Gilbert's Syndrome And Milk Thistle

Gilbert's Syndrome is a genetic liver disorder that elevates bilirubin levels in the blood. This disease has mild symptoms, the most common being jaundice. Milk thistle is a plant that both prevents and treats liver pathology. Milk thistle benefits more-severe liver disorders, such as hepatitis, cancer and cirrhosis. The active ingredient is silymarin, a flavonoid found in the seeds. Because of its ability to increase liver function, milk thistle is effective in relieving symptoms of Gilbert's Syndrome.

Gilbert's Syndrome

Gilbert's Syndrome is a benign liver disease that causes bilirubin to accumulate in the blood. Bilirubin is found in bile, a digestive fluid made by the liver. When you have too much bilirubin, jaundice, a yellowish pigmentation of the skin and eyes, may occur. Jaundice is one of the most recognizable symptoms of Gilbert's Syndrome. Other symptoms may include fatigue, nausea and indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, liver and gall bladder pain, headaches, poor memory and emotional upset. Symptoms are exacerbated by stress, illness, low-calorie diet, dehydration, strenuous exercise and menstruation.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a plant that can treat jaundice, hepatitis and cirrhosis. It improves liver function, it may have the potential of treating certain cancers, and it may be used as an antidote to the poison of the deathcap mushroom. The active ingredient in milk thistle is a flavonoid called silymarin, which protects the liver from toxins and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Silymarin may help the liver repair damaged cells and prevent their destruction by removing free radicals and other toxic substances. In a study reported in "Toxicological Substances" in 2004, mycotoxins that cause liver and kidney cancer were introduced to female mice. The results showed that silymarin protected the liver injury by increasing liver cell regeneration.

Milk Thistle Precautions

Milk thistle may cause mild side effects, such as upset stomach and diarrhea. It should not be used by anyone pregnant or breast-feeding, nor should it be used by those with a history of breast, uterine or prostate cancer. Milk thistle may interfere with certain medications because both are broken down by the same liver enzymes. Talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle with antipsychotics, allergy drugs, cholesterol medications and statins, blood thinners and anticoagulants.

Milk Thistle and Gilbert's Syndrome

Though Gilbert's Syndrome is considered a benign disorder, it has many of the same symptoms as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Milk thistle alleviates the symptoms but is not considered a cure because of the disease's genetic nature. Milk thistle helps the liver function more efficiently by increasing cell regeneration, stimulating bile production and relieving inflammation. Because milk thistle assists in stimulating the liver with more severe conditions, it is highly effective in relieving the symptoms of Gilbert's Syndrome.

Gilbert's Syndrome and Milk Thistle