Your liver works every day to filter waste and produce essential enzymes for your body to function. From managing cholesterol levels, producing clotting factors for wound healing, and regulating metabolism, the liver is a heavy duty organ that needs tender loving care and support. Although your liver has a wonderful ability to regenerate, persistent damage to it can cause imbalances and disruptions to the vital processes that make your cells active, wounds heal, and organs function.
Milk thistle is an herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to protect and nurture the liver, thereby supporting your body’s abilities to detoxify waste, metabolize food, produce bile, store essential nutrients, regulate blood pressure, strengthen immunity, and synthesize proteins for wound repair and healing. Liver Function
Your liver acts as the main processor of your body. Just like how processing chips are very important for our gadgets to actually work, your body needs the liver to carry out vital functions that keep it alive and healthy. One of the main functions of the liver is the production of bile, an essential ingredient to break down and absorb fats from the food you eat.1 It also helps store fat-soluble vitamins that help nurture your cells. Your liver is also responsible for filtering wastes and detoxifying chemicals that enter the body, including medications! This means that a damaged liver can cause drug reactions and toxicities that are not otherwise experienced by a person with a healthy liver. Additionally, the liver is responsible in synthesizing clotting factors that are essential in healing wounds, as well as the regulation of your thyroid hormones.1
What is Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herb known throughout history for its wonderful abilities to treat liver diseases, such as infections and scarring, and protect this vital organ against toxins present in the environment. Originally present in Asia and Europe, milk thistle is now grown all over the world! It is an effective herbal remedy that is available in different forms depending on your unique case, such as tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts. Milk thistle can actually group up to 10 feet high!3 This tall and unique herb is packed with nutrients and active ingredients that not only nurture liver health, but also regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.3
Mechanism of Action
Milk thistle’s active ingredients, silymarin and silybin, have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic (prevents organ scarring) properties that, in combination, help protect and nurture the health of your liver.2 Most of these health benefits can be extracted through milk thistle seeds. Interestingly, the whole plant also contains healing properties to also manage gallbladder, spleen, and kidney diseases. Milk thistle regulates the expression of enzymes that trigger and drive inflammation, such as cyclooxygenases.2 Rich in antioxidants, milk thistle helps protect the liver by neutralizing harmful molecules and adjusting enzymes that can cause damage and scarring.2 Milk thistle also helps nurture the regenerative abilities of your liver by preventing the development of fibrosis, which can trigger and worsen liver injury and lead to liver cancer.2 Starting the regimen early when you have mild to moderate liver disease is crucial, as this is the best time to remove oxidative stress and nurture your liver’s abilities to regenerate.
Safety and Considerations
The use of milk thistle to nurture liver health or manage disease conditions should be monitored and regulated by your healthcare provider or naturopathic doctor. Similar to most herbs, milk thistle may be contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Consulting your healthcare provider or naturopathic doctor beforehand can help you deeply understand the benefits of milk thistle for your health, while ensuring this century-old liver health staple is actually suited for your unique case and preferences.
Additionally, it is important to remember that not all herbal preparations are created equal. The potency, key ingredients, and dose vary between manufacturers and preparations. Talk to your naturopathic doctor to learn more about the right concentration, dose, timing, and preparation for your health concerns. The Naturopathic Approach
Milk thistle is one of thousands of natural wonders that help protect and nurture the functions of your body’s vital organs. It is an effective herbal remedy that offers liver protection and healing, thereby supporting the regulatory processes within the body. Whether you are just starting your health and wellness journey or have been considering natural options for disease conditions affecting the liver, your team at Natural Path to Wellness is committed to guiding you into the best natural, holistic options for your optimal health. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
Aging is a natural process that everybody will eventually go through and experience. Yes, we are all bound to get wrinkles and experience problems when reading texts! Because of the inevitable and characteristic nature of the aging process, the word “anti-aging” is commonly used to market products and services that are supposedly effective in reversing signs of aging. Here’s the catch: the conventional concept of anti-aging focuses on surface-level signs, such as wrinkles and grey hair to which anti-aging skincare is used to counteract these changes.
