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Milk Thistle Custom Vitamin Packs: What to Know

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What is milk thistle?

We are faced with a daily onslaught of toxins from pollution, food, alcohol, personal care products, and medication now more than ever. It's no wonder people are looking for natural ways to support liver health and detoxify the body. Enter milk thistle doses! Keep reading as we explore this popular liver-cleansing herb. Milk thistle—also known by its scientific name Silybum marianum—is a flowering herb related to the dandelion plant and native to warm climates in Europe. The seeds and leaves of the milk thistle plant have been used in traditional herbal medicine doses for over 2000 years as a powerful liver tonic. Now, research suggests it may also help to manage inflammation, soothe acne, regulate blood sugar levels, and promote breast milk production when taken as a dietary supplement. Let's take a look at the effect of milk thistle, its side effects, and why many individuals in the United States and worldwide depend on this herbal supplement.

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How does milk thistle work?

The active ingredient that makes up a large percentage of standardized milk thistle extract is silymarin. Silymarin collectively refers to the group of potent flavonoid compounds that give milk thistle its incredible health benefits—silibinin, silydianin, and silicristin. These flavonoids provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help defend your cells from free radicals and oxidative damage and also reduce symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. A 2015 study found that taking 140 mg of silymarin three times daily significantly increased the body’s antioxidant capacity. The effect of silymarin also boosted the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (1).

The healthy volunteers also had an impressive reduction in levels of hs-CRP—a marker of inflammation in the body. Milk thistle is most famous for supporting the health of your largest detoxification organ, the liver. The antioxidant properties of silymarin help shield the liver from oxidative damage caused by the barrage of toxins it filters each minute of the day. Our VitaRx Milk Thistle Extract is a double-strength supplement containing 300 mg of silymarin and fermented artichoke and dandelion root extracts for added liver support and efficacy. If you're taking medications or other herbal products, you should discuss milk thistle supplements with your health care provider and report any adverse effects.

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What are the health benefits of milk thistle?

Several clinical studies and clinical trials highlight the efficacy of milk thistle and similar herbal products when used for symptoms of liver problems, insulin resistance, breast milk production, and more. Let's dig into the research and find out how supplementing with this popular herb could improve your overall health and wellness.

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Aids Liver Health and Detoxification

The liver is a fantastic organ with over 500 metabolic functions. It works around the clock to process and filter blood, hormones, food, alcohol, chemicals, medication, and much more. However, it can become overwhelmed and sluggish, leading to a buildup of toxins, inflammation, poor digestion, fatty liver, and chronic disease. This is where the milk thistle comes in! Milk thistle may support the regeneration of healthy liver cells and stop toxins binding to the liver, allowing this organ to do its job optimally (2). In addition, research suggests it may reduce raised ALT and AST liver enzymes in those with liver damage (3). As you can see, milk thistle should be your go-to supplement before a fatty meal or a big night out. It could reduce the risk of a hangover!

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

There is plenty of research and clinical trial data to support using milk thistle to balance blood sugar levels. This is likely due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-supportive properties, as the liver is an organ that stores and releases glucose based on the body's needs. This herbal remedy and similar herbal products highlight the use of milk thistle when studied in conjunction with liver conditions, viral infection, and heightened blood sugar. A 2016 review study in the Journal of Diabetes Research found that the active ingredient in milk thistle, silymarin, reduces both fasting blood sugar levels and levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). This shows it positively impacts sugar levels over both the short and long-term (4).

Reduces Acne and Improves Skin Health

Anti-inflammatory milk thistle extract may improve signs of skin aging and reduce acne lesions (5). In addition, a healthy liver breaks down and removes excess hormones and toxins from the body. So, supporting liver function with milk thistle extract may help to reduce breakouts by enhancing detoxification and regulating hormonal balance.

Promotes Healthy Breast Milk Production

Traditionally, milk thistle has been used as a galactagogue—a compound that enhances breast milk production. Now, promising research suggests this supplement may assist breastfeeding moms wanting to give their little ones the best start in life! A study on 50 lactating women found that taking silymarin for nine weeks increased milk production by up to 85% per day compared to a placebo group (6).


    Make milk thistle part of your daily diet.

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    Okay, you knew it was coming. It's time for a shameless plug. Do you think the benefits of adding milk thistle to your daily diet could help? From regulating blood sugar to helping to lower high cholesterol, milk thistle shows many significant effects and positive clinical outcomes. This supplement can make a significant difference in your quality of life and promote a significant reduction in common bodily symptoms. Create a personalized daily vitamin pack that includes milk thistle and any other vitamins, minerals, or supplements you think could help. Then, start by adding milk thistle to your Kit here!

    Milk Thistle


    Milk Thistle capsule

    Make milk thistle a part of your daily vitamin and supplement routine.

    • Provides potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Available data suggests that the anti-inflammatory effects of milk thistle promote recovery.
    • Protects liver health and supports efficient detoxification. The human liver is a sensitive organ, and health care research shows that milk thistle offers high protection.
    • Improves skin health and reduces acne lesions. Scarring, discoloration, and acne impact millions of people worldwide. Milk thistle supplements can improve overall skin health and reduce acne lesions.

     

    Resources:

    1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25765835/
    2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20564545/
    3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5526770/
    4. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jdr/2016/5147468/
    5. https://www.longdom.org/abstract/effects-of-oral-antioxidants-on-lesion-counts-associated-with-oxidative-stress-and-inflammation-in-patients-with-papulop-7023.html
    6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19260380/

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