Milk thistle, scientifically known as Silybum marianum, has a long history of medicinal use and is native to the Mediterranean region.
Over the years, it has gained popularity as a natural remedy for various liver-related conditions, including liver damage, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and even certain types of cancer. With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, milk thistle has become a subject of interest for many researchers and health enthusiasts.
But how do you use it? How much should you take? And what does the research say? If you're curious to unlock the secrets of milk thistle, this article is for you.
General
When To Harvest Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle, typically maturing to a height of 3-5 feet, is ready for harvest when the plant reaches full maturity, about 90 to 150 days after planting. This typically occurs in late summer or early fall, around September or October. The flower heads will curl over, forming cylindrical shapes and turning a deep purple, maroon, or burgundy colour. The seeds are ready when they have turned dark brown.
Is Milk Thistle FDA Approved?
Milk thistle is not FDA-approved as a drug for treating any specific condition. However, it is classified as a dietary supplement regulated under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. This means that milk thistle can be legally sold as a supplement, but manufacturers cannot make specific claims about its ability to treat or prevent diseases.
Where Does Milk Thistle Grow?
Milk thistle is native to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central Asia, and India. It is cultivated in Europe, Asia, and North America and grows in dry, rocky soils, preferring sunny or lightly shaded areas. It's an adaptive crop with low soil nutrient requirements and is drought-resistant.
Benefits
Can Milk Thistle Raise Or Lower Blood Pressure?
While limited research is available on this topic, some studies suggest that Milk Thistle positively impacts blood pressure. The active compounds in Milk Thistle, such as silymarin, may help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, thus potentially contributing to lowering blood pressure. However, more extensive research is needed to establish a definitive link between Milk Thistle and blood pressure regulation.
Will Milk Thistle Lower Cholesterol?
Some studies have indicated that Milk Thistle may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Further research is needed to determine its efficacy in cholesterol management.
How Does Milk Thistle Work?
The main active compound in Milk Thistle, silymarin, is a group of flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are responsible for Milk Thistle's potential health benefits.
Silymarin protects liver cells by reducing inflammation, preventing toxins from binding to liver cell receptors, and enhancing the growth of new liver cells. It may also have antioxidant effects that help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body.
Can Milk Thistle Help Kidneys?
While milk thistle is primarily known for its liver-protective properties, there is limited evidence regarding its direct benefits for kidney health. Further research is needed in this area.
Directions
How Much Milk Thistle To Take Per Day?
The recommended dosage of Milk Thistle can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, and overall health. Taking between 200-400 milligrams of Milk Thistle extract per day is generally recommended.
This can be taken as a single dose or divided into two to three smaller doses throughout the day. However, it is important to note that individual responses to Milk Thistle may vary, so it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
How Much Milk Thistle Is Too Much?
Some common side effects of consuming high doses of Milk Thistle may include digestive issues such as diarrhoea, nausea, or an upset stomach. If you experience any adverse effects, reducing the dosage or discontinue use is recommended.
How Much Milk Thistle Per Day On Cycle?
Some individuals prefer taking Milk Thistle in the morning with breakfast, while others find it more convenient to take it at night. There is no specific requirement for taking Milk Thistle at a certain time of the day as long as you consistently take it as recommended. To ensure maximum absorption, taking Milk Thistle with meals is generally advised.
Who Should And Should Not Take Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, people with hormone-sensitive conditions, and those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family. It may interact with certain medications, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Fatty Liver
Can Milk Thistle Help Fatty Liver?
Several studies have explored the potential benefits of milk thistle for fatty liver. One clinical trial conducted on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) found that silymarin supplementation improved liver function and reduced liver enzymes associated with inflammation. Another study showed that silymarin supplementation reduced liver fat and improved insulin resistance in individuals with NAFLD.
Which Milk Thistle Is Best For Fatty Liver?
When choosing the best milk thistle supplement for fatty liver, it is important to consider the concentration of silymarin. Silymarin is the active ingredient in milk thistle responsible for its therapeutic effects. Look for a milk thistle supplement that contains a high percentage of silymarin, ideally around 70-80%. This ensures that you are getting an effective dose of the beneficial compound.
Will Milk Thistle Lower Liver Enzymes?
Elevated liver enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), are liver damage or inflammation markers. Some studies have shown that milk thistle supplementation can lead to a significant reduction in liver enzyme levels. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal dosage and duration of milk thistle supplementation for liver enzyme reduction.
Can Milk Thistle Hurt Your Liver?
Milk thistle is generally considered safe for most individuals when taken as directed. However, in rare cases, it may cause an allergic reaction or interact with certain medications. If you experience any adverse effects, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.
Weight Loss
Can Milk Thistle Help You Lose Weight?
It is important to note that no scientific evidence supports the claim that milk thistle directly promotes weight loss. While milk thistle is often praised for its liver-detoxifying properties, no concrete evidence suggests a direct link between liver health and weight loss.
Can Milk Thistle Cause Weight Gain?
Milk thistle has not been found to cause weight gain either. It is a natural supplement containing no ingredients known to contribute to weight gain. However, remember that weight gain or loss can be influenced by many factors, including diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle, so it is essential to consider these aspects holistically when it comes to weight management.
Side Effects
Can Milk Thistle Give You Diarrhea or Constipation?
Regarding the potential side effects of milk thistle, gastrointestinal issues are among the most commonly reported. Some individuals may experience diarrhoea or constipation after taking milk thistle supplements. However, these side effects are generally mild and temporary. It is advisable to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it to minimise the risk of digestive discomfort.
Can Milk Thistle Make You Nauseous?
Nausea is another potential side effect of milk thistle. Some individuals may experience an upset stomach, which can lead to feelings of nausea or even vomiting. This adverse reaction is more likely if milk thistle is taken on an empty stomach or in high doses.
Can Milk Thistle Cause Anxiety?
There have been rare reports of milk thistle causing anxiety in certain individuals. This may be attributed to individual sensitivity or an interaction with other medications. If you experience heightened anxiety or nervousness while taking milk thistle, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the cause and adjust your regimen accordingly.
Buy
Where Can You Buy Milk Thistle?
You can buy milk thistle at most health food stores, some pharmacies, and online retailers. It is important to ensure that you are buying from a reputable source to guarantee the quality and purity of the milk thistle product.
Which Milk Thistle Is Best?
When choosing a milk thistle supplement, consider these key points:
- Quality and Purity: Opt for supplements with a high percentage of silymarin, like NZ VITA FOR LIFE Milk Thistle, and ensure they are third-party tested.
- Formulation: Choose between capsules, tablets, powders, or liquid extracts based on personal preference and ease of consumption.
- Dosage: Follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
- Brand Reputation: Select products from reputable brands with quality certifications (e.g., GMP).
- Customer Reviews: Read consumer reviews for insights on effectiveness and side effects.