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:
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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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