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Milk thistle may help in the prevention
of gallbladder disorders, such as formation
of gallstones. The gallbladder is a small
organ located behind the liver that acts
as a repository for bile. Bile is a secretion
produced by the liver and stored in the
gallbladder. Bile is comprised of some
of the waste produced as the liver cleanses
the body and includes expired blood cells,
metabolic waste and environmental toxins
that have somehow entered the body. It
also contains an emulsifying-type agent.
Once it is formed, bile moves from the
liver to the gall bladder, then on to
the intestines. In the intestines, it
acts to break down fats and lubricates
bowel movements before being expelled
by the body. When we consume a high fat
meal, for example, the gall bladder releases
additional bile into the intestines to
help break the fats down for expulsion.
Cholesterol gallstones are a collection
of fat molecules and other waste matter
that clump together and can cause blockages.
There are also pigment stones made up
of calcium salts and other compounds,
which have the appearance of sand. When
the smaller pigment stones irritate the
gallbladder, it is known as a sludgy gallbladder
or dyskinetic gallbladder. Gallstones
may be undetectable, called silent, causing
no symptoms whatsoever. About 80% of gallstones
are of the cholesterol variety while the
remaining 20% are pigment stones.
By adding milk thistle to your diet,
you may help your body produce more bile,
thereby reducing your chances of developing
gallstones or other gallbladder disorders.
Since bile acts as a natural laxative,
any increase in its production is going
to help cleanse the body by eliminating
waste matter and preventing the formation
of gallstones. No one is certain why gallstones
occur, or why some people develop them
and some do not. The reason may be a combination
of genetics, ethnicity, obesity and any
number of other factors.
Though side effects are uncommon, pregnant
women and young children should not take
milk thistle without checking with their
healthcare professional first. Those with
allergies to asters and related flowers
should avoid milk thistle as a severe
allergic reaction may occur.
As always, consult your healthcare professional
before adding any supplement to your diet.
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