6 ways milk thistle benefits the body

6 ways milk thistle benefits the body

Milk thistle is a prickly, purple plant that is believed to have numerous health benefits. It contains an active compound in the seeds called silymarin, which has antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, milk thistle has been traditionally used as a herbal remedy to treat multiple health problems, such as cancer and liver and gallbladder disorders.

Here’s how milk thistle benefits the body.

Liver protection

Milk thistle is well known for its ability to help protect the liver. It’s antioxidant properties help protect the liver from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which are produced when the liver metabolizes toxins. Improvements in liver function have been observed in people with liver disease, who are taking milk thistle supplements. 

It is thought that milk thistle may be especially good at protecting the liver against damage from alcohol. As the liver processes alcohol, toxic byproducts are released which cause inflammation, which can potentially scar the liver and lead to cirrhosis. Milk thistle may help detoxify some of these harmful substances and prevent liver damage caused by alcohol.

Improve treatment

The antioxidant effects from silymarin may help improve the effectiveness of some treatments and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. Milk thistle has been known to even destroy cells and may also help prevent the development of some cancers.

Better brain function

Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy to treat neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Current research supports this, demonstrating how the powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help prevent decline in brain function, as a result of aging.

Improve bone health

Osteoporosis is a common bone disease caused by bone loss, and is usually seen in elderly people. It leads to fragile bones and increased risk for fractures, even from minor knocks. Milk thistle may help prevent bone loss and stimulate bone mineralization, helping delay the onset of osteoporosis, especially in menopausal women.

Lower blood sugar levels

Diabetes is a serious condition where blood sugar levels are too high. A compound found in milk thistle is thought to help lower blood glucose levels by acting in a similar manner to some diabetic medications. This suggests milk thistle supplements may provide an effective complementary therapy to help manage diabetes

Acne treatment

Whilst acne is not harmful, it can be painful and affect people’s mental health and confidence in their appearance. As acne is an inflammatory skin condition, milk thistle’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce symptoms.

Milk thistle is a safe, natural supplement that shows potential therapeutic benefits for a number of health conditions. Our easy-to-swallow milk thistle supplements contain 80% silymarin and are made in the UK, to GMP standards. They come in a small, environmentally friendly bottle that uses 30% less plastic than other brands. 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on="on|on|on" _builder_version="4.14.3" _module_preset="default" disabled="on" global_colors_info="{}"]

Glucosamine is essential for the syntheses of several important macromolecules including glycoproteins, glycolipids and glycosaminoglycans. These macromolecules are essential building blocks for connective tissues in the joints, primarily cartilage. This rubbery tissue acts as a cushion and minimizes friction, allowing bones to move freely and painlessly across one another.

Chondroitin, is another essential building block of cartilage, giving it elasticity and shock absorbing properties, by helping it retain water. Chondroitin is also found in tendons, ligaments, bone and skin.

As a result of age, your body starts to produce less of these two important compounds and cartilage begins to break down. This can cause bones to rub together, leading to joint pain, inflammation and tissue damage, as well as common joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.

Evidence suggests glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help ease symptoms and slow progression of joint conditions.

What are the benefits of chondroitin and glucosamine?

Supplements containing a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin are most often taken to treat osteoarthritis, to help slow the process of cartilage breakdown and ease symptoms. These compounds are considered important for joint health and supplementation may have a number of benefits, including improving range of motion and reducing joint pain.

Joint protection

When cartilage begins to break down as people age, joints often become stiffer, less flexible and more painful, known as arthritis. It is believed that taking glucosamine and chondroitin may help support healthy joints and prevent the breakdown of cartilage. By promoting the creation of other important structural molecules that make up tissues for proper joint function, they may help ease joint pain and friction.

Reduce inflammation

Research suggests that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help reduce inflammation, by inhibiting inflammatory pathways in synovial cells. These cells make up the fluid around joints which lubricates their surface. When these become inflamed, this can cause swelling and tenderness. The observed anti-inflammatory effects may also lower the risk for other conditions linked to inflammation, such as diabetes.

Treatment for arthritis

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are frequently taken to help treat osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when cartilage breaks down, causing bones to rub together. Studies have found that glucosamine may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, helping reduce pain, improve joint function and slow disease progression.

For the most effective results, it is best to take a supplement that combines glucosamine and chondroitin, like our high quality Glucosamine and Chondroitin MSM tablets. These supplements also contain hydrolyzed cartilage, vitamin C and MSM - a natural form of organic sulphur which helps with the production of key components of cartilage.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url="/product/milk-thistle-tablets/" button_text="Shop Now" _builder_version="4.14.3" _module_preset="default" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
Back to blog