Milk Thistle for Liver Health?

Whether we realize it or not, our bodies are exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily basis. The air we breathe, the food we eat, even the containers that hold our food, cosmetics and the like contain toxins that are harmful to the liver. The more toxins it is exposed to, the less efficient the liver is in detoxification. When the ability to detoxify the body is compromised, the proper elimination of these toxins is hampered, which in result, causes those very toxins to store in body tissues, fat, the brain, liver and other organs. 

How do toxins enter the body?

The liver processes all toxins that enter the body via inhalation, consumption or absorption.  Hepatoxicity (too many toxins built up in the liver), is an increasingly common health concern. Although not all experts agree on the benefits, some physicians and herbalists throughout the United States and Europe recommend milk thistle (Silybum marianum) to their patients for liver protection.
 

How does milk thistle help the liver?

The fruit and seeds of the milk thistle plant have been used over the past two millennia as a course of medication for disorders of the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region, but is now cultivated throughout the world. Silymarin, a substance extracted from the seeds of milk thistle plants, reportedly has many beneficial functions, which include: aiding in liver detoxification, protecting the liver, reducing liver inflammation, helping to repair damaged liver cells and preventing damage to new liver cells by the same toxins.
 

How is milk thistle taken?

Milk thistle is available in different forms, such as: capsules of standardized dried herb (each capsule contains about 120 - 140 mg silymarin), liquid extract, tincture and silymarin phosphatidylcholine complex. A few studies have suggested that because phosphatidylcholine,  (a vital component of a cell membrane) helps silymarin attach to cell membranes, that it may also prevent toxins from penetrating liver cells; thus a silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex may be more easily absorbed than other forms of the supplement.  However, individuals with alcohol-related liver disease should always avoid alcohol extracts.
 

Does milk thistle have side effects?

Intensive studies involving individuals with liver disorders have reported very few negative side effects associated with milk thistle; that is, taking silymarin seldom caused digestive disturbances, nausea, and/ or heartburn. Mild allergic reactions have been reported as a result of high dosages (more than 1,500 milligrams a day). Nevertheless, studies conducted on the use of silymarin in pregnant woman, report no evidence of any toxic effect to the patient or the fetus.
 

Who could benefit from taking milk thistle?

Acting as a deterrent, milk thistle is taken by an individual who has a known liver disease, a family history of liver disease, drinks alcohol regularly, eats chemically processed foods, and/or who is habitually exposed to environmental or occupational toxins that necessitate detoxification. Like other herbal medication, it is highly recommended to discontinue use of this medicine for two to seven days, every eight weeks, for optimal effectiveness.
 
It is nearly unavoidable in this day and age to completely avoid exposure to toxins. Because the liver is our body's filter for these toxins, it is a good idea to find ways to protect the liver. Many studies suggest that can milk thistle provide a reliable, safe, and effective solution for maintaining  or regaining liver health.