Milk thistle is a common supplement on market. You can find it on market anywhere. However, for new comers, we always search for many information then make the final decision. This is why we talk milk thistle here.

Milk thistle is a plant native to Europe, and its extract has been used for centuries as a natural remedy to support liver health. Milk thistle powder is extracted from Milk thistle or Silybum marianum.

What does milk thistle do for your body? 

The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which is a complex of flavonoids known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. People generally use it for many healthy purpose.

Diabetes: Some studies have suggested that milk thistle may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.

Cholesterol: Milk thistle may help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and improve overall cholesterol profiles.

Skin health: Milk thistle has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help improve skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Cancer: There is some evidence to suggest that milk thistle may have anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed.

 Is milk thistle good for your liver?

Several studies suggest that milk thistle may be beneficial for liver health. For example, some research has shown that silymarin can help protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins such as alcohol and certain medications. It may also help improve liver function in people with liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.

A 2021 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that milk thistle extract improved liver function and reduced liver inflammation in people with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements found that milk thistle extract reduced liver damage and oxidative stress in rats with liver injury.

A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that milk thistle supplementation improved liver function and reduced liver enzyme levels in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Another study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that milk thistle extract was effective in reducing liver damage in patients with alcohol-related liver disease. Another study published in the journal Liver International found that silymarin supplementation improved liver function in patients with chronic liver disease.

Click here, you can read more information about what can it do for the liver, and who is in need of milk thistle extract?

Beside live protection, there are some studies for other purpose:

A 2020 review published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology concluded that milk thistle has a promising role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome.

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that milk thistle extract improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation in overweight and obese people with type 2 diabetes.

A 2016 study published in the journal Food & Function found that silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that helped protect cells from oxidative stress.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that milk thistle extract had a protective effect against UV-induced skin damage in mice.

A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that milk thistle extract improved skin hydration and reduced inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis.

 Is it ok to take milk thistle every day?

In general, milk thistle is often taken in doses of 200-400 milligrams, two to three times per day. It is often recommended to take milk thistle with a meal to help with absorption.

Milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people when taken at recommended doses. However, as with any supplement or medication, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting to take milk thistle regularly. The reason is that milk thistle may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and drugs metabolized by the liver.

The liver is responsible for removing toxins from the body, and while milk thistle may help protect the liver from damage, it does not speed up the liver's natural detoxification processes.

Moreover, milk thistle order online generally is a supplement, it can not replacement any prescription or treatment.

Therefore, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking milk thistle regularly, especially if you are taking medications or have any underlying health conditions.

Who should not take milk thistle?

While milk thistle is generally considered safe for most people, there are certain individuals who should avoid taking it or use it with caution. These include:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women: There is limited research on the safety of milk thistle during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, it is best to avoid milk thistle during these times.

Allergic to plants in the same family: People who are allergic to plants in the same family as milk thistle (such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) may also be allergic to milk thistle.

People with hormone-sensitive conditions: Milk thistle may have estrogenic effects and could theoretically worsen conditions that are affected by hormones, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine fibroids.

People with a history of hormone-related cancers: Milk thistle should be used with caution in people with a history of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer.

People taking certain medications: Milk thistle may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antipsychotics, and drugs metabolized by the liver. Therefore, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking milk thistle if you are taking any medications.

Children: There is limited research on the safety of milk thistle in children. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving milk thistle to children unless under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Shall we take milk thistle after drinking or before？

Milk thistle extract powder is often promoted as a natural remedy for protecting the liver from alcohol-induced damage. However, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that taking milk thistle before or after drinking alcohol can prevent or reduce liver damage.

Final words

In general, if you choose to take milk thistle extract powder, it is typically recommended to take it with a meal to help with absorption. However, it's important to remember that milk thistle is not a substitute for healthy lifestyle choices, such as limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise.

If you are concerned about liver health or have any underlying health conditions, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking milk thistle or any other supplement.