Contributed by Dori Cranmore R.N.
The liver is the largest organ inside the body, with an amazing number of essential functions to perform. The liver transforms toxic compounds into non-toxic substances, filters blood from the intestines, produces bile, mixes essential nutrients, inactivates disease causing microorganisms, regulates glucose levels, stores fat-soluble vitamins, activates and deactivates hormones, provides a significant amount of the body’s heat and energy, helps regulates cholesterol and many other functions. How amazing!
Unfortunately, when the liver becomes damaged or congested, it can adversely affect these functions, causing a deterioration of one’s health.
Milk Thistle or Silybum marianum, has been used throughout the world for over 2000 years, and is one of the most commonly recommended herbs. There have been over 200 clinical studies over the last 30 years demonstrating the liver-protective activity of Milk Thistle. The main active ingredient is Silymarin.
The liver is up against multiple enemies constantly attacking it. Toxins such as environmental pollution, man-made chemicals (60,000+), processed foods, synthetic medications, viruses and disease are forever trying to interfere with the liver’s functions.
Milk Thistle not only protects the liver against toxic damage, but it also increases the production of new healthy liver cells to replace damaged cells. Studies have shown that this herb helps increase the concentration of glutathione by 35%. Glutathione is a major antioxidant used to detoxify drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), hormones and chemicals. Tissue depletion of glutathione can be typically induced by moderate to heavy alcohol consumption.
Besides the ability to protect the body from medication-induced liver damage it may also help psoriasis by reducing levels of circulating endotoxins. It has also been well indicated in patients with cancer who are under-going chemotherapy.
This herb has been known to prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries. It contains vitamins A, B-complex, C and minerals including iron.
Milk Thistle has demonstrated no signs of toxicity, no restrictions on long-term use and no known contraindications or interactions with medications or ailments. Many midwifes use it for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy with excellent results. It has been said that if you have a ragweed allergy to avoid Milk Thistle as it may cause a rash.
I was told by Dr. Hugo Rodier MD, that by the time liver enzyme blood levels are elevated, the body is already 50% malfunctioning somewhere. Some signs of decreased liver function are general tiredness, anger, fatigue, digestive upsets, constipation, allergies, chemical sensitivities and jaundice.
Some foods that help keep a clean liver are beets, lemon, nuts, garlic, spinach, kale, Tumeric, Brussels sprouts and fresh tomatoes.
Dori Cranmore is a Registered Nurse and owner of All About Herbs in Wasilla 376-8327. This information is for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure.
