milk Thistle..

[jane1]

Hi...just a question...:)....i have for the past few years at xmas had a bit too drink ...so i have always taken milk thistle for a month to help my liver....can i still take it this xmas:blink:......dx with lupus..no organ involvment yet...:wink2:...
Also...if you have liver probs could u take it any way....?? i would appreciate your advice....jane:wink2:

[Lily]

Hi Jane

I think that those questions are best left for your doctor. He knows all your health issues and what meds you are on which may interact with milk thistle.

Heres an article from Drug Digest and over on the right hand side of the page it will take you to a page where you can type in all your current meds and check for interactions. I would not rely on that totally either, nothing can replace sound medical advice.

http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsTake/0,3927,551935%7CMilk%2BThistle,00.html

love
Lily

[helloos]

Hmmm...

I know that when I drink just a glass or two of alcohol I end up paying for a few weeks. The day I drink it I am fine, it is the after effect.

If I had liver problems, I would not drink. I agree that you should definitely ask your doc. I understand that it really does stink not to be able to have a few drinks when everyone else is and you want to too, but you need to do what is right for you - health wise.

My house is full on xmas and adults do have drinks. If I do have a drink, it will only be one or two and that will be all. Then I will pay the consequences. But if my blood work showed that liver functions or kidney, etc. or the medication I was on, I would not chance it unless I was told that I could have a glass of wine or something like that.

Whatever the choice, it is best to drink water inbetween to help flush it out.

[Clare.T]

Hi Jane

Try as I might, I can't understand the logic of drinking, ( 'a bit too drink') then worrying you have damaged your liver and taking some herbal to undo any damage.

The only 'best 'advice any reputable doctor can give is not to drink if you are on any medication because virtually all the meds have a greater or lesser risk of affecting the liver.

Most of them know nothing at all about herbal remedies. They also have to consider liability or negligence issues and their professional reputation.

I have found that the times I am not drinking for some reason, I can get the same stimulant effect with non alcoholic beverages if the company is good enough. And if it isn't, why drink to make up for it

The only difference is that I then have less than zero tolerance for people who do get smashed out of their minds. Luckily I know my own limitations because I hate feeling ill. To me it's rather like people regularly over eating food they know disagrees with them, then taking anti acids or whatever to make them feel better.

Tae good care of yourself Jane

Clare

[jane1]

Hi...many thanks for your advice...i do only have a couple at xmas...and i also add lemonade..:lol:...Its the only time i would consider a drink...i wouldnt want to add to my problems...:eek:...jane

[mandynor]

Hi jane,
Each of us is different, and what "a bit to drink" might do to you could be very different than what it may do to someone else. my doctor gave me the 'okay' to have a drink from time to time...on special occasions...and so far, i've not had any bad reactions from it. i have taken milk thistle in the past with no side effects....it is supposed to help support your liver. but again, all herbs and drugs do not mix, so be careful and talk to your doctor about it first. good luck and happy holidays!
mandy

[jane1]

Hi...thanks for the reply....i think i actually worded the first thread a little wrong...:blush:...i think it sounded like i am a raving lunitic when it comes to xmas?!!:eek:....my gp say drink on occasions...i was only interested in other peoples opinions...many thanks and have a healthy xmas...jane;)

[Nanoflower]

Hi jane,

I understand exactly how you feel about having a bit to drink over Christmas. I have problems with alcohol, but do enjoy just a shot of Baileys or mulled wine during the festive season. I personally prefer the preventative path rather than trying to control the after affects in January, and happily share what works for me.

I take a good multivitamin and mineral daily for the month of December since good liver functioning is dependant on an adequate supply of required nutrients. I also take a high quality anti-oxidant daily all year round which I keep taking over Christmas. I also take a potassium supplement to tip the acid-alkaline balance toward the alkaline side, which is important for detoxification.

I find that dietary changes help a bunch. I eat plenty of raw fruit and vegetables and make veggie juices and fruit smoothies coming up and during Christmas and particularly indulge in cruciferous vegetables which are rich in glucosinolates, which supports the liver conjugation pathways.

I also limit other substances which interfere with liver functioning, like caffeine, cigarette smoke, saturated fat, chargrill meats and stick to organic produce as much as I can afford to.

I am not on any medication that could interfere with any of these adjustments though, and they work really well for me.

Best of luck on finding your way to embrace moderation. nanoflower.

[jane1]

many thanks nanoflower.....:ohno:..i dont smoke and i dont drink coffee....so am ok on that bit.:)......jane