What is Milk Thistle And How Does It Support Liver Function?
Aug 29, 2024
Milk thistle is a popular supplement that is often marketed as a liver support or detox supplement, but what exactly is milk thistle? And what are the benefits of taking this supplement? Continue reading to learn more!
What Is Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a plant that is related to the daisy and ragweed family. It's native to mediterranean countries, and it has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Milk thistle contains a compound called silymarin, which is responsible for its health benefits - it's most popularly used as a natural remedy to support liver function, and is thought to be effective as a hangover cure.
What Are The Benefits Of Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle has been shown to have liver protective effects, and is therefore commonly used as a complementary therapy by individuals who have liver damage - which can be caused by conditions such as alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis and liver cancer. Studies have shown that taking a milk thistle supplement may help improve liver function in individuals with liver disease, and may help reduce liver damage and inflammation.
It is also thought that Milk thistle may provide brain and bone protective effects, increase breast milk production, lower blood sugar levels, and help treat acne, however more human studies are needed to confirm this.
How Does Milk Thistle Work?
Milk thistle seeds contain a substance called silymarin. Although it sounds silly, silymarin is a mixture of plant-derived compounds that have antioxidant properties. It can scavenge free radicals that can damage liver cells, prevent toxins from entering cells, and help regenerate damage cells. This helps to lower inflammation in the liver, and helps prevent liver damage!
Can Milk Thistle Help Prevent Hangovers?
Because of Milk Thistles liver protective effects, it is commonly used and marketed as a supplement to help prevent hangovers - but does milk thistle have that effect? The short answer is no. The feeling of a hangover is oftentimes related to dehydration and inflammation caused by alcohol, which milk thistle supplements cannot prevent - alcohol is a toxin, and even small doses can do damage to liver cells. However, because of milk thistle’s liver protective effects, a supplement may be used by healthy individuals to protect the liver from alcohol, so if you’re planning a night of drinking, it may be beneficial to take some milk thistle beforehand - just to be on the safe side!
Does Milk Thistle Help Detoxify?
“Detox” is a commonly used buzzword that is used to describe a diet, supplement or procedure that claims to cleanse the body from toxins and to promote health or weight loss. Your liver naturally helps you detoxify by neutralising toxins and protecting your cells from damage, so there is actually no reason to “detox”. With that being said, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to promote proper liver function as this can help the liver detoxify effectively!
What Is The Best Milk Thistle Dosage?
The European Medicines Agency recommends taking 300mg-600mg 2-3 times per day. Milk thistle can be found as a supplement in various forms, such as tablets, teas, tinctures, and capsules! However it is not recommended for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with diabetes, and women with certain cancers or hormonal conditions, as its safety has not been determined. It is always best to check with your GP before starting any new health supplement to ensure they are suitable for you!
