Cirrhosis and Alcoholic Liver Disease: CAM Therapies for Specific Conditions

• Milk thistle has been used since the eighteenth century to treat jaundice, and more recently hepatitis and cirrhosis, for increasing the production of bile used to break down fats, and detoxification of pollutants, toxins, and chemicals in the liver through promoting the production of antioxidant enzymes. It is a powerful antioxidant and liver protective as well as reparative since it seems to stimulate the growth of new liver cells. Usual dosage for supplements is 140 mg of 70 percent silymarin taken twice a day with meals. Milk thistle can result in loose stools at high doses. If symptoms persist, fiber compounds such as pectin, guar gum, psyllium, or oat bran may be used, to avoid this laxative side effect.

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From THE BEST ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: WHAT WORKS? WHAT DOES NOT? by Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier.
Copyright © 2000 by Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier, Inc.
Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc., New York, New York.

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Unless otherwise indicated, Dr. Kenneth R. Pelletier. All Rights Reserved.
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