Are you considering using milk thistle while on a cycle?
This natural supplement, derived from the milk thistle plant, has been used for centuries to treat liver conditions and is thought to act as an antioxidant.
But how much should you take while on a cycle?
The answer depends on your specific goals and needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the different dosages of milk thistle for various purposes, including liver protection and general health.
We’ll also discuss the different forms of milk thistle available and how to properly dose them.
So, whether you’re looking to maximize gains or simply maintain a healthy body, read on to learn more about milk thistle and how it can benefit you while on a cycle.
How Much Milk Thistle While On Cycle?
When it comes to using milk thistle while on a cycle, the dosage will vary depending on your specific needs and goals.
If you’re looking to protect your liver from damage caused by drugs or toxins, a daily suggested dosage of 160-800mg of silymarin per day is recommended. However, it’s important to note that not all milk thistle supplements are created equal and dosages should be adjusted accordingly based on the extraction potency of the supplement you’re using.
For general health purposes, dosages ranging from 350-700mg per day are recommended for liver and cholesterol health.
If you’re looking to maximize gains, it’s recommended to not take milk thistle during your cycle. However, you can use it two weeks prior to your cycle as a pre-load and in post cycle therapy. It’s also important to note that liver protection supplements that do not contain milk thistle, such as Tudca or Liv.52, can be used on cycle.
Milk thistle is available in various forms including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and intravenous solutions. The adult dosage for hepatoprotection is 420mg/day of extract (standardized to 70-80% silymarin) three times a day for 6-8 weeks. Maintenance dosage is 280mg/day.
It’s important to split doses up into 2-3 doses per day to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.
What Is Milk Thistle And How Does It Work?
Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a flowering herb that has been used for centuries to treat liver and gallbladder conditions. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a group of flavonoids that are said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Silymarin is extracted from the seeds of the plant and is thought to help repair liver cells damaged by alcohol and other toxic substances. It also protects new liver cells from being destroyed by these same toxins.
Silymarin is believed to act as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production and lipid peroxidation. This can help to improve liver function tests and protect liver cells from damage caused by drugs or toxins. Milk thistle seed might also have blood sugar-lowering, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Most milk thistle products are standardized preparations made from the seeds of the plant, to contain 70% to 80% of silymarin. Milk thistle is available in various forms including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and intravenous solutions. The recommended dosage for hepatoprotection is 420mg/day of extract (standardized to 70-80% silymarin) split into 2-3 doses per day for 6-8 weeks. Maintenance dosage is 280mg/day.
It’s important to note that not all milk thistle supplements are created equal and dosages should be adjusted accordingly based on the extraction potency of the supplement you’re using. It’s also recommended to not take milk thistle during your cycle if you’re looking to maximize gains, but it can be used two weeks prior to your cycle as a pre-load and in post cycle therapy. Liver protection supplements that do not contain milk thistle, such as Tudca or Liv.52, can also be used on cycle.
Milk Thistle Dosages For Liver Protection
Milk thistle is a popular supplement used for liver protection and support. The dosage for milk thistle will depend on the specific liver condition and the individual’s needs.
For liver damage caused by drugs or toxins, a daily suggested dosage of 160-800mg of silymarin per day is recommended. However, it’s important to note that not all milk thistle supplements are created equal and dosages should be adjusted based on the extraction potency of the supplement being used.
For general liver health, dosages ranging from 350-700mg per day are recommended. This can help protect the liver from damage caused by environmental toxins, alcohol, and other factors.
If you’re using milk thistle during a cycle, it’s recommended to not take it during the cycle itself but rather two weeks prior to the cycle as a pre-load and in post cycle therapy. It’s also important to note that liver protection supplements that do not contain milk thistle, such as Tudca or Liv.52, can be used on cycle.
When taking milk thistle for liver protection, it’s important to split doses up into 2-3 doses per day to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness. Milk thistle is available in various forms including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and intravenous solutions.
