Milk thistle is often suggested as a treatment for alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, but scientific studies show mixed results. Most studies show milk thistle improves liver function and increases survival in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.
Early research shows that taking milk thistle extract by mouth for up to one year, or taking a product containing the milk thistle constituent silybin plus phosphatidylcholine by mouth for 1 week, improves liver function tests.
Milk thistle is marketed as capsules or tablets containing ethanol extracted silymarin in amounts of 250 to 750 mg and is purported to be beneficial for liver disease, including alcoholic and viral liver disease. The daily dosage varies but it is typically taken 2 to 3 times daily.
Milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people at dosages up to 420 mg 3 times a day. However, it may cause allergic reactions, such as itching, headaches, and joint pain, or gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea.
Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. Itchiness. Headache.
Medical research on milk thistle and liver health has led to mixed results. Studies show that silymarin may help ease inflammation and promote cell repair. This may help ease symptoms from liver diseases like jaundice, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and fatty liver disease.
Milk thistle (Silymarin marianum) is a well-known herbal therapeutic commonly used for liver support. It supports detoxification through enhancing liver as well as kidney and pancreatic function.
For Milk thistle, using it on an empty stomach (at least 15 minutes before food) makes it work faster than after meals. If the person has a very sensitive liver and tend to over-react it is a very good idea to take it after meals to buffer reactions.
Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label. Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, extract, teas, etc) of milk thistle at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.
Reducing or eliminating all animal protein, alcohol, sugar, wheat, corn, soy, tobacco, processed foods, caffeine, and nuts will give your liver a much-needed break to do some long-overdue house cleaning.
Like milk thistle, artichoke leaf contains the important flavonoid silymarin. Silymarin is best known for its abilities in protecting the liver. Artichoke leaf also contributes to overall health and welling by helping to maintain healthy cholesterol levels in people at risk of coronary heart disease.
Medical research suggests that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. Studies have shown a decrease in blood sugar levels and an improvement in cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.
As Dr. Raisen explains: “It's a bad idea to live an unhealthy lifestyle all year and then do an extreme liver cleanse at the end of it.” If you know your liver needs a lot of support, start slow and cleanse over a period of 40 days or so.
Silymarin, an extract from milk thistle seeds, has been used for centuries to treat hepatic conditions. Preclinical data indicate that silymarin can reduce oxidative stress and consequent cytotoxicity, thereby protecting intact liver cells or cells not yet irreversibly damaged.
Milk Thistle also supports effective gastrointestinal movement, helping your body move food along at an appropriate pace which keeps the gut flora in check and bloating at bay. Silymarin is extensively metabolised in the intestines by gut bacteria and may promote gastrointestinal health.
Milk thistle is considered safe in dosages of 420 mg/day orally in divided doses for up to 41 months.
Bitter herbs such as artichoke, milk thistle, dandelion, and boldo leaf are all digestion and liver stimulating herbs plants. Most importantly, when it comes to constipation, they stimulate bile production and help to get bowel movements back on track.
Promotes Brain Health
Researchers suggest that silymarin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may protect your brain from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, one study found that milk thistle increased resistance to oxidative stress which is a potential cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Do not consume alcohol while you are taking silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle. While there is no specific interaction between this nutritional supplement and alcohol, the primary reason people take silymarin is to protect the liver and help it repair itself.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Incredible detoxification actions of ACV work to flush out the harmful toxins from the liver that hinders its normal functions. Studies discloses that regular intake of ACV promotes weight loss, diminishes cholesterol levels, lessen inflammation, and uplift the overall health of the liver.