Tag Archives: Silymarin Milk Thistle Extract by Pure Encapsulations

Be Kind to Your Liver

LiverJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

As the body’s largest organ, the liver performs over 500 functions, including processing everything we eat, drink or otherwise ingest. Daily lifestyle habits can either support or harm liver health. Consuming a high fiber, balanced diet filled with colorful antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a normal healthy weight are all factors that contribute to proper healthy liver function. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle, an ultraprocessed diet laden with added sugar, unhealthy fats, sodium and fried foods, high alcohol consumption and excessive weight gain all put a strain on this hardworking vital organ. The journey to liver wellness begins with mindful eating, as well as a commitment to exercising three to five days each week. Daily exercise? Even better!

Diet:

A reduced calorie, low sugar, low refined carbohydrate, anti-inflammatory diet can lead to improvements in liver health, and also reduces fat stored in the liver and midsection. The liver must convert surplus calories to glycogen, which is stored in the muscles, and to fat, most of which is stored in the liver and around our midsection. While there is limited storage space for glycogen, there is no limit to the amount of fat that can be created and stored. In the U.S. about 80 million people are believed to have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common chronic condition closely linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol and diabetes. Not to be confused with chronic, largely irreversible alcoholic liver disease, NAFLD is reversible in the early stages but can lead to serious health risks, including liver failure and liver cancer. NAFLD impairs toxin removal and bile production for digestion, as well as other vital liver functions.

Exercise:

Physical activity is a proven therapeutic strategy to improve NAFLD. Aerobic exercise helps to burn carbohydrates, proteins and fats, leading to more efficient processing and less fat storage by the liver. Studies have found that participating in endurance or resistance training several times a week can significantly reduce the amount of fat stored in liver cells, independent of  weight loss. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to be beneficial in decreasing liver fat as well. Consistent low intensity exercise can also be effective at targeting liver and abdominal fat. Studies have shown that exercise consistency is more crucial than exercise intensity. As such, those with NAFLD have a choice of training methods that can be tailored to individual preferences based on the highest likelihood of long-term compliance.

Supplemental nutrition:

Certain supplements can support efficient liver function and may enhance the effects of dietary and lifestyle changes. A healthy diet that provides a wide range of phytonutrients and antioxidant compounds can assist with detoxification. Therapeutic use of milk thistle, known for its liver-protective effects, can be traced back to antiquity, where it was traditionally used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders. Believed to support liver health and protect liver cells from toxin exposure, milk thistle comprises a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin. Silymarin is commonly recommended to counteract the harmful effects of alcohol on the liver, as well as speed the regeneration of injured liver cells. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, silymarin may also counteract cellular free radical damage and reduce inflammation in the bile ducts. Controlled studies have found that supplementing with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, may aid the reduction of both liver and belly fat. Berberine, a plant compound, has been shown to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels and improve insulin sensitivity, benefitting those with NAFLD.

While further studies are needed, following a healthy diet, increasing physical activity and supplementing to reduce liver fat may help reverse NAFLD in its early stages, thereby decreasing the risk of progression to more serious and life threatening liver disease.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of healthy liver function and overall health:

Silymarin milk...Silymarin Milk Thistle Extract by Pure Encapsulations®: One serving provides 250 mg of milk thistle standardized to contain 80% silymarin and formulated to nutritionally support liver health and function. Gluten free, Non-GMO, hypoallergenic formulation.

 

Professional Choice... Professional Choice Omega by Professional Supplement Center®: Professional Choice Omega Alaskan IFOS Five-Star Certified fish oil provides EPA and DHA in support of healthy glucose and insulin metabolism, and cardiovascular, joint, brain, nervous system and liver health. Free of wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy protein, dairy products, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and  artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives. Non-GMO formulation.

 

Berberine 500 mgBerberine 500 mg by Integrative Therapeutics®: An active constituent of plants, berberine has been utilized in traditional medicine systems for centuries. This product is formulated to support blood sugar, lipid and insulin metabolism, as well as metabolic and cardiovascular function. Free of sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy products and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Vegetarian formulation.

