Tag Archives: Silymarin

Show Your Liver Some Love with Milk Thistle

Posted on October 4, 2018 by | Comments Off on 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

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Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Liver Function

Posted on June 16, 2017 by | Comments Off on Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Liver Function

HealthyLiverJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

It’s common knowledge that everything we eat and drink moves through the digestive system. But did you know that everything we ingest, including nutrients, medications, and toxic substances, must be processed by the liver before anything can be utilized, altered, stored, detoxified, or eliminated by the body? A healthy diet and lifestyle helps to support this hard working, often underrated, but vitally important organ that plays a central role in metabolic homeostasis. Second only to the brain in its list of essential bodily functions, the liver is the lone organ that can regenerate and return to normal function if damaged or partially removed.

Each organ plays a role in maintaining homeostasis, or a balanced, at-rest state of the body. While the body’s detoxification system includes the lungs, the skin, the digestive system and the kidneys, the liver is the body’s major detoxification center. In addition to the chemicals we inhale, apply to our bodies, or ingest; the liver must filter bio-toxic metabolites, or waste by-products, produced by the body throughout every metabolic pathway.

Extremely important to energy production, the liver is tasked with carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, transforming amino acids from proteins, producing bile for fat digestion and absorption, and releasing a steady flow of glucose from carbohydrates. Liver cells regulate blood glucose concentrations within a narrow, normal range. As an indispensable fuel for all cells and organs, a constant and steady supply of glucose must be maintained; while at the same time, health damaging elevated glucose levels must be controlled. As blood sugar levels fall, the liver releases newly synthesized or stored glucose. Working in tandem with insulin, when blood sugar is high, the liver converts and stores glucose to be utilized as needed.

The liver is known to perform hundreds of crucial functions, including the synthesis of cholesterol, phospholipids, non-essential amino acids, and blood plasma proteins, as well as immune and clotting factors. It regulates blood clotting and blood levels of amino acids; processes hemoglobin and stores iron; and converts ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, to urea for excretion; all the while cleansing the blood of toxic substances and byproducts.

High cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption are high risk factors for developing liver disease. Since it is always preferable to prevent rather than treat disease, it makes good sense to take steps that support liver health.

The American Liver Foundation recommends:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight to avoid the accumulation of liver fat that can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
  • Eating a well balance diet, high in fiber, low in refined carbs and sugar, and moderate in good fats from fish, nuts and seeds.
  • Exercising regularly to burn triglycerides for fuel and reduce liver fat.
  • Using alcohol responsibly to avoid damage to liver cells.
  • Carefully following medication directions, including the use of over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, that have been shown to be detrimental to liver health when used indiscriminately.
  • Practicing safe sex to reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis B and C.
  • Avoiding toxic chemicals found in household products, insecticides and personal hygiene products.

Foods and supplements that provide nutritional support for liver health and function include the following:

Garlic supplies allicin and selenium, powerful nutrients that aid the detoxication process.

Green tea contains catechins, antioxidants from plants that promote proper liver function and protect against toxin and liver fat accumulation.

Dark leafy greens contain cleansing compounds that help to neutralize pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals.

Avocado is rich in glutathione-producing compounds that actively promote liver health and boost its cleansing powers.

Walnuts are rich in healthy fats, l-arginine, and glutathione, which aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia.

Turmeric provides curcuminoids, powerful anti-inflammatory compounds; and helps to maintain a healthy liver by boosting bile and enzyme production, protecting against toxic damage, and improving overall function.

NAC or N-acetylcysteine is tapped to synthesize glutathione, a powerful antioxidant utilized throughout the body.

Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to have hepatic-protective benefits.

Silymarin has been used traditionally for centuries as a natural treatment for liver health and is commonly known as milk thistle.

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

NAC 600 mgNAC by Integrative Therapeutics®: This well absorbed formula provides 600 mg of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine per serving in support of antioxidant protection and glutathione production. Free of gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, yeast, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

 

Garlic ForceGarlic Force™ by New Chapter: This pure and potent garlic extract with complementary herbs delivers beneficial whole food nutrients in support of free radical protection and cardiovascular health. Naturally gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

Curcumin 500 with...Curcumin 500 with Bioperine® by Pure Encapsulations®: Formulated to support the body’s natural inflammatory response and promote healthy liver, colon, musculoskeletal and cellular function, this product supplies turmeric, standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids, and Bioperine ®, a black pepper extract that enhances bioavailability and absorption. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Alpha Lipoic Acid...Alpha Lipoic Acid by 200 mg by Pure Encapsulations®: This multi-functional and versatile nutrient offers free radical protection, and provides support for nerve health, cardiovascualar function, and glucose metabolism. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

Silymarin / Milk...Silymarin/Milk Thistle Extract by Douglas Laboratories: The natural protective and regenerative properties of silymarin have been shown to support and enhance normal liver function, as well as the repair and replacement of damaged cells. Free of wheat, gluten, soy, yeast, dairy and artificial ingredients.

