Milk Thistle - anyone used this?

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 6:52 am

I caught a bit on Dr. Oz yesterday in which they were discussing the benefits of this as a liver detox. Apparently it can also be helpful with cholesterol and blood sugar issues. I have looked at it in the past but used to react
to ragweed (to which it is related). One effect from it can be D though I've seen it may even be helpful for Crohn's.
Any experiences?

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 11:22 am

Hi Deb,

Took it years back and really found no benefit from it. Can definitely cause D. Also, it is very expensive as the herb route goes.

Love, Maggie

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 3:22 pm

I have taken milk thistle in the past, and have done the comprehensive liver detox program (8 weeks)

me personally, I would not embark on liver detox now i have MC, the digestion system is sensitive enough without that sort of disruption

the main items that cause the liver to have issues are high sugar, high fat and highly processed foods and alcohol. My MC eating plan does not include those things, so liver detox is not really required.

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 5:29 pm

Thanks Maggie and Gabes. I am eating low carb but with that I'm doing a fair amount of fat. My cholesterol is higher than my PCP thinks it should be though I'm pretty sure it isn't small particles (HDL is very good) and my blood sugar has come down but is still over 100 (105 last test). It seems milk thistle has been pretty effective for that so am just wondering.......

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Thu Sep 01, 2011 5:36 pm

Deb,

I have used it in the past - before MC. (MC has eaten my brain, so I can't honestly remember what health concern I took it for... did I *have* health concerns, before MC?)

I liked it - I do remember that, and I bought it more than once. I thought it was good value - not super-pricey, compared to some things (I'm sure different brands vary). If you've ever used Echinacea without trouble, they're in the same family. I think ragweed is kind of a special monster-pest in that clan (and inhaled pollen is different from capsules, for sure)

Good luck, whatever you decide,

Sara

jmayk8 · Post by **jmayk8** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 4:43 am

I was thinking about taking it a while ago but decided not to. I have high liver enzymes so i thought it would be beneficial but, read somewhere along the line it isn't good for people who have endometriosis or any other hormonal imbalance..Let me know if you end up trying it, good luck.
Jenny