Does Milk Thistle Help Repair The Liver?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Milk thistle is often suggested as a treatment for alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis, but scientific studies show mixed results. Most studies show milk thistle improves liver function and increases survival in people with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis .

How long does it take for milk thistle to work on liver?

How Long Does Milk Thistle Take to Work. There isn’t an exact science behind this, but generally it can take around 3 to 4 months before someone will see any benefits of milk thistle on their health, and this is after daily intake of some form of milk thistle.

How much milk thistle should I take to help my liver?

One source suggests daily doses of 12 to 15 g of dry fruits for dyspepsia and disorders of the biliary system, while an extract containing 200 to 400 mg/day of silymarin is considered effective in various liver disorders.

What does milk thistle do for the liver?

Milk thistle, in combination with other supplements, might improve the symptoms of indigestion . Liver disease. Research on the effects of milk thistle on liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis C, has shown mixed results.

How can I rejuvenate my liver?

  1. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  2. Eat a balanced diet. ...
  3. Exercise regularly. ...
  4. Avoid toxins. ...
  5. Use alcohol responsibly. ...
  6. Avoid the use of illicit drugs. ...
  7. Avoid contaminated needles. ...
  8. Get medical care if you’re exposed to blood.

What vitamins are good for liver repair?

  • Vitamin A and iron. Vitamin A and iron deficiencies are among the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, according to a study published in the 2000 issue of Nutrition. ...
  • Vitamin D. ...
  • Vitamin E. ...
  • Vitamin B12.

How do you know if your liver is detoxing?

  1. Nausea.
  2. Vomiting.
  3. Headache.
  4. Anxiety.
  5. Tremors.
  6. Increased heart rate.
  7. Increase blood pressure.
  8. Confusion.

What are the negative side effects of milk thistle?

  • Abdominal bloating/pain.
  • Allergic reactions.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Gas.
  • Indigestion.
  • Itching.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Nausea.

Does milk thistle lower liver enzymes?

Milk thistle has been used to detoxify the liver and even help liver cells regenerate themselves for over 2,000 years. Studies confirm that milk thistle can protect liver function, prevent liver damage, and normalize elevated liver enzyme levels .

Does milk thistle work for fatty liver?

Medical research on milk thistle and liver health has led to mixed results. Studies show that silymarin may help ease inflammation and promote cell repair. This may help ease symptoms from liver diseases like jaundice, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and fatty liver disease .

Can your liver heal in a month?

Healing can begin as early as a few days to weeks after you stop drinking, but if the damage is severe, healing can take several months . In some cases, “if the damage to the liver has been long-term, it may not be reversible,” warns Dr. Stein.

What is the fastest way to heal your liver?

Consume alcohol in moderation or not at all

You can help give your liver a rest by focusing on moderate alcohol consumption or not drinking alcohol at all. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

How long does it take for your liver to repair itself?

The liver, however, is able to replace damaged tissue with new cells. If up to 50 to 60 percent of the liver cells may be killed within three to four days in an extreme case like a Tylenol overdose, the liver will repair completely after 30 days if no complications arise.

Is zinc good for your liver?

Zinc plays a pivotal role in various zinc enzymes, which are crucial in the maintenance of liver function . Patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) usually have lower concentrations of zinc, which decrease further as liver fibrosis progresses.

Is apple cider vinegar good for the liver?

One purported benefit of apple cider vinegar is its ability to detoxify the liver . “Apple cider vinegar is rich with detoxification properties and can promote circulation in the liver detox process,” says Jamie Bacharach, a homeopathic expert and the head of practice at Acupuncture Jerusalem.

Does B12 help your liver?

Folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 are involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease through their effects on hepatic methionine metabolism that regulates methylation potential and epigenetic control over the expressions of genes involved in alcoholic liver injury.

What can I drink to flush my liver?

Flush out with plenty of water intake: Water is the best flushing agent . It flushes your liver and kidney when taken optimally. Make sure you have 8-10 glasses of water daily.

How can I heal my liver naturally?

Eat a well-balanced diet every day . That’s five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables, along with fiber from vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Be sure to include protein for the enzymes that help your body detox naturally. Keep a healthy weight.

How can I check my liver health at home?

Home tests require a blood sample, often from a finger prick . Some of these screenings may look at different markers to screen for liver and other organ health. For example, some companies offer a lipid or cholesterol test that can monitor both liver and heart health.

Can you drink alcohol while taking milk thistle?

Do not consume alcohol while you are taking silymarin , the active compound in milk thistle. While there is no specific interaction between this nutritional supplement and alcohol, the primary reason people take silymarin is to protect the liver and help it repair itself.

How can I reduce my fatty liver?

  1. Lose weight. If you’re overweight or obese, reduce the number of calories you eat each day and increase your physical activity in order to lose weight. ...
  2. Choose a healthy diet. ...
  3. Exercise and be more active. ...
  4. Control your diabetes. ...
  5. Lower your cholesterol. ...
  6. Protect your liver.

Does milk thistle cause weight gain?

Little evidence to suggest milk thistle aids weight loss

Despite consuming similar quantities of food, the mice that received milk thistle lost about 5% of their weight, while the control group continued gaining weight throughout the study ( 4 ).

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.