References:
The role of the liver in metabolic homeostasis: implications for inborn errors of metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1749209
Anatomy and Function of the Human Liver. http://www.innerbody.com/image_digeov/card10-new2.html
Liver: Anatomy and Functions. http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/liver_biliary_and_pancreatic_disorders/liver_anatomy_and_functions_85,P00676/
How does the liver work? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0072577/
Metabolic Functions of the Liver. http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/liver/metabolic.html
The Liver Lowdown. http://www.liverfoundation.org/education/liverlowdown/ll1013/13ways/
Quantifying the Contribution of the Liver to Glucose Homeostasis. http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002577

 

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The Multitasking Liver

Posted on May 16, 2013 by | Leave a comment

LiverBy Susan Brown

The liver is a vital organ with a wide range of functions.  As the second largest organ in your body, the liver plays a major role in metabolism and produces biochemicals necessary for digestion.  Liver functions include glycogen storage, decomposition of red blood cells, plasma protein synthesis, hormone production and detoxification.  The liver is thought to be responsible for over 500 separate functions.  Some of the important tasks the liver performs include:

  • Nutrient breakdown.  Everything consumed, whether nutritious or not, must be broken down before the nutrients can be utilized by the body.  The liver produces bile which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during the digestion process. 
  • Storage and creation.  The liver processes all foods including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and converts them into glucose.  While glucose is circulating throughout your body nourishing your organs and cells, the liver is converting excess glucose to glycogen which is stored for later use.  The liver produces cholesterol and special proteins which help carry fats throughout the body. 
  • The liver removes toxic substances from the bloodstream.  The liver helps to fight infections by producing immune factors and cleansing the blood of bacteria. 

The liver is an amazingly tenacious organ.  It can lose three-quarters of its cells before it stops functioning and is the only organ that can regenerate itself.  Because of its strategic location and its multidimensional functions, the liver is prone to infections and disease.  Common liver problems include hepatitis, alcohol damage, fatty liver, cirrhosis, cancer and drug damage.

Viral hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by a viral infection.  Hepatitis infections can be acute or chronic.

  • Hepatitis A is often a result of eating contaminated food or water.  Most people recover from a hepatitis A infection although some residual effects can remain for up to one year.  Thorough hand washing, especially when preparing food, is the best way to prevent the spread of hepatitis A.  A vaccine is available that can prevent infection for up to 10 years.
  • Hepatitis B can cause both an acute or a chronic condition.  Hepatitis B is generally transferred through contact with blood or bodily fluids.  Chronic hepatitis B can evolve into life threatening cirrhosis and liver cancer.  Approximately 65% of patients in treatment for hepatitis B receive a sustained response.  A lifetime vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis B.
  • Hepatitis C is also transmitted though contact with blood or bodily fluids.  Hepatitis C usually leads to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.  Hepatitis C is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States.  All persons with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol and should be immunized against both hepatitis A and B.  Presently there is no vaccine that will prevent this virus.
  • Fatty liver disease (FLD) is a preventable illness in which large vacuoles of triglyceride fat accumulate in the liver cells.  Fatty liver has multiple causes including excessive alcohol intake and obesity with or without insulin resistance.  The accumulation of these fats may also be accompanied by progressive inflammation of the liver.  If treated at an early stage, this condition is often reversible.  Gradual weight loss, dietary changes, and/or medications that decrease insulin resistance are often the recommendations for improved liver function.  FLD, commonly associated with metabolic syndrome, is found in 75% of obese people largely from a prolonged diet containing foods with a high proportion of calories coming from lipids (fats).
  • Cirrhosis is a disease that causes permanent scarring of the liver.  In cirrhosis, normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue that is unable to perform any liver function eventually resulting in liver failure.
  • Alcohol related liver disease is due to excessive consumption and is the most common preventable cause of liver disease.

Your internal organs are working round the clock to keep you healthy and functioning.  Most of us give little thought to what we eat and drink each day.  Prevention is always the best route to take when addressing your general health.  As with any illness that comes with lifestyle choices, the best time to think about your health is now.  To prevent liver disease and other chronic diseases, talk with your healthcare provider regarding vaccinations, maintain a healthy weight, eat a healthy, nutritious diet, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake, follow dosing instructions on all medications and avoid risky behaviors. 

Supplements to support the liver: 

Liver Cleanse (SF769) by Thorne Research is a potent combination of herbs that work synergistically to enhance the function of the liver and is specifically helpful during a comprehensive detoxification program.  The herbs in this formula enhance the production and flow of bile, which helps to optimize metabolism and the elimination of substances detoxified by the liver.

Liver Support by Vital Nutrients  is a unique combination of herbal extracts that works synergistically to support liver function, and nutritionally support and protect liver cells from free radical damage.  Silybin, one of the primary constituents of milk thistle, supports the liver’s efforts to remove chemicals, drugs, alcohol, and other exogenous toxins. 

Liver Support, Q. by Quantum Nutrition Labs  is a key nutraceutical liver formula.  It is an effective, broad-spectrum phytonutrient complex that promotes optimal detoxification, rejuvenation and healthy liver support.

Silymarin by Pure Encapsulations  is a milk thistle extract that nutritionally supports liver function. This highly active botanical protects the liver from free radical damage, supports glutathione concentrations and promotes superoxide dismutase activity.  Milk thistle extract also stimulates protein synthesis in hepatic cells.

Hepato Synergy (K-69) by Apex Energetics  integrates four synergistic formulas that work together to support normal hepatic detoxification.  These products support detoxification, hepatic cell growth, methylation reactions, hormone excretion, glutathione synthesis and recycling, and RNA synthesis.

Glutathione 250 mg by Now Foods  is a tripeptide, consisting of the three amino acids, cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.  Glutathione is found and manufactured in every cell in the body, but is found in highest concentrations in the heart, muscle tissue and the liver.  Glutathione is critical for healthy immune system function and necessary for various liver detoxification processes.  Glutathione also acts as an antioxidant that works to prevent oxidative stress in most cells and helps to trap free radicals that can damage DNA and RNA.  Milk thistle extract and alpha lipoic acid are included to enhance glutathione’s liver supporting properties.

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