We love our cocktails, but we should take care of our livers. Research has shown that milk thistle has proven to be effective in protecting the liver from damage from alcohol. The website for The University of Maryland Medical Center (Milk thistle) states that today "several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol," and that "five of seven studies evaluating milk thistle for alcoholic liver disease found significant improvements in liver function."
Photo is provided for reference only and is not an endorsement of any product.
These studies suggest that milk thistle and its active substance, silymarin can be effective in protecting the liver from minor damage, but it is less effective with more serious damage such as cirrhosis. The same web page states that "Cirrhosis is characterized by scarring and permanent, non-reversible
damage to the liver. It is often referred to as end-stage liver
disease." Needless to say it is wise to be temperate and to not over-indulge.
Milk thistle and its active substance silymarin is widely available as a dietary supplement.
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