Milk Thistle: Supports a Healthy Liver! • Supports healthy liver function • Supports healthy and clear skin • Supports healthy gall bladder function • Helps lowering cholesterol levels • Has tremendous detoxifying effects What is Milk Thistle? Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), a member of the sunflower family, has been used by herbalists for more than 2,000 years. The herb is a tall, stocky, plant that grows fruit, and is native to the Mediterranean. It is among the most ancient of known herbal medicines, early healers discovered that milk thistle could stimulate the flow of bile from the liver, supporting healthy digestion and various liver-related ills. What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this? The fruit of the plant contains flavonolignands. These are responsible for the benefits of milk thistle. Milk thistle has been used almost exclusively to enhance liver health. It is a very powerful antioxidant, and as such helps to remove toxic elements from the body. When the liver is damaged by alcohol consumption, steroid usage, pollutants, or any other environmental factor, milk thistle helps the liver to generate new liver cells. Milk thistle may also be helpful in reducing the risk of developing gallstones. Its ability to cleanse the liver is well-documented in scientific literature. Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency? Populations that may benefit most from the supplementation of milk thistle include: persons with hepatitis C, liver problems, or other long-term health problems, persons suffering or recovering from alcoholism, individuals looking to supplement with powerful antioxidants and athletes looking to improve athletic performance and general health. Because of milk thistle's ability to generate new liver cells, current or former alcoholics may benefit from its use. Milk thistle has been shown to enhance liver recovery, and protect the liver from further damage resulting from alcohol abuse. Health-conscious individuals may find that milk thistle improves their health by removing toxic substances and harmful oxidants from the body. With the state of today's environment, almost everyone is exposed to pollutants on a daily basis. Milk thistle functions to protect the liver from harm by detoxifying the body. Athletes and bodybuilders may benefit from the use of milk thistle. Athletes and bodybuilders typically use many nutritional supplements at one time, in order to boost performance. The use of a number of supplements at one time may produce synergism that results in enormous stress being placed upon the liver. After a cycle of muscle growing products, pro-hormones, thermogenics, or any other supplement, athletes may find it helpful to allow the body to rest from supplementation, while taking milk thistle to promote liver health. Cycling supplements in an on-again-off-again manner, while using milk thistle in between, will ensure liver health and successful performance. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects? Side effects resulting from overdose can include: nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. To avoid these complications it is recommended that label directions be followed at all times. Contraindications: • If you have a liver disorder or are pregnant or lactating consult your health care practitioner prior to using Milk Thistle. • In clinical trials, milk thistle generally has few side effects. Occasionally, people report a laxative effect, upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating.