Who should avoid kava due to health risks?

Kava is a herbal supplement often used for its calming effects, but it has been associated with significant health risks, particularly concerning liver function. Patients with liver dysfunction should avoid kava because it can exacerbate existing liver issues and potentially lead to severe liver damage. The liver is responsible for metabolizing many substances, including kava, and if the liver is already compromised, introducing kava can lead to adverse effects, including hepatitis and liver failure.

Individuals with heart conditions, while needing to exercise caution with many substances, do not face the same direct and severe risks linked specifically to kava as those with liver dysfunction. Similarly, while patients with renal issues and those undergoing chemotherapy may also have to be cautious with various substances, the prominent and documented risk that kava poses specifically to the liver makes the consideration for those with liver dysfunction particularly critical. This is why it is important for individuals in these categories to avoid kava to prevent detrimental effects on their health.