Does milk thistle help with chemo?

Several small studies have looked at whether milk thistle can be used to decrease side effects of cancer treatment. A randomized clinical trial in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia found that silymarin decreased the side effects of chemotherapy on the liver without harming the cancer treatment.

Is milk thistle good for cancer patients?

It is not a treatment for cancer. The medicinal compound in milk thistle is silymarin, an extract of milk thistle seeds. Milk thistle might help to treat some liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. More research is needed before we will know if milk thistle can help prevent or treat cancer.

What cancers does milk thistle help?

Human clinical trials have investigated milk thistle or silymarin primarily in individuals with hepatitis or cirrhosis, although small studies have been reported about individuals with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, prostate cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

How can I protect my liver during chemo?

What are the best supplements to take during chemotherapy?

Selenium, folic acid and probiotics have been found to be safe for use during chemotherapy treatment.

How to Reduce the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

What supplements should be avoided during chemo?

Echinacea, curcumin, St. John's wort, valerian root, and allium (an extract of garlic) — all are examples of herbal supplements that can disrupt the toxicity-efficacy balance of chemotherapy.

How can I make my chemo stronger?

Who should not take milk thistle?

Milk thistle should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. People with a history of hormone-related cancers, including breast, uterine, and prostate cancer, should not take milk thistle. DO NOT take milk thistle if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, chamomile, yarrow, or daisies.

Does milk thistle help your liver?

Milk thistle helps stop oxidative stress and free radical damage in the liver. Research shows milk thistle restores damaged cells. Silymarin also protects the liver against damage from alcohol and some prescription drugs.

Can chemo damage liver be reversed?

Clinical manifestations of chemotherapy-induced liver damage are diverse, ranging from slight liver function abnormalities to severe cases of toxic hepatitis or fulminant hepatic failure. Hepatic toxicity is generally reversible [3], but may still cause fibrosis or cirrhosis if discontinued.

What does milk thistle cure?

Historically, people have used milk thistle for liver disorders and gallbladder problems. Milk thistle is promoted as a dietary supplement for hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, diabetes, indigestion, and other conditions.

When is the best time to take milk thistle?

For Milk thistle, using it on an empty stomach (at least 15 minutes before food) makes it work faster than after meals. If the person has a very sensitive liver and tend to over-react it is a very good idea to take it after meals to buffer reactions.

What organs does milk thistle help?

What Is Milk Thistle Used For? People have traditionally used milk thistle for problems with the liver and gallbladder . Experts believe silymarin is the primary active ingredient of the herb. Silymarin is an antioxidant compound taken from milk thistle seeds.

Should breast cancer patients avoid milk thistle?

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Milk thistle extracts might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use these extracts.

Does milk thistle herb protect cancer patients from chemotherapy associated liver toxicity?

A new study finds that the herb milk thistle may help treat liver inflammation in cancer patients who receive chemotherapy. The study indicates that the herb could allow patients to take potent doses of chemotherapy without damaging their liver.

How do you stop chemo nausea naturally?

Eat bland foods, such as dry toast and crackers. Eat food cold or at room temperature to decrease its smell and taste. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy, or very sweet foods. Try small amounts of foods high in calories that are easy to eat (such as pudding, ice cream, sherbets, yogurt, and milkshakes) several times a day.

What are the negative side effects of milk thistle?

How much milk thistle should you take to heal your liver?

Milk thistle is marketed as capsules or tablets containing ethanol extracted silymarin in amounts of 250 to 750 mg and is purported to be beneficial for liver disease, including alcoholic and viral liver disease. The daily dosage varies but it is typically taken 2 to 3 times daily.

How long does it take for milk thistle to work on liver?

Early research shows that taking milk thistle extract by mouth for up to one year, or taking a product containing the milk thistle constituent silybin plus phosphatidylcholine by mouth for 1 week, improves liver function tests. But other research shows no benefit.

How long can you safely take milk thistle?

Milk thistle is considered safe in dosages of 420 mg/day orally in divided doses for up to 41 months.

Does milk thistle detox your body?

Milk thistle (Silymarin marianum) is a well-known herbal therapeutic commonly used for liver support. It supports detoxification through enhancing liver as well as kidney and pancreatic function.

What helps chemo weakness?

Different activities and therapies

Exercise, yoga, massage therapy, counseling, and dietary or nutritional counseling are all used to help treat fatigue and weakness. If you're having problems sleeping or sleeping too much, your doctor or nurse may suggest sleep therapy.

What foods help with chemo fatigue?

Include iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, beans, fortified cereals, and red meat in your diet. Also focus on foods high in vitamin C like strawberries and citrus fruit, which help your body absorb iron. But don't take a supplement without first checking with your doctor.

What gives you energy after chemo?

Drinking lots of fluids and eating well can help keep your energy reserves up. If nausea and vomiting make it hard to eat, talk to your doctor about these side effects. Get moving. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, riding a bike and swimming, throughout the week may help you preserve your energy level.