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Does Milk Thistle Extract Lower The Liver Enzymes?

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Posted on Fri, 6 Oct 2017
Question: One of my liver enzymes is elevated due to a fatty liver--ALT. Can Milk Thistle herbal extract lower the enzyme and is it safe to take this herb for a certain period of time.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
thought to help some persons

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Fatty liver is one of the more common reasons for increased in liver enzymes.

Milk thistle has been said to protect the liver and also reduce damage due to fatty liver disease.
Because it is a herbal medication, in depth assessment with drug trials is not required so it is not possible to predict how effective it maybe.
Like all herbal or traditional medications, there are potential side effects that may or may not occur.
It can cause diarrhea, bloating or nausea in some persons, this may not occur for you.
Some studies have indicated that it can be used for at least up to 41 months.

If you are using any medications, make sure to check for interactions

It is good that you are trying to treat fatty liver.

You may need to continue looking at your diet, it has been found that reducing carbs actually reduce triglycerides and also helps with fatty liver
Excess carbs are converted to fat in the body and stored in the liver.

Physical activity may also helps as well

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Does Milk Thistle Extract Lower The Liver Enzymes?

Brief Answer: thought to help some persons Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Fatty liver is one of the more common reasons for increased in liver enzymes. Milk thistle has been said to protect the liver and also reduce damage due to fatty liver disease. Because it is a herbal medication, in depth assessment with drug trials is not required so it is not possible to predict how effective it maybe. Like all herbal or traditional medications, there are potential side effects that may or may not occur. It can cause diarrhea, bloating or nausea in some persons, this may not occur for you. Some studies have indicated that it can be used for at least up to 41 months. If you are using any medications, make sure to check for interactions It is good that you are trying to treat fatty liver. You may need to continue looking at your diet, it has been found that reducing carbs actually reduce triglycerides and also helps with fatty liver Excess carbs are converted to fat in the body and stored in the liver. Physical activity may also helps as well I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions