Because of the abundance of toxins found in today’s environment, our livers perform a vital role in helping our systems rid themselves of undesirable substances. As a result, they require more support than ever before. Your liver’s health might be in dire need of some additional care when you consider longer stretches of binge drinking (especially during the holidays), eating refined carbohydrates, or even experiencing stress (1).
Everything is filtered by the liver, including prescription medications, food, alcohol, and dietary supplements. Anything in excess can cause damage, and if left untreated, damage can worsen over time or even result in death. A 2019 assessment estimates that 2 million people worldwide suffer from liver illnesses each year, leading to diet changes (2). Roughly 58% of these deaths are related to cirrhosis, or severe liver scarring.
The good news is that we can support the liver’s natural cleansing process and ensure healthy function by adopting lifestyle behaviors, customized nutrition, and supplementation. The liver is very regenerative.
Enter the magical milk thistle. The herb that has been safely used for millennia to help protect and rejuvenate the liver.
How Milk Thistle Aids in Liver Healing and Protection
Silymarin, an important ingredient in milk thistle, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be used to boost the liver’s natural detoxification processes (3). It also repairs damage brought on by an excessive toxin load.
A 2020 study states that silymarin scavenges free radicals and modulates enzymes linked to cirrhosis and fibrosis, which are reversible wound-healing responses to acute and/or chronic liver injury.
These actions help protect the liver against cellular damage and cytotoxicity. According to a 2014 study, silymarin is also known to improve synthesis and maintain appropriate levels of glutathione (4). Glutathione is known as the body’s “master antioxidant” that contributes to overall antioxidant balance.
In addition to its hepatoprotective qualities, silymarin has been demonstrated to encourage the regeneration of liver cells (5). Stated differently, milk thistle facilitates the liver’s natural healing process. To help restore your liver to its optimal condition or shield it against contemporary pollutants, milk thistle is an essential supplement for your detoxification arsenal.
How to Include Milk Thistle in Everyday Life
Are you curious about how to incorporate this amazing plant into your fitness regimen? Although there are milk thistle beverages available, taking high-quality supplements is the most popular way to ingest milk thistle.
This herb is available as single-ingredient capsules or as part of a supplement designed specifically for liver health that also contains other substances that have hepatoprotective properties. My favorite go-to supplement for liver support is by the brand, Gaia Herbs; most specifically, the Milk Thistle Liver Supplement. As always, be sure to consult with your physician on the proper doses for your needs.
Alternatively, this is a short-term cleanse tea that is just as effective and features an assortment of other detoxifying herbs to support your liver. This tea is known as Flora Flor-Essence Liquid Tea Blend and has a pleasant taste and extremely easy to use. Just measure 2 ounces of the liquid tea blend and dilute it with 2 ounces or more of hot water and drink up!
Related Post: 10 Lifestyle Tips for Optimal Liver Function
To Wrap Things Up
Nature is a great source of support for many of our health needs, and liver protection and support is no exception. Consider incorporating a milk thistle tea or supplement into your daily routine to support your liver’s natural detoxification processes and optimal performance.
Sources |
- A literature review for the mechanisms of stress‐induced liver injury – PMC (nih.gov)
- Burden of liver diseases in the world – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Silymarin as Supportive Treatment in Liver Diseases: A Narrative Review – PMC (nih.gov)
- Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin – PMC (nih.gov)
- Silymarin in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases and primary liver cancer – PubMed (nih.gov)
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