The liver has many functions, including protecting the body from toxins from the environment as well as from prescription drugs, alcohol and food additives that enter the body. When the liver becomes overburdened from too many toxins, health issues and life-threatening diseases can occur. Detoxifying the liver on a routine basis can help protect it from becoming overburdened by toxins.
The Functions of a Healthy Liver
The liver plays many roles and is one of the hardest working organs in the body. Blood flows through the liver to filter out harmful toxins so they can be excreted from the body. The liver is also important in metabolizing foods. It produces substances to break down fats, works to maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood and metabolizes protein so it can be used for cellular energy production or turned into fats and carbohydrates. The liver also creates bile salts that are essential for breaking down and digesting fats. The liver is responsible for creating the majority of cholesterol in the body.
The liver works to remove toxins from drugs, such as antibiotics, and hormones, like steroids or estrogens, from the body. It is also a hard-working storage vessel for glycogen, vitamins A, B-12, D, E and K, and also stores iron and releases the mineral as it is needed. It is also active in the processing of vitamin D.
Damage to the liver can be caused by excesses of the following items over time:
- environmental toxins
- over-the-counter drugs (such as acetaminophen)
- prescription drugs
- recreational drugs
- alcohol use
- food additives
Signs of Liver Toxicity
According to Mark Stengler, N.D., author of The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies, the majority of people who live in the U.S. have an overabundance of toxins in their bodies. Between the pollutants in the air, the many prescription medications being taken and even the additives that are in foods, the body becomes a haven for toxins. Because of this, the liver becomes overworked and cannot work properly. Signs of too many toxins in the liver include:
- sallow skin
- age spots on the skin also known as liver spots
- sagging skin, wrinkles
- adult acne
- chronic bad breath
- dark circles under the eyes
- puffy eyes
- skin sores or rashes that do not heal
- dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis
If there are signs of liver toxicity, it is important to talk to a doctor before deciding upon a treatment. The symptoms could be a sign of a more serious liver disease and this should be ruled out before trying to detoxify the liver.
Health Benefits of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years and is used quite extensively in Germany today for many liver problems. It is the seeds of the milk thistle plant that contain the group of flavanoids, silymarin, which are used in making medicine.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the flavanoids in the silymarin complex, which includes silibin, silidianin and silychristin, are a combination of powerful antioxidants that help to protect the liver from toxins. Silymarin is thought to repair liver cells that are damaged by toxins as well as reduce inflammation and protect new liver cells from being damaged. Silymarin is 10 times more powerful an antioxidant than vitamin E and has the ability to slow down the rate of absorption of toxins by the liver.
Milk thistle is widely used as a treatment for liver damage due to alcohol, during drug and alcohol recovery, as a treatment for hepatitis and is being researched for its ability to slow down the progression of cancer cell growth. Milk thistle is also used for proper digestion, hormone imbalance and diabetes.
Milk Thistle for Liver Detoxification
Milk thistle is widely recognized for liver detoxification because of its ability to repair damaged liver cells, protect new cells and slow down the ability for toxins to be absorbed into the liver. Its use allows the liver to be regenerated four times faster than without using this herb. Stengler suggests taking milk thistle supplements for one to two months along with eating a healthy diet and exercising to enjoy the best detoxifying benefits. Refraining from drinking alcohol during this time is also suggested.
Milk thistle comes in capsule, tablet and extract form. The recommended dose is one 200 to 250 milligram capsule, three times a day. Side-effects include loose stools, diarrhea and increased bile flow. If upset stomach or diarrhea occurs, reduce the dose.
A healthy liver is imperative for a healthy body and keeping it free of unnecessary toxins is one way to protect it from disease. Using milk thistle supplements is a safe way to detoxify the liver to keep it healthy. As with any herbal supplement, always consult a doctor before using.
Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center “Milk Thistle” Retrieved June 24, 2010.
The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler, N.D.
Prentice Hall Press 2001 & 2010. Pages 322-324
Deanna Lynn Sletten - Deanna Lynn Sletten has been a freelance writer for newspapers, regional magazines and websites for 20 years. She specializes in the ...
