Silymarin from milk thistle led to increased recovery and hypertrophy of quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles (through increased protein synthesis) in rats, along with improvements in endurance and the muscular tissue of the heart (Vargas-Mendoza, 2020).
Traditionally, milk thistle is suggested to be used alongside methylated steroids to help your liver not get damaged. This however, is counterintuitive as the active component in milk thistle, silymarin, can significantly inhibit the function of androgen receptors, causing a reduction in muscle growth on a cycle.
Liver has been used by bodybuilders and powerlifters for decades to increase strength, enhance appetites, reduce recovery times and fatigue, support liver function, and detoxify the body. It's also an effective blood builder. Liver helps increase red blood cell count. Plus, it's one of the best sources of heme iron.
protecting the liver, immune system, and kidneys. providing antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. reducing the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and obesity.
Milk thistle seeds contain a type of flavonoid called silymarin. Rosemary is another phytogenic plant, rich in active metabolites such as caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid [117]. Attia et al. reported that milk thistle seed and rosemary leaves increased testosterone and sperm quality in rabbits [118].
Milk thistle can cause: Gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating. Itchiness. Headache.
There are various uses of milk thistle extracts but it is widely used by the bodybuilders to keep the liver healthy to boost the muscle growth and strength. There are a variety of liver care milk thistle tablets and liver care capsules available in the market.
The majority of bodybuilding HDS products that lead to liver injury appear to contain androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) or are contaminated with these and other chemicals. AAS are synthetic derivatives of testosterone.
Milk thistle extracts are available conveniently and have a variety of purposes, but bodybuilders frequently utilize them to support a healthy liver and increase the size and strength of their muscles.
Milk thistle is good for liver disease, indigestion, acne, brain health, and breast milk production and it is safe enough to take daily. For over 2000 years, milk thistle has been used as an herbal treatment for many kidney, liver, and gallbladder illnesses.
Preliminary studies have shown that it does have beneficial effects on the kidneys, nerves and retinas. Silymarin may even have anti-cancer properties, but this needs to be studied further in humans. As for the side effects of silymarin, they include abdominal discomfort, headache, muscle aches and fatigue.
Some people have reported nausea, gas, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Other people have reported a headache or itchiness after they take it. Milk thistle can cause an allergic reaction, especially if you're allergic to other plants in the same family. These include ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums.
By reducing psoriasis on the scalp, and the dandruff it produces, milk thistle provides an optimal environment in which strong follicles and hair can thrive. All of these benefits of milk thistle extract serve to strengthen and protect hair follicles, resulting in reduced hair fall and stronger hair growth.
Milk thistle can interact with some chemotherapy drugs — check with your doctor before you start taking it. Extracts from parts of the plant other than the seeds may increase estrogen levels in the body. Side effects include stomach upset, allergic reaction, and diarrhea.
Most studies show milk thistle improves liver function and increases survival in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.
In particular, several preclinical studies and case reports suggest that exogenous creatine can adversely affect liver function by elevating liver enzymes on blood tests (Souza et al., 2009), exacerbating ethanol-induced hepatic damage (Marinello et al., 2019), and causing acute fulminant liver failure (Suga et al., ...
Beef Liver
As it turns out, they did, with liver disappearing from mainstream lifting diets for decades. But old doesn't mean obsolete, and liver is still pound for pound one of the best bodybuilding foods around.
Foods that support liver health include berries, cruciferous vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish. Coffee and green tea contain antioxidants that are helpful for liver health.
How long to take it for a liver cleanse. The evidence for milk thistle's liver cleansing properties comes mainly from traditional medicine. If you would like to try a liver cleanse with milk thistle, we recommend taking it every day for at least two weeks.