Milk thistle is widely known in the world of natural medicine due to its many benefits, especially its ability to cleanse the body of toxins and maintain liver health. Despite its numerous benefits, excessive use or consumption by some individuals can result in certain harms and side effects. Therefore, today we provide you with a comprehensive guide to the harms of milk thistle and the most important tips to follow to avoid them.

What is milk thistle and what are its most prominent benefits?

Milk thistle or wild artichoke is a flowering plant belonging to the daisy family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is characterized by its green leaves with white veins and its milky sap, which resembles milk, hence it was named milk thistle.

It contains silymarin, which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant compound, hence its many benefits, the most prominent of which are:

• Supporting liver health and protecting it from toxins.

• Lowering blood cholesterol levels for diabetics.

• Reducing bad cholesterol and promoting heart health.

• Boosting bile production to prevent gallstones.

• Strengthening the immune system and resisting inflammation.

• Improving skin health and delaying the appearance of aging signs.

• Supporting bone health and preventing osteoporosis.

• Improving cognition and preventing neurodegeneration.

Learn more about: What is milk thistle.

What are the uses of milk thistle?

Milk thistle is a plant that attracts the attention of doctors due to its unique properties and compounds, especially silymarin, which is considered one of the best elements responsible for most of its health benefits. Before we review the harms of milk thistle, let's learn about its most prominent benefits and uses:

• Milk thistle renews liver cells and improves their function for individuals suffering from damage caused by alcohol or chronic liver inflammation.

• When consumed, milk thistle helps lower blood sugar levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

• It has been used in folk medicine as a treatment for poisoning caused by the toxic Amanita phalloides mushroom.

• It also promotes bone formation and prevents osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women, thanks to its stimulating effect on bone mineralization.

• When consumed with other ingredients, it contributes to improving digestion and relieving bloating.

• Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces skin problems such as acne.

• Silymarin compounds can slow the growth of cancer cells and limit blood flow to tumors.

• Milk thistle may have a neuroprotective effect due to its antioxidant properties.

• Some research also shows that milk thistle consumption can stimulate prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production in lactating mothers.

What are the harms of milk thistle?

Despite the many benefits of milk thistle, using it without awareness or in large doses can cause some harms and side effects. Therefore, it is essential to know the harms of milk thistle to avoid any potential risks later:

• Gastrointestinal disturbances: Among the most common symptoms are mild to moderate digestive disturbances such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea or vomiting, bloating and gas, and some mild stomach pains.

• These symptoms usually appear at the beginning of use or when taking high doses, but they improve with reducing the amount or temporarily stopping the supplement.

• Allergy: Another harm of milk thistle is that it can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those who are sensitive to plants belonging to the daisy and aster families. Allergy symptoms include skin rash or itching, swelling of the face or lips, or shortness of breath in some severe cases.

• Potential risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Milk thistle is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as there is insufficient research on its safety in these cases. Some research has indicated that high doses of silymarin may cause uterine contractions leading to the risk of miscarriage or other complications.

• Low blood sugar: Although milk thistle may help improve the body's response to insulin, it can lead to an excessive drop in blood sugar levels if taken with blood sugar-lowering medications.

• Therefore, diabetics should monitor blood sugar levels regularly when using it, and a doctor should be consulted before starting to take it.

• Hormonal disturbances: It also contains compounds similar in structure to estrogen, and thus can lead to increased estrogen activity in the body. Therefore, it should be avoided in women with hormone-sensitive diseases or tumors.

• Headache and dizziness: Some people may experience mild headaches or dizziness when using a milk thistle supplement, especially at the beginning of use or when consumed in high doses.

• Changes in liver enzymes: Although milk thistle is ideal for supporting liver health, in some rare cases it can cause a temporary increase in liver enzyme levels in some users. Therefore, periodic liver function tests should be performed when used for long periods or in the presence of pre-existing liver diseases.

• Drug interactions: Milk thistle may interact with some medications and thus affect their absorption or effectiveness, most notably diabetes medications, anticoagulants, liver medications, immunosuppressants, and osteoporosis medications.

• Children and the elderly: It is not recommended for use by those under 18 years of age. For the elderly or those with chronic diseases, a doctor should be consulted and it should be used with caution.

What is the safe dose of milk thistle?

The safe daily dose of milk thistle in general, or silymarin extract in particular, ranges between 140-210 mg, divided into two or three doses, depending on your health condition and doctor's advice.

It is not recommended to exceed this daily amount to avoid the harms of milk thistle.

When should milk thistle use be stopped?

Milk thistle use should be stopped immediately if severe nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin, recurrent headaches, persistent dizziness, skin rash, or allergic symptoms occur. It is also important to adhere to the specialist doctor's instructions to prevent any side effects.

The best milk thistle dietary supplements

We now offer you from the Noor Organic Food store the best types of milk thistle dietary supplements that are completely safe for individuals' health when consumed in moderation:

Milk Thistle Extract

Milk Thistle Extract is a natural dietary supplement rich in silymarin compounds extracted from the milk thistle plant. Therefore, it supports liver health and enhances its vital functions. It is prepared without the use of alcohol to ensure the purity of its composition and preserve its many health benefits. It contains carefully selected natural ingredients and is free of alcohol and harmful substances to ensure quality and pure taste. Its liquid consistency is easy and quickly absorbed, so it can be added to various beverages.

It comes in a 30 ml package and can be stored in a cool, dry place out of reach of children. When consuming it, it is recommended to:

1. Shake the bottle well before use.

2. It is recommended to use 1-2 ml "approximately 30-61 drops" three times a day.

3. Add the dose to a small amount of water.

4. It is preferable to consume it before meals for best absorption.

Most frequently asked questions about the harms of milk thistle

What are the harms of milk thistle?

The harms include some side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and sometimes headaches. It can also affect blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Can milk thistle cause a rash?

A patient may experience a serious allergic reaction such as a rash, itching, or swelling, but this occurs rarely.

Does milk thistle cause itching?

When consumed in appropriate doses, it is safe for individuals' health, but its side effects may include diarrhea, bloating, itching, and others.

In conclusion, we have learned about the potential harms of milk thistle when consumed excessively or unhealthily. Therefore, be sure to acquire the best types from trusted sources and use it appropriately to ensure you reap its full health benefits without any side effects.