In this article, you will get to know about what can milk thistle for gout. Can it be beneficial for the condition, or is it the other way around? Read on to this article and you’ll see the answer!
Milk Thistle for Gout: The Herb
Also known as the Silybum marianum, milk thistle is an herbal plant that comes from the very same plant family as a daisy. The milk thistle actually grows in the Mediterranean countries and is used in making various natural remedies for various conditions.
This particular prickly plant has very distinctive purple flowers and white veins. Traditional stories say that these white veins are caused by a drop of the Virgin Mary’s milk onto the plant’s leaves. Moreover, the active ingredients in the milk thistle are a group of plant compounds that are collectively known as the silymarin.
The herbal remedy of the herb is what they usually call as the milk thistle extract. The milk thistle extract has a high level of silymarin, which has been concerted from the plant itself. Moreover, the silymarin that’s extracted from the milk thistle is known to have antiviral, antioxidant, as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
In the actual fact, it has been beneficial to treat various gallbladder and liver conditions. It also helps in promoting breast milk production, protect the liver from alcohol, environmental poisons, snake bites, etc., and even prevent and treat various type of cancer.
The different parts of the milk thistle plant may be beneficial in treating various health conditions, the most common of which is the liver problems. There are also some who claim that milk thistle may treat:
- Gallbladder conditions
- Hepatitis
- Jaundice
- Cirrhosis
Some other possible health benefits of the milk thistle include protecting the heart health, managing type 2 diabetes, as well as gout.
Milk Thistle for Gout: Effectiveness for gout
The silymarin flavonoid in the seed of the milk thistle is the main active ingredient of it. It is both a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, thus making it beneficial for those who suffer from gout. Moreover, the milk thistle, itself is a powerful antioxidant, which may be beneficial in strengthening the kidneys and the liver. This is done through the stimulation of protein synthesis in the cells. Some say that it is more potent than the vitamins E and C. nevertheless, it is significant to first consult with your doctor as the milk thistle may work on the liver, and may interact with various gout medications.
Milk Thistle for Gout: Gout and the Liver
What the milk thistle does the best is that it detoxifies the body via breaking down and eliminating the toxic substances. However, the caution is that over a period of time, continuously elevated levels of uric acid in the body may cause a progressive liver disease that may cause metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress. These are important factors, which may worsen gout. The body needs a healthy liver to be able to metabolize the uric acid before the kidneys pass it through the urine. In the event that the liver is not functioning at 100%, the uric acid builds up may cause a gout attack. Therefore, for those who suffer from gout, it is very important to keep the liver healthy. That is what the milk thistle can do for you.
Milk Thistle for Gout: Other Benefits
Aside from the aforementioned benefit of milk thistle for gout, here are some other benefits of it for the health, in general:
- Helps in boosting the immunity
- Improves the cognition
- Helps support the bone health
- Limits the spread of various types of cancer
- Helps in improving the symptoms of allergic asthma
- Reduces the insulin resistance
- Helps support weight loss
- Help reduce the cholesterol levels
- Promotes skin health
- Helps in supporting the liver health
- Help treat acne
- May lower blood sugar levels
Milk Thistle for Gout: Conclusion
Just like anything, you should ask your doctor first before consuming milk thistle. As it may react with the gout medications that you are taking. By the way, you may take it orally through supplements or even as a tea. Moreover, try including this amazing herb in your gout diet, and be amazed at what it can do for you!