Milk Thistle Dosages For General Health
If you’re taking milk thistle for general health purposes, a daily dosage of 350-700mg is recommended. This dosage range has been shown to be effective for supporting liver and cholesterol health. However, it’s important to note that the potency of the supplement can vary depending on the brand and extraction method, so dosages should be adjusted accordingly.
When choosing a milk thistle supplement, it’s important to look for a high-quality product that contains pure milk thistle extract. The recommended daily intake of milk thistle for liver support is 150mg, taken one to three times daily. For ongoing use and maintenance, a dosage of 50-150mg per day is recommended.
It’s also important to split up the daily dosage into 2-3 smaller doses throughout the day to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness. As with any supplement, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting to take milk thistle to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for your individual needs and health status.
Different Forms Of Milk Thistle And How To Properly Dose Them
Milk thistle is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and intravenous solutions. The most common form is capsules, which are readily available in health food stores and pharmacies. The recommended dosage for milk thistle extract is based on a silymarin content of around 80%, with most supplements containing anywhere from 50-500 milligrams (175 mg is typical).
When using milk thistle capsules, it’s important to split doses up into 2-3 doses per day to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness. For hepatoprotection, the recommended adult dosage is 420mg/day of extract (standardized to 70-80% silymarin) three times a day for 6-8 weeks. Maintenance dosage is 280mg/day.
Milk thistle tablets are another option that can be found in health food stores and pharmacies. The recommended dosage for tablets is similar to that of capsules, with most tablets containing around 200-400mg of silymarin per day.
Tinctures are liquid extracts of milk thistle that can be added to water or juice. The recommended dosage for tinctures is generally lower than that of capsules or tablets, with most tinctures containing around 20-30 drops per day.
Intravenous solutions of milk thistle are available for medical use and are typically administered by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting.
It’s important to note that not all milk thistle supplements are created equal and dosages should be adjusted accordingly based on the extraction potency of the supplement you’re using. Additionally, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Possible Side Effects And Precautions To Consider
While milk thistle is generally regarded as safe, it’s important to consider possible side effects and precautions before starting any supplementation. Some common side effects of milk thistle include mild gastrointestinal upset such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, milk thistle can produce estrogenic effects, which can be a concern for those who suffer from endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
It’s important to note that milk thistle can interact with other medications, so it’s essential to speak with your doctor before beginning any type of treatment, over-the-counter medication, or herbal supplement. Milk thistle can also be dangerous for diabetics who begin using it because it may lower blood sugar levels. If you take medication for diabetes expressly to lower blood sugar, it’s suggested not to take milk thistle.
It’s also possible to be allergic to milk thistle and have a serious allergic reaction. If you ingest milk thistle and find that you have shortness of breath, swelling, hives, or a rash, go to the emergency room immediately, as this may be a sign of anaphylaxis. Those who react allergically to milk thistle usually cannot tolerate plants or supplements that are from the same family. Other plants in the same family as Silybum marianum include ragweed, marigold, daisy, and chrysanthemums. If you are allergic to any of these plants, then it is wise to steer clear of milk thistle.
It’s important to purchase milk thistle from an accredited vendor because the supplement is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also, because the dosage is merely a suggestion due to lack of regulation, it’s best always to discuss it with your doctor first as well as the proper dosage for yourself and your health issues.
Conclusion: Is Milk Thistle Right For You While On Cycle?
While milk thistle can be a helpful supplement for liver protection and general health purposes, it may not be the best choice for those looking to maximize gains during a cycle. If you’re using milk thistle for liver protection, it’s important to adjust your dosage based on the potency of your supplement and split your doses up throughout the day for optimal absorption. However, if you’re looking to maximize gains, it’s recommended to not take milk thistle during your cycle and instead use liver protection supplements that do not contain milk thistle. It’s also important to note that milk thistle may not be safe for everyone, and certain individuals such as those with allergies to plants in the same family or hormone-sensitive conditions may need to avoid it altogether. As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
