Man Is Given 2 Weeks To Live, Then Doctors Learn About His ‘Special’ Diet

Robert Rich

While trying out the new fitness trend, a 27-year-old father’s health took quite a horrific turn. Although doctors gave him only two weeks to live, it was then that they started questioning him about his “special” diet – but more specifically, what he was consuming.

Australian Matthew Whitby decided to get into better shape, but things didn’t exactly work out according to plan. After adding a few “natural” supplements to his diet, you can imagine his surprise when his body actually began to deteriorate.

Matthew Whitby (Photo Source: IJ Review)

Things would only continue in their downward spiral, eventually resulting in Matthew being admitted into an area hospital on account of his liver shutting down completely. In fact, doctors only gave him two weeks to live, which forced him to take the only liver available for an emergency transplant in order to survive – one infected with hepatitis B.

Doctors began questioning Matthew about everything he ingests to ensure he wouldn’t trash his new liver – and that’s when they figured it out. According to MSN, it was likely the green tea extract found in his protein supplements.

Matthew Whitby (Photo Source: IJ Review)

The American College of Gastroenterology reports that green tea extracts – such as the one Matthew was taking – can actually be toxic and can cause liver damage in some individuals. IJ Review further reports:

Dr. Herbert Bonkovsky, M.D tells Shape that the issue lies in polyphenols found in green tea extract called catechins. Too many catechins can actually work against the body, preventing it from metabolizing food and turning it into energy. The result can be jaundice, hepatitis, or liver failure.

As for Matthew, he’s just glad to be alive. “I didn’t think something you could buy online or just over the counter did the damage that it did to me,” he said. “They didn’t say anything about ‘could cause liver failure.’”

Although he’ll be on expensive medication for the rest of his life (because of his new liver), he just wants to spread the word about the dangers of quick fixes. It should be noted here that Matthew’s doctors have since come forward to state that the man’s case was one of the more severe one’s they’d witnessed.

It’s important to always check with a doctor before putting just anything into your body. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Just ask Matthew. He’d be the first to tell you.