It is a sad reality that although life expectancy rates of many countries are higher than ever, healthy life expectancy is not. The foundation of healthy aging actually starts from within! True longevity is more than just looking young and coloring your gray hair, it is about not losing your spark, staying sharp, and nurturing your body’s optimal health as it ages gracefully. In this blog post, we will uncover three (3) naturopathic secrets that address and nurture aging from the cellular level, where every change begins! Secret #1: Tame the "Inflamm-aging" Fire
Your body’s inflammatory response is very important in defending your body against infections and diseases that may cause harm to it. Once triggered, your inflammatory response helps drive out infectious pathogens and release enzymes that not only eliminate the threat, but also repair the damage it caused.1 The problem happens when inflammation continues to persist and activates cascades in the body that cause more harm than good and eventually cause disease. Interestingly, chronic inflammation can accelerate aging and cause age-related disorders. Aging has been associated with persistent elevation of inflammatory markers and enzymes in the body, as well as cellular dysfunction.1 Factors that heighten inflammation and increase your risks of developing age-related disorders include persistent exposure to stressors, gut microbiota dysbiosis, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy food choices. Therefore, a key to healthy aging is managing inflammation at its core.
Naturopathic Solution The most powerful way to prevent chronic inflammation and promote healthy aging is through maintaining your body’s inherent abilities to maintain balance and heal itself. A good start is by becoming conscious of your food choices. Eating meals that are anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants can help fight oxidative stress and regulate your body’s inflammatory response. Adding in berries or dark leafy greens to your everyday meals can help slow the aging process! Additionally, supplementing your meals with Omega-3, aside from eating food rich in this nutrient (salmon and nuts), can help reduce inflammation and at the same time nurture your brain! 
Secret #2: Manage the Stress Cascade and Protect Your Telomeres
Most cells in the body, except for neurons in the brain, constantly regenerate and reproduce as programmed in the cell’s DNA. To facilitate replication and regeneration, your DNA has a special structure that protects and seals off its ends, known as the telomeres. However, chronic stress can shorten the telomeres, eventually reaching a point where it reaches a critical length that deactivates cell division and causes the cell to become senescent (old).2 This means that although the cell is still active and alive, it has permanently stopped dividing. Once such happens, your cell may undergo harmful changes or release substances that can trigger inflammation, eventually causing health problems while you age.
Naturopathic Solution Managing stress through practicing mind-body techniques and incorporating herbs rich in adaptogens into your daily regimens can help nurture healthy aging. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.) is rich in adaptogens that help reduce cortisol levels through regulating the balance of your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, making it less reactive to stressors. Additionally, ashwagandha contains anti-inflammatory properties that prevent sub-clinical chronic inflammation from causing age-related health problems. To learn more about the wonders of ashwagandha for stress, we have the perfect blog post for you! Additionally, gentle, stress-reducing activities like Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and walking have been shown to make your telomeres longer!4 These movements are like a fountain of youth for your cells – not just slowing, but reversing, cellular aging. Secret #3: Unlock the Restorative Power of Quality Sleep
Sleep is the most critical period of the day for brain detoxification and cellular repair. Problems with sleep can increase your risks of developing heart problems, lung disease, and mental health issues.3 Interestingly, lack of sleep has been associated with cognitive problems in the elderly and increase risks of having dementia.3 Sleep is also the time when your body repairs muscle, the organs of detoxification, and other tissues vital for healthy aging. This is precisely why a good night’s rest is very important as it can do wonders for your overall health and help your body age gracefully.
Naturopathic Solution The natural aging process can be nurtured through optimizing your sleep hygiene and following your body’s circadian rhythm. This can be achieved through nutrition and lifestyle changes that help improve your sleep and eliminate factors that can disrupt it. Setting a consistent time within the night for sleep and avoiding screens before bedtime are simple yet effective routines that can help improve sleep. Explore the benefits of a good snooze. The Naturopathic Approach
Aging is a natural process that should be nurtured through holistic practices both in the present and future. Although it is inevitable, different factors can accelerate its effects and predispose you to age-related diseases that can be prevented by taking care of your present self. At Natural Path to Wellness, your team of naturopathic medicine advisors will help you discover the best natural solutions for your optimal health, helping your body nurture its innate balance and supporting it as it undergoes the natural aging process.
