Are you looking for ways to support your liver health?
You may have heard of Tudca and milk thistle, two supplements that are known to have liver-protective properties.
But can you take them together?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Tudca and milk thistle, and whether or not it’s safe to combine them.
So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive in!
Can You Take Tudca With Milk Thistle?
Tudca and milk thistle are both supplements that have been shown to support liver health. Tudca, or tauroursodeoxycholic acid, is a bile acid that helps stimulate bile flow and assists in cleansing the liver. Milk thistle, on the other hand, has been used for thousands of years to support liver function and contains active compounds called silymarins.
While both Tudca and milk thistle have similar liver-protective properties, it’s important to consider whether or not it’s safe to take them together.
According to research, there is no evidence to suggest that taking Tudca and milk thistle together is harmful. In fact, some studies have shown that combining these two supplements may have complementary effects on liver health (x).
However, it’s important to note that everyone’s body is different and may react differently to supplements. It’s always a good idea to consult with a medical professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
What Is Tudca And Milk Thistle?
Tudca and milk thistle are two supplements that are commonly used to support liver health. Tudca, or tauroursodeoxycholic acid, is a naturally occurring bile acid that is produced in small quantities in the body. It has been shown to have liver-protective properties and can help stimulate bile flow, which assists in cleansing the liver.
Milk thistle, on the other hand, is obtained from a herb and has been used for thousands of years to support liver function. It contains active compounds called silymarins, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Milk thistle has also been traditionally used as an emergency antidote for poisoning by death cap mushroom.
While both Tudca and milk thistle have similar liver-protective properties, they work in different ways. Tudca helps stimulate bile flow and assists in cleansing the liver, while milk thistle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
The Benefits Of Tudca For Liver Health
Tudca has been shown to have numerous benefits for liver health. One of its main functions is to promote liver cell regeneration, which can help improve liver function and overall health. Tudca also stimulates bile flow and assists in cleansing the liver, which can help remove toxins from the body.
Studies have shown that Tudca can lower liver enzyme levels with as little as 1013 mg per day for three months. This suggests that Tudca may be effective in treating certain liver conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (x).
Tudca has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the liver and improve liver function. In addition, Tudca has been shown to protect against liver damage caused by alcohol and other toxins (x).
The Benefits Of Milk Thistle For Liver Health
Milk thistle has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support liver function. The active compounds in milk thistle, known as silymarins, have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and free radicals (x).
One of the most well-known benefits of milk thistle is its ability to support liver health in individuals with liver disease. Studies have shown that milk thistle can help reduce liver inflammation and improve liver function in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatitis (x).
Milk thistle has also been shown to have protective effects against toxins that can cause liver damage. In animal studies, milk thistle extract was found to completely counteract the toxic effects of the death cap mushroom when given within 10 minutes of ingestion (x). Additionally, when given within 24 hours, it significantly reduced the risk of liver damage and death.
While milk thistle has many potential health benefits for the liver, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for everyone. Milk thistle has been known to cause gastrointestinal issues, itchiness, and headaches. Individuals with diabetes should use milk thistle with caution, as it may lower blood sugar levels. There is also some concern that milk thistle may have estrogenic effects, so individuals with breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids should avoid taking milk thistle (x).
Potential Risks Of Combining Tudca And Milk Thistle
While there is no evidence to suggest that taking Tudca and milk thistle together is harmful, there are potential risks to consider. Both supplements have been known to cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and stomach pain. In some cases, prolonged use of milk thistle for rare conditions like primary sclerosing cholangitis may be toxic.
It’s also important to note that Tudca and milk thistle may interact with medications that are metabolized by the liver. This can potentially cause adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
Individuals who have had their gallbladder removed may also experience discomfort when taking Tudca or milk thistle. It’s important to consult with a medical professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medication.
Recommended Dosages For Tudca And Milk Thistle
When it comes to Tudca and milk thistle, it’s important to follow recommended dosages to ensure safety and effectiveness.
For Tudca, a daily dose of 10-13mg has been shown to improve liver regenesis rates in a clinically ill population. However, for improving bile salt composition, a dose around 15-20mg/kg body weight seems best according to one study. Benefits have been seen at 1,750mg daily for muscle and liver insulin sensitivity, which is the highest dose used for treatment of fatty liver disease.
As for milk thistle, dosages can vary depending on the form of the supplement. For standardized milk thistle extract, a typical dose is 200-400mg per day. For silymarin-phosphatidylcholine complex (a more easily absorbed form), a typical dose is 100-200mg per day.
It’s important to note that these dosages are general guidelines and may not be appropriate for everyone. Consulting with a medical professional before starting any new supplement regimen is recommended. Additionally, if any adverse side effects occur while taking Tudca or milk thistle, it’s important to discontinue use and seek medical attention.
