Milk Thistle benefits

[elpasolady]

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2008/08/hep_c_quality_o.html

FYI....This link  from Hepatitis C Central explains the advantages of taking Milk Thistle for anyone with Hep C, including taking it during treatment.  I just wanted to pass this on if any of you are currently NOT taking this supplement.  I have been taking this for years and am convinced that it has helped me.
I hope this helps someone out there!

[cheesenrice]

hmmm thats what i was told by - u guessed it - another leading hepatologist

[Susan_1a_CC]

I don't think that there is any clinical proof that ML aids in achieving SVR.

I take a number of supplements all of which were medically okayed prior to starting the trial I am in.  The only thing that I was told not to take were corticosteriods.  I took supplements before tx and I was glad to take them during tx in order to offer my liver what support I could.  As far as meds staying in the liver as long as possible - I am reminded of when I read so much on here that one needed to take riba w/ a high fat food.  I tried that and didn't do well - the study nurse assured me that the riba dosage was based on a normal diet.

It's tricky making one's way through tx and can be even tougher if we read about something here and suddenly think that we aren't doing all we can to help ourselves.  One of the great things about this forum is how quickly one gets called to substantiate medical claims.  I sure learned that early on ;).

[James10500]

I said SVR.

hmmm take the advise of a leading hepatologist or some anonymous person off the internet, let me think.  After much consideration I'll stick with Everson's advice, thanks though.

[cheesenrice]

they have done clinical trials with silymarin - it does have antiviral properties - the injectable form is far more effective than the pills - there is no proof that it benefits or hinders inf/riba tx

[James10500]

Someone please post a clinical study that says taking ML during tx increases SVR.  Taking unregulated herbs while on tx...because you "think" it will help, maybe not so smart.

I wanted those meds in my liver around my liver as long as possible.  Taking an herb that artificially increases the livers ability to clean, sounds risky.

So on this thread we have two of the countries leading hepatologists Deb's Dr. J, and my doc Everson telling people don't take it during tx.  And armchair docs on a forum saying go for it.

[Susan_1a_CC]

FWIW, it's my understanding that ALA is the precurser of glutathione and it is cheaper than glutathione.