In broad strokes the milk thistle is consumed mainly when you want to improve the state of the liverHowever, this plant has many very beneficial properties for the entire body, we anticipate that it is a powerful anti-inflammatory and helps fight colds and headaches.
As in industrial and chemical medicine, we must read the leaflets carefully, in the natural medicine and in home remedies that are made through plants, herbs and natural ingredients we must take into account certain contraindications.
Keep reading to know its properties well, what is milk thistle for, its possible side effects, how to take it if in infusion or capsules and if it is a good option to lose weight.
Properties of milk thistle
One of the organs that benefits the most is the liver because milk thistle prevents the accumulation of all the substances that in the long run can cause liver damage due to silymarin. The most common diseases that usually affect the liver are fatty liver, cirrhosis, liver failure or jaundice.
- As we commented silymarin is rich, so your liver will be protected from the diseases mentioned above, this substance is found in the seeds.
- It is high in fiber, cares for the natural flora of the intestine and regulates its transit.
- Contains lots of protein, carbohydrates and good fats, so it is a good supplement for all those people with these deficiencies in the diet, one of the plants that has the most plant nutrients.
What is milk thistle for
Thanks to its benefits and properties this plant becomes an option highly advisable to contribute and treat certain discomforts. If you feel identified with any, do not hesitate to give this thistle a try and start taking it regularly and with caution.
- Milk thistle is one of the most regenerating plants. For those who may overindulge during the holidays, weekends, or drink regularly, this herb is a good supplement as it eliminates toxins and impurities that accumulate in the liver.
- Containing a lot of vitamin E, it helps us avoid premature oxidation of our cells.
- It has a laxative action, avoid occasional constipation. Ideal to take it as an infusion to benefit from the fiber, it will facilitate the expulsion of feces.
- Ideal for preventing stone build-up, prevents some diseases of the gallbladder.
- Helps maintain good cholesterol levels. It increases the amounts of good cholesterol while the bad cholesterol is decreased.
- A tool to consider for all people who suffer from diabetes, regulates the concentration of glucose in the blood.
- Increase the tension and thus avoid voltage dips, the hypotensive should take note.
- Rich in vitamin C, beta carotenes, potassium and calcium, and linoleic acid. In addition, it contains silymarin and other flavolignans, phytosterols and flavonoids.
- Relieves irritation. If milk thistle is applied to the skin, the antioxidant effect it produces will cause cellular rejuvenation, as well as being a good ally for the most sensitive skins.
We want to remember that all these home remedies, herbs and medicinal plants are recommendations and should not be taken at face value, if you have any questions or concerns, you should go to the doctor and comment on it and evaluate the doses and the different interactions with other medications.
Contraindications of milk thistle
Whenever we start to consume an herb or medicinal plant we must take into account the side effects that it could have, it is very important to know them since each person can have a different reaction. Next, we will tell you the side effects that have been occurring.
- Hypertension: It can happen that people can get hypertension if they abuse thistle.
- Dermatitis if touched directly: the leaves and bracts have thorns that can give reaction on the skin, it is always recommended to handle and collect them with gloves.
- Allergy: eczema can be seen in some people if they are more sensitive or allergic to this type of plant.
- Alteration in the intestine: Thistle is made up of nitrates that can cause nausea, diarrhea or even vomiting.
- Laxative effect: Whenever the result you are looking for, it is good to know that milk thistle is a natural laxative, however it can be harmful and cause unwanted flatulence.
- If it is mixed with other drugs it can produce toxic substances in the body. For this reason, it is advisable to go to the doctor to avoid greater evils.
- If you think you are pregnant or are lactation stage be careful as no conclusive studies have been done. It has traditionally been used to increase breast milk, although as we said, there is not enough evidence to confirm it.
How to take milk thistle
It can be consumed in two ways, in capsules, which is what naturopathic doctors recommend, or in infusions. If you decide to take infusions, you will get them with infusions prepared from its seeds. Although we must emphasize that due to silymarin it is not a substance that can be easily diluted in water it is perhaps a more expensive method and the same effects will not be achieved as if it is consumed in capsule mode.
Milk thistle capsules
Most specialists recommend taking milk thistle in tablets since this way the plant will be fully assimilating into the body.
The recommended dose is 420 milligrams daily, each tablet contains 140 milligrams, so it should be taken three times a day in order to meet the recommended requirements. Ideal to take one tablet with each main meal of the day.
However, taking three capsules would be recommended for those who have a liver problem already developed, on the other hand, if you want to take it to prevent, it would be enough to consume two tablets, 280 milligrams.
What tablets to buy and what should I look for?
Consuming it as a supplement is the fastest and easiest way to protect your liver without difficulties. However, when you are willing to purchase it, you will surely have doubts about which ones to buy, tablets, capsules or tablets. So that you do not hesitate for a moment, heed the following tips:
- Buy the product that contains the number of capsules you will need. There are multiple packages with different quantities, from 40 to 200 units. To avoid the expiration of the product, do not buy a very large one since you would be wasting the plant.
- Check the milligrams of milk thistle in each capsule, as well as the percentage of silymarin. The thistle extract is extracted from different parts of the plant, however, silymarin is the active principle that gives us all these virtues. The laboratories indicate the two percentages or the exact amounts, both for milk thistle and silymarin.
- Check compound formulas before choosing the most suitable capsules. This means that milk thistle tablets are often mixed with other medicinal plants.
We leave you the most common and what they are for:
- Milk thistle + artichoke = hepatoprotective
- Milk thistle + boldo = hepatoprotective
- Milk thistle + rosemary = hepatoprotective, immunostimulating, detoxifying, anti-migraine
- Milk thistle + linden = antimigraine due to liver problems
- Milk thistle + lemon balm = antimigraine of liver origin
- Milk thistle + echinacea = immunostimulating, detoxifying
- Milk thistle + eleutherococcus = detoxifying and immunostimulating
- Milk thistle + black currant = hepatoprotective, detoxifying, immunostilucent
Does milk thistle help you lose weight?
Milk thistle is an unknown plant in weight loss diets, This herb does not have specific qualities to lose weight or lose fat, however, it helps purify the body, the liver in particular. Prevents the accumulation of stones in the gallbladder, helps increase good cholesterol and lower bad.
It gives a boost and the performance of the liver, one of those responsible for burning fat, therefore, yes, it could be considered that it can help us lose weight and lose weight. Milk thistle reduces the amount of saturated fat, filters toxins and eliminates them, helping the liver to work less and can focus on the function of burning fat.
As a conclusion
Milk thistle has large detoxifying properties that facilitate the work of the liver to filter the toxins that are created in the body and regenerate new tissues. The clearest case is alcohol that directly affects the liver and this plant is perfect to de-inhibit the effects.
Thanks to silymarin, the alkaloid contained in thistle is ideal for renewing the cells of damaged tissue and replacing it with a healthy one, as well as helping to reduce swelling.
We can consume milk thistle in the diet in various ways, in the form of an infusion, tablets, capsules, or tincture. We should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations and do not hesitate to consult with our general practitioner all contraindications that I might have.
Natural medicine it is perfect to prevent a multitude of minor or even serious diseases. An alternative is to buy milk thistle seen what can be seen can be very beneficial for our body and would take great care of our liver. A simple way since only two to three tablets a day we could prevent many diseases in the future.