Start your naturopathic health journey today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
Are you tired of using steroid creams and moisturizers only for your dry patches to return and even worsen? This endless cycle can be very frustrating. Your topical medications may be effective in providing temporary relief, but these only target your symptoms and may be inefficient in the long run. This is precisely why addressing the root cause of skin inflammation is very important in achieving long-term relief and confidence. In this blog post, we look into the wonders of our digestive system and explore why imbalances in your gut health, as well as gut inflammation, can trigger the development of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema. We will uncover the gut-skin connection and help you finally optimize your skin health from the inside out.
The Gut-Skin Axis
Your gut and skin are made up of strong foundations that protect the rest of your body from environmental toxins and pathogens. These are both inhabited by innate microorganisms that help regulate and nurture processes within. Through the work of these microorganisms, the gut-skin axis is formed and regulated. Your gut microbiota is primarily responsible for metabolizing essential nutrients, such as vitamin K and B vitamins, which are vital in promoting wound healing and repair.1 Likewise, your gut microbiota can produce signaling factors that alleviate skin inflammation or trigger it when imbalances in its population occur.1
How Your Diet Affects Your Skin
The composition and function of your gut microbiota is heavily influenced by your diet, which highlights how vital the food you consume every day is to your gut-skin axis. Eating foods rich in saturated fats can affect the diversity of your gut microbiota and cause imbalances that weaken your gut barrier and trigger inflammation, eventually affecting your skin.1 On the other hand, eating food rich in collagen, which is a structural protein of the skin, can help nurture your skin’s integrity, promote wound healing, and prevent premature signs of aging. Additionally, eating food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as cold-water fish, can help reduce skin flares due to the nutrient’s anti-inflammatory effects!1 High-fiber meals, which are indigestible by us but act as prebiotics and are processed in the body through fermentation, can help nurture the population of healthy gut microbiota, thereby optimizing skin health.1
The 4-Step Action Plan
Remove Inflammatory Triggers Gut inflammation begins with dysbiosis, which is an imbalance in the population of microorganisms inhabiting your gut. Once a specific type of bacteria that releases pro-inflammatory enzymes predominate within the gut, the inflammatory response can cause reactions that eventually show up through the skin.2 Therefore, addressing factors that affect the composition of the gut microbiota, such as long-term medications, infections, and allergens, as well as choosing gluten-free food options that help prevent inflammation (if you are gluten-sensitive), are important in nurturing your skin from within! Replace with Healing Nutrients Your food choices should be tailored to options that nurture your skin. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, and nuts into your meals helps maintain healthy skin because of their high vitamin and mineral content. Tomatoes, which contain carotenoids, can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays due to their strong antioxidant properties, while kale boosts collagen and elastin, thereby improving skin health. Additionally, taking vitamin C and vitamin E supplements, can help nurture your skin’s integrity and elasticity by promoting collagen synthesis and exerting antioxidative effects.1 All these ingredients are proof of nature’s abundant resources to help nurture the body’s innate abilities to achieve, regain, and maintain balance! Reinoculate with Beneficial Bacteria This third step is vital in maintaining the balance of the microbial population within the gut. Reinoculation can be achieved by taking probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that help produce antioxidative properties to prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the gut. Aside from improving diarrheal symptoms through nurturing microbial balance, probiotics also help strengthen the integrity of your intestinal lining! You can get probiotics through quality supplements or through fermented foods, especially lacto-fermented vegetables! Prebiotics, on the other hand, act as synergistic factors that nurture the growth of good gut bacteria. Prebiotics can be easily sourced from your kitchen, such as onions, garlic, and bananas! Aside from optimizing gut health, probiotics can actually do wonders for your immune system! To learn more about the benefits of probiotics for your health, we have the perfect blog post for you! Repair the Gut Lining Herbal remedies such as marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis L.) and slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) are effective natural options in repairing the gut lining. Marshmallow root creates a protective soothing film that covers the damaged lining, thereby promoting faster recovery and acting as an added shield against harmful substances in the environment.3 Slippery elm, also known as red elm, is often used to soothe and protect the gut.4 Similar to licorice, it can help address like ulcers, excess stomach acid, and damaged mucous membranes.4 The Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic care offers holistic integrated solutions that address the root cause of your health problems and maintain the intricate connections within that affect your overall health. Your naturopathic medicine advisors at Natural Path to Wellness will help you discover the wonders of nature for your unique body and special case. Talk to us today!
