How to Use Milk Thistle and Alpha Lipoic to Treat Lyme Disease
A diagnosis of lyme disease frequently requires treatment with a variety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. While these medicines are essential to help treat the disease, they can also take a heavy toll on the liver. Milk thistle and alpha lipoic acid are two potent yet natural supplements to detoxify and protect this vital organ while treating pain.
Things You'll Need
- Bottle of alpha lipoicc acid pills (100 mg tablets)
- Bottle of milk thistle pills (200 mg tablets)
- Water
Instructions
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Talk to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist before beginning a course of supplements to find out whether you should take milk thistle or lipoic acid. A healthcare professional can explain how long you should take the pills and determine the dosage best for you.
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Take one alpha lipoic acid pill with a glass of water each day on an empty stomach, ideally when you first wake up in the morning. Continue to follow this routine for the length of time determined by you and your healthcare provider.
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Take three milk thistle capsules with water throughout the day, preferably along with meals. Again, continue with this course of treatment during a medically advised time line.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to pills, alpha lipoic acid can also be found in meat and green leafy vegetables, such as spinach. Meanwhile, foods with a similar liver-protecting effect to milk thistle supplements include walnut, avocados and asparagus. It is best to store your pills where they will be safe from heat, moisture or direct light, since these elements could break down the supplements and reduce their effectiveness.
If you currently take diabetes medications, such as insulin or blood-sugar reduction medicine, consult a healthcare professional before taking alpha lipoic acid. Too much of the supplement can reduce blood sugar levels, and combined with diabetes meds may result in hypoglycemia. Alert a healthcare professional and stop taking the alpha lipoic acid if you experience abnormal symptoms, such as hives or rash, headache, a pins and needles feeling in the body or muscle cramps. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult their doctor before taking either supplement.
