Description
Taking milk thistle involves consuming supplements made from a plant known for its distinctive purple flowers and medicinal properties. Milk thistle is primarily used for liver health, including support for liver conditions like cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders.
Time Commitment
5 minutes
Suggested Frequency
Once or twice a day
Time of Day
Any
How to Do It
- Consult Healthcare Provider: Before starting, consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
- Follow Dosage Instructions: Adhere to the recommended dosage on the supplement label or as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Consistency: Take the supplement regularly for the best results.
Required Equipment
Milk thistle supplement (capsules, tablets, or liquid extract).
Benefits
- Supports liver function and regeneration.
- Potentially protects the liver from toxins.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Some studies suggest benefits for lowering blood sugar levels.
Why it works
Milk thistle contains silymarin, a group of compounds said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which are beneficial for liver health.
Possible Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated; some may experience gastrointestinal upset, headache, or allergic reactions.
- Consult a healthcare provider for potential interactions with other medications.
Tips
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Start with a lower dose to assess tolerance.
- Be patient, as some benefits may take time to become evident.
Supporting Studies and Articles
- Federico, A., Dallio, M., & Loguercio, C. (2017). Silymarin/Silybin and Chronic Liver Disease: A Marriage of Many Years. Molecules, 22(2), 191. Link
- Kazazis, C. E., Evangelopoulos, A. A., Kollas, A., & Vallianou, N. G. (2014). The therapeutic potential of milk thistle in diabetes. The Review of Diabetic Studies, 11(2), 167. Link
- Loguercio, C., & Festi, D. (2011). Silybin and the liver: from basic research to clinical practice. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 17(18), 2288. Link
- Vargas-Mendoza, N., Madrigal-Santillán, E., Morales-González, Á., Esquivel-Soto, J., Esquivel-Chirino, C., García-Luna y González-Rubio, M., Gayosso-de-Lucio, J. A., & Morales-González, J. A. (2014). Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin. World Journal of Hepatology, 6(3), 144. Link
