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Got Milk Thistle? It Does the Body (and Liver) GoodGot Milk Thistle? It Does the Body (and Liver) GoodGot Milk Thistle? It Does the Body (and Liver) GoodGot Milk Thistle? It Does the Body (and Liver) Good
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                      Got Milk Thistle? It Does the Body (and Liver) Good

                      Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

                      Floral blue-violet background. Pink thorny thistle flower. A pink flower on a blue background. Closeup. Nature.

                      Milk thistle, a liver cleansing herb, was so important to early American settlers that colonists brought it over from Europe as part of their traditional medicine supply. Milk thistle grows throughout the world – in Africa, Australia, Asia, the U.S. and South America. The mature plant boasts identifiable bright purple flowers. Milk thistle is also commonly called silymarin because of the health-promoting antioxidants, particularly silybin.  It really is a tonic for the liver and is used to treat toxic liver damage caused by alcohol, chemicals and even chemotherapy. It has been used in ancient medicine and among herbalists to treat liver disease and gallbladder disorders. There is reference to it even in the bible and it has also been used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine and by Greek and Roman herbalists. In addition to this traditional use, medicinally, milk thistle is used to treat:

                      • Loss of appetite and stomach aches including ulcerative colitis
                      • Gallbladder issues
                      • Diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (tingling in the hands and feet)
                      • Hangover
                      • Complications/side effects of chemotherapy and radiation
                      • Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis
                      • High cholesterol
                      • Menopausal symptoms
                      • Environmental allergies
                      • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer

                      Milk thistle tea

                      Not only has milk thistle proven effective for many health issues, it is also generally safe when used appropriately. Higher doses (up to 2100mg) have been used in humans for up to 48 weeks in studies. There is some fascinating research about the use of milk thistle to decrease blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c by 1-1.5% in people with type 2 diabetes. There is mixed research about its use for treating alcohol-related liver disease, but some people do use it to support liver health in this population.

                      Seeds of a milk thistle with flowers on wooden table

                      Because milk thistle helps support the liver, there is some evidence that it could be used to support those with hepatitis B and C. The use of milk thistle during chemotherapy is intriguing. There is evidence that milk thistle could reduce chemotherapy induced toxicity as well as toxicity to the kidneys during the use of cisplatin. Patients should always discuss with their treatment team before using herbals during cancer treatment.

                      MariendistelSilymarin is an antioxidant and binds to toxins in liver cells. In animal studies, it has been shown to reduce liver injury caused by drugs like acetaminophen, iron overload, alcohol and even radiation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can support the immune system. Clinically, it has been shown to decrease liver enzymes (ALT and AST).

                      There are a few safety considerations to keep in mind with milk thistle. There is insufficient evidence to understand if it is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.  It has also been reported to cause a laxative effect so use caution as it can cause diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal bloating. It’s always possible to have an allergic reaction to an herb so anyone sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family should use caution. Generally, milk thistle carries lower safety warnings than other herbs.

                      Have you used milk thistle for your health? Let us know in the comments!

                      Resources
                      Abenavoli L, Capasso R, Milic N, Capasso F. Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytotherapy Research. 2010;24(10):1423-32.

                      Natural Medicines Database. Milk Thistle https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=138. Updated 8/13/18. Accessed 10/30/18.

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                      Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
                      Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
                      Ginger Hultin, MS, RD, CSO, LDN, is a health writer and owner of Champagne Nutrition specializing in integrative health and whole food-based nutrition. She serves as Immediate Past President for the Chicago Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chair-Elect of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group and is a Media Representative for the Illinois Academy. Read Ginger's blog, Champagne Nutrition, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Ginger Hultin MS RD CSO LDN gingerhultin@hotmail.com | @GingerHultinRD Chair-Elect, Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group ChampagneNutrition.com

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                      This website is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. FoodTrients – A Recipe for Aging Beautifully Grace O, author and creator of FoodTrients® -- a philosophy, a cookbook and a resource -- has a new cookbook dedicated to age-defying and delicious recipes, The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, which provides one hundred-plus recipes that promote health and well-being. The recipes are built on foundations of modern scientific research and ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients from around the world. Since the publication of her first anti-aging book, The Age GRACEfully Cookbook, Grace O has identified eight categories of FoodTrients benefits (Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Immune Booster, Disease Prevention, Beauty, Strength, Mind, and Weight Loss) that are essential to fighting aging, which show how specific foods, herbs, and spices in the recipes help keep skin looking younger, prevent the diseases of aging, and increase energy and vitality. Grace O combines more exotic ingredients that add age-fighting benefits to familiar recipe favorites.

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