 

Ultra Liver SupportUltra Liver Support by Douglas Laboratories®: This product is formulated with a synergistic blend of ingredients believed to support liver function and structure. Ingredients include extracts of milk thistle, dandelion, broccoli, schisandra, barberry and bilberry. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

References:
The Effects of Physical Exercise on Fatty Liver Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954622/
Fatty Liver: What It Is, and How to Get Rid of It. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fatty-liver
Milk Thistle. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2130007

Show Your Liver Some Love with Milk Thistle

MilkThistleJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Ancient texts show that milk thistle has been utilized since antiquity to protect liver health and treat liver-associated ailments and gallbladder disorders. Scientifically known as Silybum Marianum, modern science shows that the milk thistle fruit and seeds contain a group of biologically active flavonoid complexes, collectively known as silymarin. Silymarin is believed to hold the key to milk thistle’s gentle but powerful liver-supportive health benefits. Milk thistle is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine primarily for the purpose of eliminating toxic materials, clearing heat and supporting liver function. In modern herbal medicine, milk thistle is believed to support liver health, and may be especially useful as an adjuvant therapy in chronic liver conditions.

Optimal liver function is critical to all aspects of health. As the largest internal organ, the hard working multi-tasking liver has a role in over 500 vital life-sustaining functions. Some of these roles include: bile production to carry away waste and aid digestion of fats; production of cholesterol and certain proteins that carry fats throughout the body; conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage, and back into glucose as needed for energy production; blood clotting regulation; iron storage for hemoglobin use; conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea to be excreted; immune system modulation through production of immune factors and bacterial removal from the bloodstream; bilirubin elimination; and last, but not least, clearing the body of pharmaceuticals, OTC and recreational drugs, alcohol, toxins and other harmful substances. The liver is the only organ that is able to regenerate and can, in many cases, replace damaged tissue with new cells. Milk thistle has been shown to help promote and expedite the replacement and repair of damaged liver cells.

Milk thistle is known for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiviral, and antifibrotic properties, as well as its immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effects. Its hepato or liver protecting properties lie in its potent free radical scavenging activity, as well as its contribution to glutathione production. This ability to maintain and increase the cellular content of glutathione is thought to be  instrumental in preventing cellular damage. Known as the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione is found naturally in every bodily cell. Glutathione is a powerful fighter of oxidative stress, helps to maintain immune function, and combats heavy metal and drug toxicity. Heavy alcohol consumption, aging, unhealthy diet, chronic disease, infection, constant stress, poor sleep habits and sedentary lifestyle all contribute to glutathione depletion.

Per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), silymarin has a short half-life and fast conjugation in the liver with principal excretion in bile, indicating it should be used with repeated oral doses as a means of controlling hepatic inflammation. While more studies are needed on the benefit of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases, available evidence shows that silymarin may play a complementary therapeutic role in alcoholic liver cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis and in some cases, liver cancer. Milk thistle is thought to reduce damage to the liver caused by free radicals, produced as the liver metabolizes toxic substances. Bottom line, we are bombarded with a barrage of environmental toxins daily, resulting in an ever-present health threat. For proper short-term liver detoxification, as well as long-term liver support, milk thistle may turn out be one of the best friends your liver ever had.

Silymarin‘s long history of use supports a good safety record. Those who are allergic to any member of the aster family of plants, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums or marigolds, should not take milk thistle. Additionally, those who have a chronic liver ailment, who are pregnant or taking medication, should always check in with their healthcare provider before taking milk thistle or any OTC formulas or supplements.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality supplements in support of overall liver health:

Silymarin milk...Silymarin Milk Thistle Extract by Pure Encapsulations®: Each capsule provides 250 mg of silymarin marianum extract standardized to contain 80% silymarin in support of antioxidant defense, cellular protein synthesis and overall healthy liver function. Hypoallergenic, gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Milk Thistle Max-VMilk Thistle Max-V by Douglas Laboratories®: Each vegetarian capsule provides 250 mg of silymarin marianum standardized to contain 80% silymarin to help maintain and encourage normal healthy liver function. Soy free, vegan formulation.

 

Nanoemulsified Milk...Nanoemulsified Milk Thistle by Quicksilver Scientific®: Nanoemulsified Milk Thistle convenient liquid formulation provides 30 mg of milk thistle extract in support of liver health and protection and healthy digestive function.

 

Super Milk Thistle®...Super Milk Thistle® X by Integrative Therapeutics®: This vegetarian nutritional formulation provides bioavailable standardized milk thistle extract blended with supportive botanicals for support of heathy liver function. Free of gluten, dairy, wheat, yeast, sugar, preservatives and artificial ingredients.

References:
“Silymarin”, a Promising Pharmacological Agent for Treatment of Diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586829/
The use of silymarin in the treatment of liver diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11735632
Johns Hopkins. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/liver_biliary_and_pancreatic_disorders/liver_anatomy_and_functions_85,P00676
10 Natural Ways to Increase Your Glutathione Levels. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-glutathione
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. Silymarin. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Penguin Group, 2010