Many people turn to milk thistle to aid in the health of their liver and gallbladder. As with any supplement, it is important to know when the right time to take it is. Generally speaking, milk thistle can be taken either in the morning or late at night before bedtime.
What Is Milk Thistle?
The milk thistle plant has natural healing properties that may help support the health of the liver and gallbladder. It contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent with natural detoxifying effects. It also helps protect cells against toxins and supports liver cell regeneration. Many people take milk thistle as a supplement to promote overall health and well-being. The milk thistle plant can be found in the form of capsules, tablets, tinctures, and teas.
When Is It Preferable To Take Milk Thistle?
It may be preferable to take milk thistle tea in the morning because it helps to kickstart your day and provide you with the antioxidant benefits that milk thistle has to offer. Taking milk thistle in the morning also helps ensure that your liver cells absorb them quickly so that you can get their full benefits throughout the day.
Taking Milk Thistle
No matter when you decide to take milk thistle, it is important to make sure that you are taking it as directed by your healthcare provider. Taking too much milk thistle can cause adverse side effects and negative interactions with other medications or supplements you may be taking. Talk to your doctor about the best time for you to take milk thistle and make sure that you follow their instructions carefully.
Make sure to consume milk thistle with food - never on an empty stomach. Be sure to follow the dosage recommendations of your healthcare provider or pharmacist and never take more than the recommended amount as it may have negative interactions with other medications or supplements you may be taking.
Milk Thistle Benefits
Milk thistle, a plant with a spiky purple flower, has been used for centuries for its health benefits. Here are some of the most commonly reported benefits:
Liver health: Milk thistle is best known for its liver-supporting properties. The plant contains a compound called silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins, alcohol, and other harmful substances.
Lowering cholesterol: Silymarin has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in some studies. This may be due to its ability to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
Anti-inflammatory effects: In addition to its liver-protective and cholesterol-lowering properties, silymarin also has anti-inflammatory effects. This may make it beneficial for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Antioxidant properties: Milk thistle is a rich source of antioxidants, which may help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. This may help prevent a range of chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Skin health: Some studies suggest that silymarin may be beneficial for the skin. It may help protect against sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, milk thistle may be beneficial for individuals with acne or other skin conditions, as it has antibacterial properties that may help reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts.
Milk Thistle Dosage for Fatty Liver Disease
If you are taking milk thistle for fatty liver disease, your healthcare provider may recommend a specific dosage of the supplement. Milk thistle is often recommended in doses of 500-1500 milligrams (mg) per day and should be taken with food. Work with your doctor to determine the optimal dose for your needs.
It is also important to note that milk thistle is not a cure-all for fatty liver disease and should be used in conjunction with other lifestyle measures, such as diet and exercise.
Can Milk Thistle Help With Other Liver Diseases?
Yes, milk thistle may help with other liver diseases in addition to fatty liver disease. Clinical studies have shown that milk thistle can be beneficial for cirrhosis of the liver, chronic hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and toxic damage from drugs or chemicals. It has also been found to reduce inflammation and help protect cells against toxins.
However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking milk thistle for any other type of liver condition as different conditions may require a different dosage than what is recommended for fatty liver disease. Additionally, milk thistle should not be taken when pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting with a doctor first.
How Can Milk Thistle Help Alcoholic Liver Disease?
Milk thistle is thought to help with alcoholic liver disease because it contains the active ingredient silymarin, which is an antioxidant that helps protect liver cells from toxins. Additionally, milk thistle is believed to stimulate the regeneration of damaged liver tissue and improve circulation in the area. Taking milk thistle regularly can lead to improved digestion and decreased inflammation in chronic alcoholics as well.
Milk Thistle Dosage Per Day
In general, most adults should take a dose of between 500-1500 mg of milk thistle per day. It is important to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider, as they will be able to determine the best dosage for you. Milk thistle should always be taken with food and never on an empty stomach.
Potential Side Effects
While milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people, there are some potential negative effects associated with its use, particularly when taken in high doses or for extended periods of time.
Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to milk thistle, which can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
Digestive issues: Milk thistle may cause digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and gas, particularly when taken in high doses.
Interactions with medications: Milk thistle may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and some anti-anxiety medications. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking milk thistle if you are taking any prescription medications.
Hormonal effects: Milk thistle may have estrogen-like effects on the body, which can be a concern for people with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, and endometriosis.
Blood sugar control: While milk thistle has been studied for its potential benefits in managing blood sugar levels, some research suggests that it may lower blood sugar too much in people with diabetes. As a result, people with diabetes should use caution when taking milk thistle and monitor their blood sugar levels closely.
It is important to note that most of the negative effects associated with milk thistle are relatively rare and generally occur when the herb is taken in high doses or for extended periods of time.
As with any herbal supplement or medication, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking milk thistle to determine if it is safe and appropriate for you.
Milk Thistle FAQ
When should you not take milk thistle?
Milk thistle should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may cause adverse side effects. Additionally, those with a history of liver disease should not take milk thistle without consulting their healthcare provider first to avoid having an allergic reaction.
How long after I take milk thistle should I see results?
The effects of milk thistle are not immediate and may take several weeks or months to be seen.
Does milk thistle affect sleep?
Milk thistle does not have any direct effects on sleep. However, since it is a powerful antioxidant that helps detoxify the body, taking it before bed may help you wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
Pure milk thistle VS Dietary supplement?
Pure milk thistle, also known as milk thistle extract, is made by extracting the active ingredients from the milk thistle plant.
A milk thistle dietary supplement, on the other hand, is a concentrated form of milk thistle plant extract. It contains a standardized amount of silymarin, which ensures that you get a consistent dose every time you take it.
What is Milk thistle tea?
Milk thistle tea is a herbal beverage made from the extract of the milk thistle plant, which is known to contain powerful antioxidants that may help detoxify the body. It typically has a bitter taste but can be sweetened with honey or other natural sweeteners. Milk thistle tea may offer beneficial effects for liver health, such as reducing inflammation and protecting cells against toxins. Milk thistle tea is also and easier way to consume Milk Thistle regularly.
In Closing
In conclusion, when to take milk thistle is ultimately up to you. Generally speaking, it can be taken either in the morning or late at night before bedtime, depending on what your goals are.
With the many health benefits that come with consuming milk thistle, such as, it may help improve your liver health, detoxify the body, and reduce inflammation, taking milk thistle is worth a try!