In the process of getting those aesthetically pleasing muscles and building their strength, some athletes tend to consume supplements which may be hazardous to their liver. One of the reasons for this could be excessive use of supplementation.
However, there are others like increased alcohol consumption, irregular food intake and this is especially the case with foods high in protein, and environmental factors.
As someone who is into bodybuilding, fitness and well-being, I like to keep Milk Thistle in my supplement stack.
You might be wondering just what Milk Thistle is and before I explain, let me issue a disclaimer. Results from clinical trials have been conflicting and as I am not a health care provider, you should consult with your doctor before starting this or any supplement.
It is known that the liver is the storehouse of all the nutrients and all the important processes begin from the liver. The first sign and symptoms of liver damage that athletes might observe would be elevated levels of ALT and AST (liver enzymes) in their blood. Many bodybuilders also see the liver damage symptoms like jaundice, which often occurs due to an abnormal buildup of bilirubin. Bilirubin is formed when red blood cells break down. Since it can’t be excreted in the bile, it basically backs up into the body and causes yellowing of skin and eyes.
This is a clear warning to stop excessive use of supplementations which are not certified to be safe for consumption and have steroids or harmful substances.
According to my understanding, Milk Thistle could effectively cleanse the liver. Its active compound Silymarin plays the role of cleansing the liver which gets overloaded with toxic materials. Silymarin is a flavonoid complex containing silybin, silydianin, and silychrisin, which has several other functions.
Milk Thistle is touted as being able to improve liver function and treat gallbladder disorder. It is also a powerful antioxidant; it keeps your heart healthy and protects against free radical damage.
In this way, Milk Thistle helps in boosting the stamina of athletes by removing toxic materials and maintaining a proper antioxidant level in the body.
Side effects have been observed with Milk Thistle consumption. While it appears safe when taken orally in appropriate doses, Milk thistle can cause gastrointestinal issues, itchiness and
Headache. It is also said to be dangerous to people who have certain allergies. As I mentioned before, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional before its use. However, in addition to exercise and a healthy diet, Milk Thistle can help in better liver health and performance.
