posted
I am relatively new to all this... is milk thistle a must? How much should I take? Thanks!
Posts: 77 | From MD | Registered: Mar 2009
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
It's highly recommended. 175mg daily at a minimum and make sure that it contains a high percentage of Silymarin.
DaVinci Labs makes a nice product.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
Highly recommended. I did not take liver support for 1 year and my enzymes are completely out of whack. my llmd had to put my treatment on hold until the levels are back on to normal.
The good news is that after 10 days of Milk thistle, my markers are almost back to normal.
I would say from experience, it is as important as probiotics
Tony
-------------------- Dx 3/2008 Pos. WB and Bart- igenex Levequin 500 mg March 2008 Amox 6000 mg - May 2008 Doxy 400 mg - June - oct Biaxin and Flagly 1000 each, oct-dec Zitro, Malarone and Flagly Jan - feb Remission for 6 months Relapse Sept 2009 zithro/flagyl Posts: 130 | From canada | Registered: Mar 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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You MUST have liver support. The toxins from lyme are very hard on the liver and the treatment, too, is stressful for it.
Liver support may change, depending upon certain meds that you are on but you always must have liver support of some kind. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
. . . Individual variations in our cytochrome P40 enzymes help to demystify why there are so many variations in how we respond to drugs and herbs. . . .
- Full chapter at link above.
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There are hundreds of herbs that can help liver function. A couple dozen are discussed here:
The important thing to remember is that the liver is a hot (metabolically active) organ, and so tends to get congested and inflamed.
. . .
Protection
Turmeric root, wheat sprouts, schisandra berries, amla fruit, beet root and milk thistle seed are among the major sources of protective anti-oxidants for the liver cells, as are fruits that contain flavonoids, especially citrus fruits.
These should be used to prevent development of inflammatory disease, or for damage protection as in the case of persons taking strong chemical drugs or undergoing chemotherapy.
Deficiency
The liver can become weakened and deficient. If this is not corrected, it can lead to liver atrophy and depletion of glycogen stores, even hepatitis. Signs include fatigue, low blood pressure, hypoglycemia, dry eyes, headache, heat symptoms and irritability . . . .
Heat and Inflammation
To remove excess liver inflammation with heat signs or toxins . . . .
. . .
Pain
If there is liver inflammation with signs of pain and tension, use herbs that calm the liver and move the blood . . . .
This, from a protocol for Chlamydia Pneumonia (Cpn) which is a similar chronic stealth infection. This treatment protocol is also similar to that of chronic lyme.
This is what one of the protocol authors says about the power of NAC to help protet the liver:
. . . "Surprisingly, the only anti-chlamydial agent that did not cause hepatitis in some patients was NAC. In fact, NAC is recognized as being protective.
See attached references.
My conclusion is that NAC should be the first agent in an anti-chlamydial regimen and should be a constant part of the therapy for this protective effect, not to mention it's effect against elementary bodies.
Liver Protection: Laying the Foundation for Optimal Hepatic Health - By Kathy E. Acquistapace, DC, NHP, CNC
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If you have a good LL ND (naturopathic doctor) near you, that can be a help. A good LL L.Ac (acupuncturist), too. Your LLMD or your local lyme support group may have names.
They MUST be LL, in my opinion, even if a support to your LLMD. Lyme presents a very unique puzzle and if they are not LL, it can be a waste of your time. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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More specific to lyme patients, be sure to read from these two authors regarding supplements:
posted
Look up recent research, in Japan I think regarding L-Carnitine and liver health.
Posts: 8 | From near earth orbit | Registered: Mar 2009
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