Gilbert's disease, sometimes called Gilbert's syndrome, is a liver disorder in which bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, accumulates in your blood. MedlinePlus indicates that the problem affects up to 10 percent of Caucasians in certain populations. Milk thistle is a traditional remedy that may help support your liver if you have Gilbert's disease. Discuss its use with your doctor to decide if it is right for you.
Causes and Symptoms
Gilbert's disease is a genetic disorder caused when you inherit two copies of an abnormal gene. This gene reduces levels of a liver enzyme that degrades bilirubin, so the compound builds up in your blood. Although there are often no symptoms, if bilirubin levels are very high you may experience jaundice, a yellowing of the skin, or abdominal pain and fatigue. Symptoms are especially likely when you have an illness such as the flu or when you are stressed or menstruating, or if you become dehydrated or diet to excess.
Milk Thistle
The milk thistle plant, or Silybum marianum, has been part of herbal medicine for thousands of years. The plant is named for the milky fluid produced when its leaves are crushed. Herbalists recommend milk thistle for many ailments, including liver and gallbladder problems. The plant contains several active components, including one called silymarin. Silymarin has been studied extensively and, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it has a number of positive effects on liver cells.
Properties
A group of natural chemicals called flavonoids make up silymarin. These compounds support liver cells by stabilizing their membranes and helping prevent potentially damaging substances from getting inside the cells. Silymarin is believed to stimulate liver cells to divide, helping the liver replace cells lost to injury or disease. It is also a potent antioxidant that suppresses inflammation, sometimes the result of stress placed on the liver.
Use in Gilbert's Disease
Although Gilbert's disease is usually not serious, it may cause symptoms when you are ill or under stress. Milk thistle may have significant benefit to your liver and help you avoid these problems. It is generally available as a supplement from most health food stores, standardized for its content of silymarin. Milk thistle is generally regarded as safe, although it may cause mild gastric upset in some people. Do not use the herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor about milk thistle before adding it to your regimen.
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