Top 10 Benefits of Using Milk Thistle Supplements
Milk thistle is a plant-derived supplement with powerful antioxidants known for its healing properties. Many people swear by it for optimal health and well—being, but is it the right supplement for you? Many plants and herbs have a proven history of preventing and treating various conditions.
In this guide, we'll explore milk thistle, its health benefits, and some top supplements. Let's dive in.
What is Milk Thistle?
Originating from the Mediterranean region, milk thistle - known as Silybum Marianum - is a plant with prickly leaves, purple flower heads and distinctive white veins. It's been one of the go-to holistic treatments for centuries—long before pharmaceuticals.
Containing a flavonoid called silymarin, milk thistle is abundant in antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage. It's also relatively gentle on the digestive system, meaning people of all ages can benefit from supplementation.
How Do I Use Milk Thistle?
Milk thistle, a versatile plant, offers you a range of convenient formats to choose from, including:
- Liquid Extract: Some people prefer to let milk thistle steep in water or alcohol, creating a subtle drink.
- Powder: Most powders mix into drinks, but they're more convenient than waiting for the plant to steep in liquid. You just mix the powder into the liquid and drink it.
- Capsules: Tablets are the most popular form of supplements because they're easy to take and digest. Most supplement providers will offer milk thistle capsules.
Tea: Dried thistle leaves or seeds can steep in hot water, creating a comforting tea drink with soothing properties.
Regardless of which supplements you're using, please follow the dosage instructions and never take more than advised.
Top 10 Benefits of Using Milk Thistle Supplements
With its proven history as a holistic medicine, milk thistle is an excellent addition to your diet. Its antioxidants and other properties boost your overall health, protect the gallbladder and potentially reduce the risks of age-related cognitive disorders.
1: Supporting a healthy liver
Milk thistle's properties can be beneficial for people with liver disease. Research shows it can decrease inflammation and even halt damage in people with cirrhosis (NCBI).
However, while milk thistle can benefit people with liver damage, there's no evidence that it boosts liver health in general.
2: Improving gallbladder function
People have used milk thistle for hundreds of years as a way to relieve symptoms from gallbladder issues. Regular supplements can reduce the gallbladder's workload as the liver and gallbladder frequently work together.
The NCCIH also reports that the antioxidant properties of milk thistle might be beneficial in preventing gallstones.
3: Lowering cholesterol
Milk thistle isn't a magic cure, but when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, it can be a worthy tool in the fight to reduce cholesterol.
Research into the benefits of milk thistle showed that people with diabetes who take the supplement had lower cholesterol than those in the placebo group (PubMed).
4: Supporting type two diabetes
On the topic of diabetes, milk thistle offers other functions that support people with the condition. Regular supplements can increase insulin sensitivity, vital for successfully managing diabetes.
While research is ongoing, milk thistle also has the potential to decrease blood sugar levels, which could make the symptoms easier to manage.
5: Improving heart health
Milk thistle is abundant in antioxidants, which are known for reducing free radicals and promoting heart health. High levels of free radicals in the body increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, making milk thistle a useful addition to your diet.
Research also shows that milk thistle can reduce the risks of cardiotoxicity. A study in the UK showed that children receiving cancer treatment experienced fewer instances of cardiotoxicity than the placebo group (Cancer Research).
6: Preventing age-related decline in brain function
Age can increase the risk of numerous conditions, including Alzheimer's and dementia. While milk thistle won't completely protect people from developing age-related brain function declines, its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can provide the brain with additional support.
7: Helping to protect bones
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition that can cause long-term pain and mobility issues. Milk thistle shows promise as a viable treatment for reducing the risks of developing osteoporosis.
Research performed on rodents shows that supplements can prevent the loss of healthy bone and fractures (PubMed). Of course, more research is needed to prove that milk thistle offers the same results in humans.
8: Enhancing cancer treatment
Before getting too excited, the relationship between milk thistle and more effective cancer treatment is more theory than reality. However, many believe that taking regular silymarin supplements can be beneficial for chemotherapy treatment.