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
Pain is both universal and subjective. It is a feeling that all of us can relate to, whether from heartbreak, failure, or body ache. Although the characteristic of pain is unique to each individual, the most common (and obvious) type has been adequately managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. The side effects and health consequences associated with the long-term use of these drugs are alarming, which is why the search for long-term solutions that help relieve pain and inflammation, is vital without subjecting your body to other forms of health risks. Turmeric, a special herb, is a strong contender.
Scroll down to learn more about the mechanisms of turmeric and over-the-counter pain relievers in managing inflammation. We will help you uncover the secrets and make informed decisions about your health! Understanding Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s inherent ability to protect itself from harmful microorganisms in the environment and dysregulation within the body. More often than not, inflammation is beneficial for your optimal health! However, inflammation can be a double-edged sword, especially in circumstances where it becomes chronic. What once was considered a protective process can cause damage to your body tissues if left untreated. In special cases, inflammation can be misdirected to fight off your very own tissues, which can cause autoimmunity. To learn more about mechanisms behind inflammation, we have the perfect blog post for you!
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
The most convenient form of managing pain and inflammation is through the use of over-the-counter pain relievers, commonly in the form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. NSAIDs help relieve pain by blocking the release of enzymes that trigger and regulate inflammation. However, these special enzymes, also known as cyclooxygenases (COX), exert protective effects on the body! Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) is especially responsible in protecting the lining of your gastrointestinal tract, nurturing blood flow in the kidneys, and promoting healing and repair through forming clots that promote the healing of damaged tissues or blood vessels. Taking non-selective NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, blocks both inflammation and the protective function of cyclooxygenase! This means that although inflammation is prevented from causing more harm than good to your body, NSAIDs can also put you at risk of developing stomach irritation, kidney problems, anemia, or malnutrition. Read more through our blog post Pain Relief with Added Health Risks
Turmeric: The Anti-inflammatory Herb
Turmeric is loved all over the world for its regulatory and healing properties. It is also called the “wonder drug of life."2 Its versatility led to a variety of preparations which are still commonly used today, such as tea. Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help nurture essential processes within the body. Its most abundant component, curcumin, helps regulate inflammatory pathways within the body and reduce the production of enzymes that trigger inflammation.1 Additionally, the antioxidant properties of turmeric help reduce inflammation by lowering oxidative stress.
Turmeric Sources Turmeric is a staple in the kitchen and is famous for being a main ingredient of curry and golden milk. The most appropriate preparation for managing pain are turmeric supplements, which may contain different components and concentrations depending on the manufacturer. It’s also often paired with some form of black pepper (Piper nigrum) to allow for better absorption. The Naturopathic Approach
Over-the-counter pain medications are easily accessible and readily available, but this accessibility can affect your perception of pain. Although over-the-counter medications are first in line in managing physical pain or discomfort, their effects are not without health risks. At Natural Path to Wellness, we will help you discover the best holistic options for your optimal health, guiding you in making informed choices about your treatment plan.
It is important to remember that the use of herbal medications should be supervised by your healthcare provider or naturopathic doctor to ensure optimal levels are maintained within the body. Additionally, most herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy, lactation, and certain disease conditions. Hence, talking to your care provider will help you discover the best herb options for your unique case and preference. This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your licensed naturopathic physician or other licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your medications or supplements. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information. REFERENCES:
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THE BLOG AT NATURAL PATH TO WELLNESSAuthorSNatural Path to Wellness values community education and welcomes contributions from writers with a background in Naturopathic Medicine, natural health and wellness, herbalism, homeopathy, Nature Cure, and more. Disclosures & Policies: This and other blog posts may contain affiliate links. Please view our disclosures page for more information.
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