DISCOVER MILK THISTLE: YOUR LIVER, SKIN, AND AIC WILL THANK YOU!
Discover Milk Thistle: Your Liver, Skin, and AIC Will Thank You!
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a flowering herb native to the Mediterranean region, has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. It is celebrated for its potential health benefits, particularly for liver support and detoxification. In this blog post, I’ll explain the key benefits of milk thistle, my favorite botanical supplement.
1. Supports Liver Health
The liver is your body’s primary detox organ, filtering toxins and metabolizing nutrients. The liver has the amazing ability to heal itself and regenerate new tissue. It is the only internal organ that can perform this amazing feat. For example, if part of the intestines are removed, they will not grow back, but if part of the liver is damaged or removed, it can regenerate!
Milk thistle contains silymarin, a group of active compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests silymarin helps:
Protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins (including mushroom poisoning) alcohol, and certain medications including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and chemotherapy (Gillessent & Schmidt 2020).
Support regeneration of liver tissue – an important fact for anyone with liver damage or who has part of the liver removed.
Improve liver function in individuals with liver conditions such as alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis (Gillessent & Schmidt 2020)
Although Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to heal the liver, western science has finally caught up and proven the value of milk thistle in clinical trials.
2. Powerful Antioxidant Properties
Milk thistle is a potent antioxidant, helping to combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress is linked to aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. By neutralizing free radicals, milk thistle may contribute to:
Slowing down the aging process.
Enhancing skin health and reducing signs of environmental damage (see below)
Supporting cellular repair and vitality.
3. Aids Digestive Health
A healthy digestive system is crucial for overall well-being, and milk thistle may play a role in improving digestion. Its compounds can:
Stimulate bile production, which aids in the breakdown of fats.
Support detoxification of the gastrointestinal tract.
Reduce symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and discomfort.
These benefits make milk thistle a natural choice for those seeking digestive support (Gillessent & Schmidt 2020).
4. Promotes Skin Health
Skin health often mirrors internal well-being, and milk thistle’s detoxifying properties can contribute to clearer, healthier skin. Its ability to reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress may help address:
Acne – up to 50% improvement in a recent long-term study (Saurat et al 2022).
Skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Damage from UV exposure.
May help reduce the risk of certain skin cancers (Prasad et al. 2020)
Adding milk thistle to your skincare regimen may provide noticeable improvements to appearance as well as lowering the risk of skin damage.
5. Supports Metabolic Health (Including PCOS)
Emerging research suggests that milk thistle may have benefits for metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Silymarin may help:
Improve blood sugar regulation without the risk of hypoglycemia potentially posed by other supplements when used as an adjunct to diabetes medications (Gillessent & Schmidt 2020).
Reduce inflammation associated with metabolic disorders.
Protect against damage to insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Reduce symptoms of PCOS, especially if combined with Metformin (Zeng et al. 2022).
Although milk thistle is best known for promoting liver health, it should be considered by people with blood sugar dysregulation.
6. Plays an important Role in Cancer
Milk thistle has long been considered chemoprotective, meaning it may reduce the risk of cancer. But here are some benefits for those already undergoing cancer treatments:
Work in harmony with many cancer medications, amplifying their anti-tumor effects.
Unlikely to cause drug interactions – an important consideration for cancer patients as well as other groups including the elderly (Knoll et al. 2007).
Protect against chemotherapy side effects (Greenlee et al. 2007).
How to Incorporate Milk Thistle Into Your Routine
Milk thistle is available in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, teas, and powders. Here are some tips for incorporating it effectively:
Supplements: Choose a high-quality milk thistle supplement standardized to contain at least 70–80% silymarin for optimal potency.
Tea: Enjoy a soothing cup of milk thistle tea to support digestion and relaxation.
Powder: Add milk thistle powder to smoothies or juices for a nutrient boost.
Precautions and Considerations
While milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people, some may experience mild side effects such as nausea or diarrhea. It’s important to:
Consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
Avoid milk thistle if you have a known allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed or daisies).
Conclusion
Milk thistle is a powerful herb and liver tonic with a rich history of promoting health and vitality. From supporting liver function to enhancing skin and metabolic health, this natural remedy offers a wide range of benefits. It is also very well tolerated by most people, including those with chronic illnesses.
I take milk thistle supplements for a few weeks at a time several times a year, including January as protection against the previous year’s stresses to the liver.
For advice on what’s best for YOU, please reach out for more information.
Disclaimer
The included information is not meant to or should not be used to replace or substitute medical treatment, recommendations, or the advice of your physician or health care provider. The information contained within is strictly for educational purposes and is based on evidence-based nutrition. If you believe you have a medical problem or condition, please contact your physician or healthcare provider.
References
Gillessen, A., & Schmidt, H. H. (2020). Silymarin as Supportive Treatment in Liver Diseases: A Narrative Review. Advances in therapy, 37(4), 1279–1301. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-020-01251-y
Greenlee, H., Abascal, K., Yarnell, E., & Ladas, E. (2007). Clinical applications of Silybum marianum in oncology. Integrative cancer therapies, 6(2), 158–165. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735407301727
Kroll, D. J., Shaw, H. S., & Oberlies, N. H. (2007). Milk thistle nomenclature: why it matters in cancer research and pharmacokinetic studies. Integrative cancer therapies, 6(2), 110–119. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735407301825
Prasad, R. R., Paudel, S., Raina, K., & Agarwal, R. (2020). Silibinin and non-melanoma skin cancers. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 10(3), 236–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.02.003
Saurat, J. H., Reygagne, P., Josse, G., Hamidou, Z., Bianovici, S., Ramel, F., Durbise, E., Lovati, C., Bellani, E., Bystrzanowska, D., Chlebus, E., Kowalska-Oledzka, E., D'Auzers, G., Le Digabel, J., Filiol, J., Lauze, C., Ortiz-Brugues, A., & Nocera, T. (2022). Long-Term Use of Silybum marianum fruit extract Contributes to Homeostasis in Acne-Prone Skin-A 12-Month Follow-Up International "Real Life" Cohort Study. Journal of personalized medicine, 13(1), 96. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm13010096
Zeng, L. H., Rana, S., Hussain, L., Asif, M., Mehmood, M. H., Imran, I., Younas, A., Mahdy, A., Al-Joufi, F. A., & Abed, S. N. (2022). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Disorder of Reproductive Age, Its Pathogenesis, and a Discussion on the Emerging Role of Herbal Remedies. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 874914. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.874914