As specialists investigate these claims further, we can expect concrete research in the future. If true, milk thistle supplements could result in higher levels of remission.
9: Decreasing acne and breakouts
Acne is bad enough in your teens, but if you're one of the 20-30% of adults in Canada suffering from the condition, you'll know that effective treatments are scarce.
Recent research into doxycycline shows that people who combine the acne treatment with milk thistle experience better results (Wiley). It's important to remember that doxycycline is a powerful treatment, and there is no proof that taking milk thistle alone will cure acne.
10: Increasing breast milk production
Some research suggests that milk thistle might boost breast milk production, which could mean it supports new moms and babies.
However, there aren't concrete studies that confirm milk thistle is safe for breastfeeding mothers, so it's essential to consult with your healthcare professional before using supplements.
Potential Side Effects of Milk Thistle Supplements
Milk thistle is a safe supplement, but - as with all plants and herbs - it can cause side effects in some people. In most cases, you can avoid the impact if you take the correct dosage, but the body might take time to get used to milk thistle.
The following side effects are possible with milk thistle supplementation:
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: When you first take milk thistle supplements, you might notice initial abdominal discomfort, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. However, these symptoms should subside over time.
- Headaches: Some people also experience headaches, although they're a rarer side effect. If you don't drink enough water when taking milk thistle or certain medications, your risk of headaches is higher.
- Allergic Reactions: Severe reactions to milk thistle don't usually happen, but if you notice a rash, itchy skin, swelling or any other symptoms associated with allergic reactions, please stop taking the supplement immediately.
- Blood Sugar Instability: While milk thistle can regulate blood sugar, taking too much can decrease the levels, resulting in hypoglycemia or diabetes complications.
As an important note, always discuss any supplements and herbs with your primary care physician to ensure there are no interactions.
Our Favorite Milk Thistle Supplements
So, now you know more about milk thistle supplements and how they can benefit your health, it's time to reveal which brands deliver quality and value.
We've searched high and low for the best milk thistle supplements and are confident you'll find your perfect match with these affordable, high-quality options.
Natural Factors Milk Thistle
As one of Canada's most affordable supplement brands, Natural Factors is renowned for its high-quality products that won't bust your budget. The Milk Thistle Phytosome supplement combines the healing properties of Silybum Marianum with dandelion, artichoke and turmeric.
Taking the recommended dose of five capsules twice daily will support your body and help your liver. Taking the capsules for at least three weeks should improve liver function.
Botanica Milk Thistle Liquid
Botanica is another popular supplement manufacturer that provides a concentrated milk thistle formula. Processing milk thistle at low pressure and temperatures ensures the silymarin doesn't lose its potency, resulting in a powerful supplement for liver support and cholesterol reduction.
Each pack comes with 60 capsules; taking three daily gives you optimal support. The main issue with Botanica's Milk Thistle Liquid is that a month's supply costs $42.98, making it one of the more expensive options.
Prairie Doctor Milk Thistle
If you're not a fan of capsules, Prairie Doctor's liquid milk thistle supplement is a convenient way to enhance your overall health. Each bottle contains certified organic ingredients, and you'll take 3 ml three times daily for optimal results.
Whether you place the drops into your mouth or mix them with water, we love Prairie Doctor Milk Thistle Liquid for its convenience.
Back to capsules again, with milk thistle tablets from St. Francis. The new, improved formula means each dose offers more silymarin, resulting in higher levels of antioxidants for liver support.
What makes these supplements unique is that despite the extra silymarin, they still contain all-natural ingredients.
Support Your Well-Being With Milk Thistle Supplements
Milk thistle supplements are an excellent way to promote overall health and protect your liver. Adding them to your daily intake will support your well-being and reduce the risks of numerous chronic conditions.
If you're looking for high-quality milk thistle supplements, Lifestyle Markets stocks the most reputable brands in Canada. Our commitment to your experience means you can take advantage of low prices without compromising quality.
Please shop today or contact us with any questions or support.
