Review of Milk Thistle Extract for Psoriasis Relief

Milk thistle is an herb that contains a variety of nutrient and phytochemical ingredients. Many use milk thistle for psoriasis, but is it really effective?

Some of the most valuable nutrients found in this plant include but are not limited to essential fatty acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.

Milk thistle also has a number of phytochemicals, including silymarin, silybin, beta-carotene, and more. It is thought to support good health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A number of naturopathic physicians recommend milk thistle for those diagnosed with psoriasis, most especially to reduce the frequency of outbreaks.

Milk Thistle

Herbal Supplement

Liver Health

Detox

Longevity

How It Works:

• Supports liver health & detox
• Anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
• Improves insulin sensitivity & cholesterol

Dosage:

Between 140 - 800 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Milk Thistle for Psoriasis Relief

Psoriasis is classified as a chronic skin condition that presents with the development of itchy, red and patches of thick and silvery colored scales.

An autoimmune disorder is believed to contribute to psoriasis. It is not contagious, but flare-ups are, not only frustrating, but embarrassing to those experiencing them.

Today, the majority of clinical trials involving milk thistle have revolved around potential cancer treatments or in treatments of individuals diagnosed with liver disease.

To date, clinical trials examining the use of milk thistle as a treatment for psoriasis are lacking, but many are convinced of its effectiveness in relieving the severity and frequency of psoriasis outbreaks.

Actions and Benefits of Milk Thistle

In addition to the possible benefits of milk thistle for psoriasis, the herb and its components are believed to protect the liver from pollutants and toxins by preventing damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals seek out and destroy healthy cells through oxidation. Milk thistle is also hypothesized to stimulate the production of new liver cells.

A number of studies have been conducted to review the use of milk thistle for adrenal, gallbladder, and inflammatory bowel disorders. It has also been studied for its efficacy in psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases caused by a weakened or compromised immune system. When it comes to psoriasis, milk thistle is believed to enhance the breakdown of substances that lead to a psoriasis flare-up or outbreak.

How to Take Milk Thistle Extract

Milk thistle, because of its poor water solubility, is not especially effective as a tea, and is recommended in concentrated capsule, tablet, or extract forms. The active ingredient in milk thistle include several varieties of flavonoids, otherwise known as very powerful antioxidants. In the case of milk thistle, these flavonoids are collectively defined as silymarin.

Silymarin is thought to increase the production of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, as well as powerful antioxidant enzymes in the body. Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme responsible for reducing cellular destruction and the revitalization of cells.

Its main job is to neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing the inflammation and flare-ups often associated with a psoriasis outbreak. Superoxide dismutase also enhances the body’s ability to use some of the nutrients in milk thistle, including zinc and manganese. Levels of these nutrients often decrease in the body as we age.

Recommended Dosage

When taking milk thistle for psoriasis, discuss efficacy and dosage with a physician or other licensed health care provider.

The same goes for dosage recommendations for other conditions including diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcohol or toxic damage caused by drug abuse, as well as hepatitis.

Dosage considerations will be based on age, weight, and overall health and wellness of the individual. A daily dose generally ranges between 12 and 15 g of milk thistle but the equivalent in milligrams of silymarin range between 200 to 400 mg, depending on the brand.

As a natural alternative approach to psoriasis, milk thistle extracts of two capsules twice daily for approximately 12 weeks is recommended. This is recommended in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially those that contain high amounts of carotenoids.

Additional Considerations

When considering the use of milk thistle for psoriasis, be sure to discuss use, dosage, and efficacy with a dermatologist. The best milk thistle products are found in silymarin gel caps. Milk thistle taken in the form of teas, tinctures, or seeds is generally less effective because the concentration of silymarin is reduced in this form.

Milk thistle is generally well tolerated. Some of the minor side effects can include abdominal cramps, mild diarrhea, sensations of nausea, and sometimes, vomiting. These symptoms are most often associated with the non-gel cap or tablet forms.

Individuals taking prescription medications for liver diseases, hepatitis, diabetes, and cancer drugs should always discuss use of milk thistle, and indications or contraindications with a doctor before use. When using milk thistle for psoriasis, follow label instructions or the advice of a dermatologist for optimal benefits and relief of psoriasis symptoms.

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