Milk thistle is a plant that has been used to treat various ailments since ancient times. It has been used as an herbal remedy to treat liver, gall bladder, and kidney diseases. More recently, it has been studied for its potential use in the treatment of certain types of cancer.
Studies have shown that it might help protect liver cells from damage due to certain drugs and toxins, potentially slowing the progression of liver disease. It may also help with symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating, fullness, and gas.
Milk thistle may also have antioxidant properties and may help reduce inflammation. Additionally, its active compounds may help manage cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and may even have beneficial effects on the skin and brain.
Milk thistle is generally safe, with few side effects, including an allergic reaction in some people. It is available as an herbal supplement in many forms, such as capsules, tablets, and teas.
Can you take milk thistle every day?
Yes, it is generally safe to take milk thistle every day. Milk thistle is an herb used primarily to support liver health and has been used as an herbal remedy for hundreds of years. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, an antioxidant compound thought to give milk thistle its beneficial effects.
Research has suggested that taking a high quality milk thistle supplement every day can provide a wide range of health benefits. As with any supplement, it is important to follow the instructions on the supplement label and consult your doctor before making it part of your daily routine.
Additionally, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have existing medical conditions, or are taking prescription medications, you should consult your healthcare provider prior to taking any supplement.
What are the risks of taking milk thistle long term?
Taking milk thistle long-term can cause some potential risks and side effects. People with liver problems should not use milk thistle as it can further damage the liver. People with allergies to plants like daisies, any of the ragweed family, or other herbal plants should avoid milk thistle as its pollen may cause an allergic reaction.
When used in large doses, milk thistle can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, and indigestion. It may also interact with certain medications such as warfarin, cyclosporine, and iron supplements. It can also increase the risk of bleeding, like with any supplement containing phytoestrogens.
If a pregnant woman takes milk thistle, it can increase her risk of miscarriage and affect fetal development. If nursing, milk thistle can pass into the baby’s milk and cause adverse side effects. Lastly, milk thistle can cause temporary itching and rashes in some people.
If any of these side effects occur, you should stop using milk thistle and consult your physician.
How often should you take milk thistle?
The recommended dosage of milk thistle varies according to the individual’s needs and can range from 180 to 500 milligrams daily. Generally, the dosage is determined by the person’s age and severity of the health condition they are trying to address.
For instance, people who are looking to reduce inflammation and/or improve liver function may benefit from taking milk thistle supplements three times per day. Alternatively, adults can take milk thistle supplements once or twice daily.
When considering dosage, it is important to first discuss with your doctor before taking milk thistle for any health issue. Keep in mind that milk thistle is a dietary supplement and is not intended to be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Finally, if you are pregnant, nursing, or on a prescription medication, milk thistle is best avoided.
Does milk thistle flush the liver?
Yes, milk thistle can flush the liver. Milk thistle has been used as a natural remedy to promote optimal liver health for centuries. It contains a powerful antioxidant called silymarin, which can help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, alcohol, and certain medications.
In addition, silymarin can help increase the production of new liver cells, which assists with detoxifying the liver and flushing out toxins. Studies suggest that supplements containing silymarin can be effective for reducing inflammation and promoting healthy cell growth in the liver.
Additionally, research has demonstrated that milk thistle can help reduce elevated liver enzymes, which are a sign of liver damage. Overall, because of its antioxidant properties and ability to help bolster the health of the liver, milk thistle is a powerful cleansing aid for the organ.
When is the time of day to take milk thistle?
Milk thistle is usually taken once or twice per day. It is generally recommended to take milk thistle in the morning and again in the evening, preferably around the same times each day in order to maintain an even level of the active ingredient in your system.
Some sources recommend taking it with food, while others may suggest taking it on an empty stomach. It is best to follow the instructions on the particular product you are taking, as this can vary between products.
Additionally, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement to ensure it’s right for you.
How much milk thistle should you take daily for liver health?
It is recommended that you take between 200 mg and 200 mg of milk thistle per day for liver health. This is the most common dose recommended, but it is best to talk with your doctor before taking any dietary supplement to make sure it is safe for you to take and the correct dosage for your needs.
Milk thistle is thought to help the body protect and regenerate the liver by helping it rid the body of toxins, improve blood flow, and repair damaged cells and tissues. However, clinical studies on its effects have produced mixed results, so it is important to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.
Can milk thistle reverse liver damage?
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant that has been used for hundreds of years as an herbal remedy for a variety of liver-related ailments, including liver damage. While research into the use of milk thistle for reversing liver damage is ongoing, early studies suggest it could be beneficial.
