Milk thistle

[Amberc14]

Hi has anyone had good reviews with milk thistle have Ast gone down with anyone

[Ph1ldad]

I used this for twelve months after being diagnosed with hep C and cirrhosis. It had no effect on either the condition of the liver, the blood results or symptoms. I decided that this was another "magic" cure put out by the herbal groups who believe in witchcraft or making money at the expense of us worried, gullible ill folk who would grasp any atraw to help lengthen their lives.

[janey_babs]

My specialist told me there was no scientific evidence to say it improves anything. Ask your specialist if it will do any harm.....if not then it's your choice if you want to give it a bash. I'm a firm believer that sometimes these things help even if it just settles your mind.

[Amberc14]

I've been drinking it and my Ast has come down slowly I'm hoping it come down more just wondering if anyone has good things to say about it

[briccolone]

as others say there's no scientific evidence it helps but I can tell you that in Italy milk thistle is heavily prescribed by the medical community not just quack groups for liver related conditions as is a a diet rich in artichokes. I've used it a lot myself-difficult to say if there's been any improvement?

[Amberc14]

I'm hoping when I have more bloods my Ast goes down again it was a doctor in Canada that told he gives it to his patients with liver problems

[Amberc14]

You've just been tested for hepatitis to rule it out. My doctor said it's very unlikely I have it as only my Ast is raised has been for a while but hasn't raised above 40 and now it's 38 so I think milk thistle is helping...... Anyone with hepatitis does only Ast raise or would others be raised

[LyndaLynda]

The Milk Thistle question is frequently raised. The opinion of hepatoligists in the UK seems to be - it won't do you any good but it won't do you any harm, you can take it if you want. So personally I believe that if the doctors have nothing to do for your liver disease that can help you you might just as well try it. Buy it from a reliable source. It is widely used in some European countries. Hepatologist in the UK don't like 'alternative therapies', because the content of the pills is not regulated in the same way as prescription drugs, so there may be substances in them that can harm the liver. They would never agree with you taking Chinese Medicine.

[Amberc14]

I'm drinking the milk thistle detox tea. By doctor s...... My Ast wasn't going down before but I've been drinking it and within a couple week went from 39 to 38 so will see what's happend next week

[Caramberman]

Milk Thistle is reportedly used for detoxification of the liver, so it aids the natural "cleansing" process which is always fighting against bad diets, over-eating, over drinking and lack of exercise and that is assuming we have no other illness. AST is a liver enzyme and as liver cells naturally die they go in the blood stream and break up AST is released. If you have high AST then it is likely your liver cells are dieing at a faster rate. Basically, you should check with your doctor, but I would say Milk Thistle is only one thing that can help but it cannot be effective on its own. You cannot drink alcohol and at the end of the day take Milk Thistle and say "OK I am good" Take Milk Thistle but also work on diet, level of alcohol and definitely do exercise. Again I am assuming you do not have hepititus or another illness.

[Hidden in reply to Caramberman]

Agreed, lifestyle change with support with milk thistle is effective

[Amberc14]

I'm not sure sure what's caused it or why it's going going down slowly I I do eat lots of takeaways sweets and chocolate... I've stopped drinking wasn't wasn't drinking much before I don't don't no much much about Ast but my liver Ast is suppose suppose be 30..... It's 40.. 39....38 so so slowly going down my other liver tests are fine.