Does Milk Thistle really work on the liver disease?

Question

Chrinic Hepatitis C

Answer 1

Milk thistle does not cure Hepatitis C. Research has not shown it to help hep c, but it has been shown to lower liver enzymes in alcoholic cirrhosis.
Some companies claim that milk thistle helps or cures hepatitis C. They claim that liver enzymes return to normal limits with this herb. However, the success of milk thistle cannot be determined by liver enzymes, as enzymes typically fluctuate with this disease. Also, 40% of people with HCV have enzymes within normal limits, yet still have fibrosis (scarring) of the liver. Some doctors don't object to their patients taking milk thistle; others don't want them taking it as it is not standardized (regardless of what the label says- you never really know how much of the product is actually milk thistle or silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle). Also, milk thistle may skew lab results, and doctors want to see what your liver enzymes are without the risk of skewing the results, especially if you are on the standard interferon treatment.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I think it really depends on the milk thistle itself. Make sure your getting what your paying for. I do have a co-worker that has had Hepatitis C for over 20yrs, and he strictly takes milk thistle, and nothing else.

Answer 3

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence, but little empirical evidence that it is helpful. The only study I've seen was a couple of years ago, and found that it did not hlep. Sorry, but I don't have a link to the study.

Some doctors recommend it, but it may be for the placebo effect.

Answer 4

Yes, I feel it helps a lot. I'm sure there are other herbs and vitamin combinations which would help as well. I recommend that you go to a great health food store and talk to them. You can also find a great deal of information on the internet.

Good luck!

Answer 5

For sandwich-lovers, use spinach or swiss chard leaves rather than a wrap, skip the cut of cheese, and load through to the veggies.

Answer 6

Walk with a co-worker's desk to chat rather then instant messaging.

Answer 7

In the mood for the hot meal? Make a large pot of veggie bean soup, divide into two-cup containers, and store inside the freezer. Before bed, place a container inside fridge, then grab it before heading out the door each day.

Answer 8

It’s the small things that count. Invest with spanks. They cinch in the wobbly bits and cause you to be feel taught, toned and fantastic.

Answer 9

Eat in front of a person rather than screen. It cuts down on mindless eating and forces you to more accountable for each chunk.

Answer 10

Add cooked whole grains to your salad to increase the soluble fiber and protein and make the meal feel more satisfying.