Why does milk thistle cause diarrhea

A study found that milk thistle increased resistance to oxidative stress. In this way, milk thistle may help improve cognition and treat degenerative conditions that affect the mind. More research on humans is needed to confirm the effects of milk thistle on cognition.

A study on an animal model found that milk thistle extract improved the immunity when consumed. An older study found that milk thistle extract had a positive effect on immune response in humans. Milk thistle is available as a supplement from many health food stores. There is no standard dose of milk thistle, so it is best to read the dosage suggested on the packaging. Milk thistle is also available as a tea. If drinking milk thistle tea, it is best to limit intake to 6 cups a day.

For this reason, it is important to buy milk thistle from reputable retailers. As with any natural remedy, people should discuss using milk thistle with a doctor before taking it. Milk thistle may interact with some medications.

This is of particular concern if a person is already receiving treatment for liver conditions. Milk thistle has a range of potential health benefits due to its active ingredient, silymarin, which is an antioxidant. More research needs to be carried out before a definitive list of milk thistle benefits can be confirmed.

That said, it is a healthful supplement that may be worth trying alongside conventional treatments. It is always a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional before starting to use milk thistle or any other supplement, as it may interact with other medications or conditions.

Milk thistle supplements are available for purchase in health food stores or online. Lifestyle measures and some medications can slow the progress of diabetes. Is there also a role for herbs and supplements? Find out more. A look at the apple cider vinegar detox, which is a popular cleansing diet. Included is detail on scientific studies and the potential adverse effects. What are the best ways to boost the immune system and can they give you enhanced protection against infections and diseases?

We take a look. Liver cleanses promise to rid the body of toxins and impurities, but are controversial because there is little science to support their use. What are the benefits of milk thistle? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What is milk thistle? Some studies suggest acne may be related to oxidative stress on the body, which could mean silymarin may provide a benefit as an antioxidant.

In both of these scenarios, and several others, there is still research needed to prove that the positive effect attributed to milk thistle extract is real. One area where milk thistle gets attention as a possible treatment is in cancer prevention.

With any disease that has a possibility of being terminal and treatment options are limited, people can be tempted to try anything that might work. Silymarin has shown some promise in helping your body respond better to chemotherapy as well as reducing the severity of side effects from other cancer treatments. Milk thistle, sometimes known as holy thistle or mary thistle, contains a combination of silibinin, silicristin, and silidianin.

Together, these chemicals form the compound known as silymarin. This compound is one of a family of chemicals known as flavonoids, which are known to have several beneficial properties for the body. Silymarin functions as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is also known to have antioxidant properties that can help the body fight the damage caused by free radicals. More research is needed, but it is believed that silymarin works as an antioxidant, which helps the body heal itself more effectively.

It is also possible that your body may react more quickly to other medications and treatments when they are paired with milk thistle extract, though you should definitely consult your doctor first if you are undergoing treatment for a serious condition like liver disease or cancer. Milk thistle extract may help reduce or prevent the damage caused by osteoporosis.

This disease, which results in a loss of bone density over time, can lead to severe skeletal damage and other complications if left untreated.

Silymarin has been shown to promote bone remineralization in some animal studies, which could indicate that it may be useful in helping ward off the negative effects of osteoporosis in humans as well. No medication, whether natural or synthetic, is completely without risk or the possibility of side effects. It should be noted that very few high-quality studies have been done to evaluate the various effects of silymarin. There have been some studies done on the various effects of milk thistle in animals, but there have been very few clinical trials involving humans.

Though traditional medicines often have a long history of being suspected to have positive effects, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements, especially if you are already being treated for a known health condition. Negative reactions with other drugs you may be taking is a real possibility. It is also important to note that no drug or treatment can completely prevent the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. Managing your diet, getting exercise, avoiding excess alcohol consumption, and other healthy living habits will go further to keeping you healthy than taking drugs or supplements.

On the plus side, taking milk thistle extract is rarely noted to have significant side effects. The exception to this is if you are a person who is allergic to ragweed. Aside from a possible allergic reaction, diarrhea, bloating , and gassiness are the most common side effects from taking silymarin. For this reason, milk thistle is an attractive option to people who are afraid of taking drugs with a long list of potential negative side effects.

Probably the most significant evidence, both historically and scientifically, favoring the positive benefits of milk thistle, is in the area of liver health. There are suggestions that taking milk thistle could help with everything from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD to protecting against damage from chemicals in poisonous death cap mushrooms. There is limited evidence that some people suffering from cirrhosis of the liver experienced improved outcomes when taking silymarin. Milk thistle is a plant that contains silymarin, a substance that improves liver function.

Originally from Europe, milk thistle now also grows in North America. You can take milk thistle in capsules or as a tincture combined with alcohol. It has been widely used in Europe and Germany, where it is a common complementary treatment for liver problems such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. In Canada, it is sold as a natural health product. People use milk thistle as a complementary treatment for liver problems, particularly hepatitis and cirrhosis and inflammation of the bile ducts cholangitis.

Research on silymarin suggests that it may protect the liver from inflammation. But it does not have a direct effect on viruses that cause hepatitis, such as the hepatitis C virus. Preliminary research suggests that silymarin is an antioxidant , which helps protect the body from cell-destroying substances called free radicals. Silymarin also may reduce inflammation and block the effects of toxins that harm the liver. Two studies on milk thistle presented conflicting results.

One study found that milk thistle appeared to help some people with cirrhosis live longer than they would have otherwise, while another found no benefit. Milk thistle may cause nausea, diarrhea, bloating, pain, or allergies. Natural health products, including milk thistle, must be reviewed and approved by the NNHPD before they can be sold in Canada.

Always tell your doctor if you are using a natural health product or if you are thinking about combining a natural health product with your conventional medical treatment.