In one study, people with cirrhosis of the liver who received a combination of silymarin (the active ingredient in milk thistle) and vitamin E experienced improved liver function and better quality of life compared to those who received no treatment.
In animal studies, milk thistle has been found to reduce levels of the toxic metabolites and free radicals that cause liver damage. It may also help protect liver cells and other components of the liver that are affected by toxins and oxidative stress.
Overall, while the evidence is mostly anecdotal, there is some promising evidence that milk thistle could be beneficial in reversing liver damage. However, more research is needed to better understand the effects of milk thistle on liver damage.
If you’re considering using milk thistle to reverse liver damage, it’s important to talk to your doctor first.
How much milk thistle can you safely take a day?
The maximum recommended daily dosage of milk thistle is 400 mg of silymarin per day, taken orally in divided doses. However, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking milk thistle in order to ensure an optimal and safe dosage for yourself and to monitor for any potential side effects.
Generally, milk thistle is considered safe for healthy individuals as long as it is taken at recommended dosages and under a doctor’s supervision. It is important to note that milk thistle might interact with other medications, so if you are taking any other medications, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking milk thistle.
Additionally, if you have any prior medical conditions, it is important to consult your doctor first before taking milk thistle.
Should milk thistle be taken on a full or empty stomach?
It depends on the type of milk thistle preparation you are taking and instructions from your healthcare provider. If you are taking milk thistle as a dietary supplement, it is usually recommended to take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
This will help with absorption and help to reduce the risk of any potential side effects such as nausea. Take milk thistle 30 minutes before eating or two hours after a meal. If you are taking milk thistle medication, it is best to take it with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort.
In this case, it is best to take the milk thistle with a meal or snack, preferably one that is high in fiber such as oats, flaxseed, apples, or pears. Consult with your health care practitioner before taking any supplement or medication.
Can you drink alcohol while taking milk thistle?
Yes, it is generally safe to drink alcohol while taking milk thistle. However, talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Milk thistle can interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol, potentially increasing its intoxicating effects.
Also, alcohol can decrease milk thistle’s absorption and effectiveness. For some people, consuming alcohol while taking milk thistle could increase the risk of side effects like dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or diarrhea.
It is recommended to limit or avoid the use of alcohol while taking milk thistle. If you do choose to drink alcohol, keep your intake moderate or low, and talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
What are the negative side effects of milk thistle?
Milk thistle is an herb that has traditionally been used for various medicinal purposes and continues to be popular today. Despite its potential benefits, there are some potential negative side effects associated with taking milk thistle.
Common side effects of taking milk thistle include digestive disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other more serious side effects include allergic reactions, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
More rarely, people have reported feeling dizzy or having an irregular heart rate when taking milk thistle.
Also worth mentioning is that while milk thistle can be safe when used as directed, people who have a history of liver disease or taking certain types of drugs should only take it under the supervision of a health care provider.
Milk thistle can interact with some medications, such as anticoagulants, HIV medications, blood pressure medications, and diabetes medications, so it’s important to be aware of potential interactions.
Moreover, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking milk thistle, as there isn’t enough information about its safety in these populations.
In conclusion, while milk thistle may have potential benefits, it also has potential side effects. If you’re interested in taking milk thistle, it’s important to consult a health care professional first to ensure it is safe and that the dosage and preparation are appropriate for your particular situation.
Can I take other vitamins with milk thistle?
Yes, you can take other vitamins with milk thistle, as long as they do not interact with each other. Milk thistle is a plant-derived supplement that is used to support liver and kidney functions. It can be used on its own or combined with other supplements.
However, it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before combining it with any other supplements or medications, as some interactions can occur. Some of the vitamins that are typically deemed safe to take with milk thistle are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B Complex.
These vitamins work to increase the body’s antioxidant levels and help protect liver cells from damage. It’s also important to make sure any other supplements or medications you take don’t interact with milk thistle, as some medications can reduce the effectiveness of the supplement and even cause adverse reactions with certain foods or medications.
Make sure to talk to your doctor before combining any other supplements or medications with milk thistle.
What interferes with milk thistle?
Milk thistle is generally considered safe and, for the most part, does not interfere with other medications or treatments. However, there are some known interactions and side effects that you should be aware of before taking milk thistle.
Some drugs that may interfere with milk thistle include hormone medications (like birth control and hormone replacement therapies), chemotherapy drugs, cholesterol-lowering medications and anticoagulants.
Milk thistle may also interfere with blood sugar medications and medications for diabetes. In addition, milk thistle may decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics and HIV medications. Finally, it may interact with herbs and supplements that are taken to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.
If you are taking any of these medications or herbs and supplements, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking milk thistle.
