the liver. Specifically, pennyroyal oil is unsafe and has been linked to cases of toxic liver injury, multiorgan failure, cardiovascular collapse, and death — even in small doses — within hours of taking it. Cases of liver toxicity linked to taking pennyroyal oil date back more than a century. Pennyroyal oil poisoning can have the same effect on the liver as an overdose of acetaminophen. Taking pennyroyal when you’re also taking acetaminophen could make liver damage even more likely. Given the life-threatening risks, experts advise against taking pennyroyal oil by mouth.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herb that some people use when they’re stressed or anxious, or for their overall well-being. It’s long been used in Ayurvedic medicine and has been generally considered safe, but there have been some reported cases of liver injury in people taking supplements labeled as containing ashwagandha. It’s not always clear exactly what’s in commercially made supplements. These cases haven’t been common, but it’s good to be aware of the risks with herbal supplements, just like with anything else you take. Symptoms of liver damage can include jaundice, itching, nausea, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you have any of those symptoms, especially while taking ashwagandha, seek medical attention right away. Always talk with a health care provider before you start taking any new supplement, especially if you already have any liver conditions.