Are you considering taking milk thistle as a natural remedy for liver health or other ailments?
While milk thistle has been used for centuries and is generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.
One common concern is whether milk thistle can cause gas and other gastrointestinal issues.
In this article, we’ll explore the research and expert opinions on this topic, as well as other potential risks and benefits of milk thistle.
Whether you’re a long-time user or just curious about this herbal supplement, read on to learn more about milk thistle and its effects on your body.
Can Milk Thistle Cause Gas?
Milk thistle is known to have a few mild side effects, including gastrointestinal distress. Some people may experience gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation after taking milk thistle. However, these side effects are generally mild and go away on their own after a few days.
According to research, milk thistle can cause certain abdominal problems like diarrhea, bloating, gas, and an upset stomach. Oral ingestion of milk thistle has also been linked to abdominal fullness (or abdominal pain), anorexia (a loss of appetite), and changes in bowel habits.
It’s important to note that these side effects are not common and are usually mild. Most people who take milk thistle do not experience any significant gastrointestinal issues.
What Is Milk Thistle And How Is It Used?
Milk thistle is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various health issues. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Milk thistle is commonly used to support liver health and function. It is believed to help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, alcohol, and other harmful substances. Milk thistle may also help improve liver function in people with liver disease.
In addition to its liver-protective properties, milk thistle has also been studied for its potential benefits in treating other health conditions. Some studies have suggested that milk thistle may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.
Milk thistle is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, teas, and extracts. It is important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines for the specific product you are using. If you are considering taking milk thistle for any health condition, it is recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider first to determine if it is safe and appropriate for you.
The Potential Benefits Of Milk Thistle For Liver Health And Other Conditions
Milk thistle has been traditionally used for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. It is often promoted for its liver-protecting effects and is regularly used as a complementary therapy by people who have liver damage due to conditions like alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and even liver cancer. Studies have shown improvements in liver function in people with liver diseases who have taken a milk thistle supplement, suggesting it could help reduce liver inflammation and damage. Milk thistle is also used to protect the liver against toxins like amatoxin, which is produced by the death cap mushroom and is deadly if ingested.
Although more research is needed on how it works, milk thistle is thought to reduce damage to the liver caused by free radicals, which are produced when your liver metabolizes toxic substances. One study also found that it may slightly extend the life expectancy of people with cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholic liver disease. However, the results from studies have been mixed, and not all have found milk thistle extract to have a beneficial effect on liver disease. Thus, more studies are needed to determine what dose and length of treatment are needed for specific liver conditions.
In addition to its potential benefits for liver health, milk thistle may also have other health benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that milk thistle may help lower cholesterol levels, improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes, and even reduce the growth of cancer cells. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
It’s important to note that while milk thistle may offer potential benefits for certain health conditions, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from a healthcare professional. Anyone considering taking milk thistle should talk to their doctor first, especially if they have a history of liver or gallbladder problems or are taking any medications or supplements that may interact with milk thistle.
Can Milk Thistle Cause Gas And Other Gastrointestinal Issues?
While milk thistle is generally regarded as safe, it is important to be aware of the potential gastrointestinal side effects that may occur. Some individuals may experience gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation after taking milk thistle. These side effects are likely to be mild and go away on their own after a few days.
Research suggests that milk thistle can cause certain abdominal problems like diarrhea, bloating, gas, and an upset stomach. Oral ingestion of milk thistle has also been linked to abdominal fullness (or abdominal pain), anorexia (a loss of appetite), and changes in bowel habits.
It is important to note that these side effects are not common and are usually mild. However, if you have a known allergic reaction to other plants related to the milk thistle plant, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies, you should definitely avoid taking milk thistle extract. Similarly, women who have a diagnosed or suspected history of certain health conditions should be very cautious about taking milk thistle. Since silymarin has a known estrogenic effect; if you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, fibroid tumors, breast cancer, uterine, or ovarian cancer, you should avoid milk thistle.
What Do The Studies Say About Milk Thistle And Its Side Effects?
There have been conflicting studies on the benefits of milk thistle for liver health. Some research suggests that milk thistle can have protective effects on the liver, preventing damage. It may also be effective in treating cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis caused by alcohol abuse, autoimmune disease, or viruses. However, experts say that the evidence is not conclusive and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
There have also 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 should be noted that very few high-quality studies have been done to evaluate the various effects of silymarin. While milk thistle extract is rarely noted to have significant side effects, it is 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.
Other Potential Risks And Precautions When Taking Milk Thistle
While milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people, there are a few other potential risks and precautions to be aware of when taking this herbal supplement.
Firstly, milk thistle may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle. This is especially important if you are taking medications that are processed by the liver, as milk thistle may affect the way these drugs are metabolized.
Secondly, it’s important to be aware of the potential for allergic reactions. While rare, some people may experience severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis after taking milk thistle. If you have an allergy to ragweed, you may be more likely to experience an allergic reaction to milk thistle.
Lastly, it’s important to remember that no supplement or medication can completely prevent the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. While milk thistle may have some benefits for liver health, it’s still important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle in order to support overall health and wellness.
How To Use Milk Thistle Safely And Effectively
If you’re interested in taking milk thistle to support your liver health, it’s important to know how to use it safely and effectively. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Talk to your doctor: Before taking any herbal supplement, it’s important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. This is especially important if you’re already being treated for a known health condition or taking other medications, as milk thistle may interact with certain drugs.
2. Start with a low dose: There is no standard dose for milk thistle, so it’s best to start with a low dose and gradually increase if needed. Most people do best consuming between 20–300 milligrams daily.
3. Look for high-quality products: Because milk thistle is categorized as a supplement rather than a drug, it’s not subject to the same oversight and quality control from the FDA that standard drugs are. Look for a high-quality product that’s between 50–150 milligrams of pure milk thistle extract per capsule.
4. Take it in divided doses: Human research studies have shown that it is more effective to administer milk thistle in three or four small portions over the day than in one large daily dose. When it is not possible to split the daily dose and administer the fractional portions three or four times a day, give it at least twice a day.
5. Be aware of potential side effects: While milk thistle is generally safe, some people may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects like gas, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. If you experience any of these symptoms, try lowering your dose or taking milk thistle with food.
