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Fat accumulation in your liver may be caused by two specific health problems: alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Fatty liver is the term used to refer to fat accumulation in the liver in the absence of liver cell damage.
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that up to 20 percent of people in the United States may have this health problem. Before using milk thistle to help treat your fatty liver, meet with your doctor to discuss all herb-related topics.
Fatty Liver
Fatty liver, or fatty infiltration of the liver, is a common health problem among obese individuals. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, approximately 67 percent of obese adults -- and 50 percent of obese children -- may have fatty liver. Fatty liver is commonly seen in people with diabetes or pre-diabetes, elevated blood pressure and increased levels of blood cholesterol and trigylcerides. In most cases, fatty liver does not cause easily observable signs or symptoms, although it may cause fatigue and abdominal pain in some individuals.
Plant Information
Milk thistle is a stout plant that thrives in dry, exposed areas. This plant, which is indigenous to North Africa, the Middle East and parts of the Mediterranean, possesses red or purple flowers and wide leaves that have white patches and contain a milky sap, or fluid. Milk thistle, a member of the daisy family, has a bitter taste. Numerous parts of this plant -- including its seeds, leaves and fruit -- contain nutrients and phytochemicals that may be useful in treating a variety of health complaints.
Herb Actions
Milk thistle performs numerous health actions within your body. According to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and author of "The Natural Pharmacy," milk thistle has historically been used to treat alcohol-related liver disease, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver and gallstones. Milk thistle is both an antioxidant and a hepatoprotective substance, meaning it helps safeguard the health of your liver. A larger body of scientific research evidence may be required to determine the true health benefits of this herb for reversing fatty liver.
Considerations
Although fatty liver may not cause any symptoms or easily observable health problems, it may increase your risk of liver cancer and should always be treated by a qualified health care practitioner. The use of herbal remedies, though a helpful adjunct therapy in treating numerous liver problems, does not guarantee a favorable health outcome. To better understand the role of herbs, including milk thistle, in treating your fatty liver, meet with a health care professional who specializes in botanical medicine.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
- American College of Gastroenterology: Fatty Liver Disease
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
http://www.livestrong.com/article/499930-milk-thistle-for-fatty-liver/
