Body detox - ibs

For ibs liver detoxification and repair. MILK THISTLE

Another herb with many uses in helping the liver and which also has a good clinical history is milk thistle [SHymarin') . This contains some of ibs the most potent liver-protective substances known, and the concentration of these components is highest in the fruit.

Milk thistle's effect in protecting against liver destruction relates to its ability to inhibit the ibs fac­tors responsible for the damage - free radicals (leukotrienes) . The herb's components prevent free radical damage by acting as antioxidants; these are many times more potent than the components in vitamin E. ibs

The liver can also suffer some damage from oxi­dised leukotriene action. These oxidised leukotrienes are produced by the transfer of oxy­gen to a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and Silymann inhibits their formation. Perhaps ibs the most interest­ing effect of milk thistle components on the liver is their ability to stimulate protein synthesis: this result in an increase in new liver cells to replace damaged old ones.

ibs The action of Silymarin against liver damage has been demonstrated in a number of experimental clinical studies. Perhaps the most impressive of these protective effects works against the severe toxicity of the deathcap ibs mushroom (Amanf'fa phal-loides) , an effect which has long been recognised in folk medicine. Studies have shown that if adminis­tered before ingestion of deathcap mushroom, the plant is 100 per cent effective in ibs preventing poisoning.

Even if given ten minutes after eating the fungus, it still completely counteracts the toxic effect. If given within 24 hours, Silymarin will prevent death and greatly reduce the amount ibs of liver damage.

Milk thistle is also known to have positive effects in treating several liver diseases, including cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. People often take it before and after drinking, as it ibs can help reduce the symptoms of a hangover and can certainly reduce potential risk to the liver.

Milk thistle and dandelion are available often in combination, either in tincture or tablets. With ibs both you could take one or two tablets a day for good liver maintenance, or 10-20 drops of tincture. Alternatively, if there was a liver problem or skin problem caused by stones, psoriasis ibs or eczema, you could take much higher levels. Most commonly, milk thistle is standardised to contain 70 to 80 per cent Silymarin, and for treatment you should take about 420mg in three divided ibs doses. Once improvement occurs the maintenance dose is 280mg daily and may be used for long term treat­ment-If you are not sure how to work this out, manu­facturers will often tell you the ibs Silymarin content per tablet, either on the front or the back of the bottle. For instance, if it is a milk thistle extract that contains 70 per cent Silymarin , take 200mg of ibs the extract three times a day. An 80 per cent extract would require 170mg of the extract three times a day. Remember, milk thistle regenerates injured liver cells and helps them re-establish nor­mal ibs function. It also strengthens the liver cells' antioxidant defenses, which are impaired by alco­hol abuse.

So, if you are on the occasional weekend binge, try to remember not to combine alcohol with ibs large amounts of animal fats and saturated fats, and give your liver a somewhat easier time. The other thing that is worth avoiding is the temptation the morn­ing after to have a glass ibs of grapefruit juice. It has been found that there are enzymes in the grape-fruit which can encourage the toxins to enter the liver, so if you reach for a fruit juice, take any ibs other than grapefruit.

There are many other herbs and nutrients which will help with liver function; I have concentrated on milk thistle and dandelion as they are readily available and seem to ibs be the most effective. And if you want to do an annual detox, detoxification - these herbs can help you on your way. If you work in a polluted environment, perhaps live in ibs London or a big city, then you may want to consider taking them on a regular basis, or just as a supportive tonic, maybe for two or three weeks of the month.

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