Milk Thistle as a Detox Supplement

There are a number of detox supplements that you can take to help your body get rid of noxious substances. These include milk thistle, colon cleansers, chamomile and antioxidant supplements. Milk thistle is particularly relevant to people on a detox as it can improve the removal of toxic substances by the liver and at the same time help protect the liver from damage.

The Effects of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is one of the most popular supplements to take when detoxing. It can be useful to people that have drunk too much alcohol in the past and wish to prevent - and even reverse - any liver damage. It contains a range of phytochemicals that can help the liver. These include bioflavinoids, principally silymarin.

How it Works

Milk thistle works in a number of ways. It stimulates the secretion of bile, which can in turn help the gall bladder get rid of body wastes and toxins. It also encourages the growth of new liver cells and reduces the formation of scar tissue on the liver, which can result from toxic overload.

It has also been shown that silymarin can slow down the entry of certain toxins into the liver cells and so reduce the risk of liver cell damage. Silymarin also acts as an antioxidant. Another way in which it works is to boost the level of glutathione, which is one of the liver's natural detoxifying substances.

The toxicity of milk thistle has been evaluated as very low and there are few reports of side effects. The most common side effect is mild looseness of stools.

How to Get Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is available in easy to swallow capsules. Sometimes the product is called Silymarin due to its active ingredient.

If you suffer from gallstones or liver disease then you should check with your doctor or a medical herbalist before taking milk thistle. This is because it encourages the production of bile.

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