Milk Thistle

Milk Thistle Benefits

While most benefits relate in some way to the functions of the liver, milk thistle has a wide variety of uses that have been proven through hundreds of studies, done mostly in Europe. It contains Silymarin, a powerful antioxidant found in the seeds of the milk thistle plant, able to defend the liver against toxic substances.

Milk Thistle is used in the treatment of liver ailments including:

• Toxic liver damage
• Inflammatory liver disease
• Cirrhosis
• Repair liver cells
• Promote liver cell generation

Milk Thistle also can help protect the liver from large amounts of alcohol consumption and from the damage that can be caused by powerful narcotics that are often prescribed to reduce psychotic episodes and prevent seizures. It has been used in the treatment of Hepatitis C, which is more damaging to the liver and more life threatening than Hepatitis A or B.

Additionally, milk thistle has been used to help treat workers who must be exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes on a regular basis on the job site. Most recently, it has also been given to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to reduce the effects chemotherapy drugs have on the liver.

Milk Thistle is also used to treat several other problems, although these uses have not yet been proven by any studies as the previous benefits have. These include:

• Use by weight trainers in between steroid cycles to reduce liver damage caused by steroid intake
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Reduce insulin resistance in people who have Type II diabetes and cirrhosis
• Reduce hangover side effects
• Prevention of gall stones
• Treatment of acute mushroom poisoning
• Use for pets to improve liver function and reduce damage caused by various other medications

Most recently, Milk Thistle is being looked into as possibly having cancer fighting properties effective in treating patients suffering from prostate, cervical, and breast cancer.

Milk Thistle Side Effects

Although rare, there are some side effects those thinking of taking milk thistle should be aware of. When taken in high doses milk thistle can have a laxative effect. This can lead to mild dehydration so it is important to drink plenty of water and electrolytes should this occur.  Other people have reported minor headaches, bloating, irritability, nausea, a feeling of fullness, and insomnia or disrupted sleep that can lead to fatigue while taking milk thistle. These side effects usually subside after a few days of taking the supplement.

In very rare cases a more significant side effect consisting of lack of sexual drive and even infertility has been reported, although this is highly uncommon. In a few reported cases people have had an allergic reaction to milk thistle characterized by facial and lip swelling and difficulty breathing. Should this occur you should stop taking milk thistle immediately and see a doctor. It is also important to consult with a physician prior to starting milk thistle or any supplement because of the possibility of drug interactions with medications you may already be taking regularly.

Milk Thistle Dosage

The most commonly recommended dose of milk thistle is between 200-400 milligrams taken two to three times per day. Since it is not regulated by the FDA this is only a common recommendation and not a standard dose.

Most milk thistle supplements come in pill form and contain 70-80% silymarin. In some parts of the world people consume the actual milk thistle plant in place of taking it in supplement form. The roots are boiled or roasted and the leaves and flower are eaten in a similar manner to an artichoke with the thorny portions removed.

You should notice a significant improvement in your symptoms after a few weeks of beginning to take Milk Thistle. Find and compare Milk Thistle sources by using the free supplement finder now!