Genetically or constitutionally, my liver needs a tune up regularly. And when I do, milk thistle is one of my liver-loving partners in healing. Here are some of its gifts to us:

  • Neutralizes toxins, which assists in many of the 500 life-sustaining functions of the liver.
  • Research is showing that milk thistle protects against metabolic syndrome and fatty liver, and neutralizes the hepatitis C virus. It has proven to surpass an antidiabetic drug in decreasing insulin resistance and oxidative stress, and to benefit both heart and liver tissues in animals. Silybin, a milk thistle extract, has been shown to reduce obesity by regulating enzymes and genes involved in fat and sugar metabolism. 
  • New data is showing milk thistle may protect against many cancers. Human studies have shown silybin with vitamin E improved markers of liver damage and insulin sensitivity , and increased survival in subjects with cirrhosis or liver failure.
  • Through its powerful effects on phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification pathways, we are exposed to much lower levels of potentially cancer-causing chemicals.

 

Milk Thistle is good for more than just the liver

For brain function Milk thistle has been used as a treatment for neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease for over two thousand years. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties mean that it is possibly neuroprotective and could help prevent the decline in brain function as we age.
For bone health Osteoporosis usually develops slowly over a number of years and causes weak and fragile bones that break easily, even after minor falls. Milk thistle has been shown in experimental test-tube and animal studies to stimulate bone mineralization and potentially be protective against bone loss. As a result, researchers suggest that milk thistle may be a useful therapy for preventing or delaying bone loss in postmenopausal women.

To help manage type 2 diabetes One of the compounds in milk thistle may work similarly to some diabetic medications by helping improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar. Therefore, research suggests that milk thistle, combined with traditional treatment, can improve diabetes. In fact, a recent review and analysis found that people routinely taking silymarin experienced a significant reduction in their fasting blood sugar levels and HbA1c, a measure of blood sugar control.

Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of milk thistle may also be useful for reducing the risk of developing diabetic complications like kidney disease).

OUR LIVER CLEANSE SYSTEM

A liver cleanse may boost your body’s ability to cope with the overindulgences the holidays will present. My liver cleanse system includes milk thistle along with several other liver supporting herbs, a homeopathic support tincture, and Nutriplenish GI for effective removal of the toxins after they’ve travelled into the GI tract.

Stop into the clinic or call about ordering your liver cleanse supplements today.