Is milk thistle good for the liver?

Question

I had an abnormality in my last blood test, but all is normal now. We don't know what the cause was, but from the AST/ALT ratio of 0.65 that it is not alcohol related. Is this a correct interpretation?

Now that all is normal, I want to incorporate a supplement that helps the liver stay healthy. I have read that milk thistle has gained significant respect in the medical community. Nevertheless, I don't want to take it if it has side affects that affect other organs. What good is protecting my liver if it causes damage to my heart, lungs, or kidneys?

How safe and effective is milk thistle? Please do not tell me to ask my doctor. I will do that, but right now, I am asking you.

Answer 1

YES!

Milk thistle benefits are numerous, and it has been used to treat a variety of health conditions. Most important is its role in strengthening and detoxifying the liver. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for 2,000 years as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver and gall bladder problems. Several scientific studies suggest that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.

Answer 2

As far as whether you're interpreting the results correctly, I would actually contact the clinic/doctor that had the tests run and ask them what the results mean as it's likely not just 1 number that they would be looking at, but several factors that blood tests can provide. Part of their job (and what you pay for the test) is them explaining what the results mean. ;-)



As far as the Milk Thistle question, it is very beneficial to keep the liver healthy and there are no contraindications, problems with any parts of the body, or anything that would cause a problem. If you are taking any medications, I'd recommend checking with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure they wouldn't interact negatively with the Milk Thistle as they will both have access to an updated database of drug and supplement interactions that they can check (which the "common man" doesn't have access to). If you aren't taking any prescriptions, go ahead and try the Milk Thistle and you should have no problems at all. Good luck and I hope I helped!

Answer 3

Milk Thistle is known to be the best herb for the liver, followed by dandelion root and dandelion leaf. You can get a combination supplement that includes all three of these herbs. I do not know of any contraindications to using these. The good news is that the liver can restore itself...so give the herbs a try and good luck!



Linda

Answer 4

milk thistle is very good and it protects the liver , so if you drink take it .

and there is another supplement that is awesome for the liver and it is called sam-e , click the link and

read all about it , it is non toxic also and wont hurt any other organ /system etc...





http://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/nhri/?p=1788

Answer 5

Milk Thistles don't do anything for your liver. You're only wasting your money...

Answer 6

All questions answered here!