Your liver is one of the hardest working organs in your body. It's responsible for filtering out toxins and waste from your bloodstream. So when it becomes overloaded, it needs a little help.
Milk thistle has been used for hundreds of years as a natural way to support liver health. But what is the difference between milk thistle, silymarin and silybin?
Milk Thistle, Silymarin or Silybin: Which is best for you?
If you're looking for a natural way to improve liver function, milk thistle may be the answer. This herb has been used for centuries to treat liver problems, and recent research has shown that it can be effective in treating a wide variety of liver diseases.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a plant that has reddish-purple flowers and is native to the Mediterranean region. The plant has been used for centuries to treat liver and gallbladder problems. Milk thistle is thought to work by protecting the liver from damage and helping to regenerate new liver cells.
Silymarin
Silymarin is a mixture of flavonoid compounds that are commonly extracted from the fruit and seeds of the milk thistle plant. Silymarin has become a popular supplement's active compound due to its purported ability to protect the liver from damage and improve its overall function.
While there is still much research to be done on the potential health benefits of silymarin, preliminary studies have shown that this antioxidant compound may help to protect the liver from toxins, reduce inflammation, and stimulate new cell growth. Additionally, silymarin has been shown to improve the function of enzymes involved in detoxification processes in the liver.
Silybin
Silymarin, as previously stated, is a large compound extracted from the milk thistle plant. It is a complex of flavonoids that can be broken down into many smaller parts, one of which is called silybin. Silybin is the most powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammation agent of all the components. In short, Silybin is the major active component of silymarin.
Liver: The Unsung Hero in Our Body
Few people know that the liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. The liver is responsible for a variety of functions within the body, all of which are essential to keeping us healthy. These functions can be broadly grouped into five categories: filtration, metabolism, storage, synthesis, and secretion.
Filtration is one of the most important functions of the liver. The liver filters blood coming from the digestive tract, removing toxins and other harmful substances before they can enter circulation. The liver also produces bile, which helps to break down fats in the digestive process.
Metabolism is another crucial function of the liver. The liver breaks down nutrients from food into energy that can be used by the body.
It also regulates levels of glucose in the blood and stores vitamins and minerals.
The liver synthesizes proteins and produces cholesterol and other lipids needed by the body.
Unfortunately, the liver is also susceptible to damage from a number of different sources. Alcohol abuse is one of the most common causes of liver damage, but other factors such as low testosterone, sleep deprivation, obesity, viral infections, and certain medications can also cause problems.
Silent Consequence of Consistent Liver Damage
The silent consequence of consistent liver damage is that it often progresses to a more advanced stage before symptoms are noticeable. This means that by the time someone experiences symptoms of liver damage, the condition is often quite advanced and difficult to treat.
Liver disease progression
Inflammation. At this early stage, your liver becomes enlarged or inflamed.
Fibrosis develops when an inflamed liver begins to scar.
Severe scarring has formed on your liver during the cirrhosis stage.
End-of-life liver disease (ESLD). The damage to the liver has progressed to the point where it can only be reversed with a liver transplant.
Liver Cancer happens when there are development and multiplication of abnormal liver cells and can occur at any stage of liver failure, though people with cirrhosis are more vulnerable.
Milk Thistle Protects the Liver
Milk thistle and its extracts are safe and effective liver supplements. The protective active component in milk thistle is rapidly depleted by the liver due to the liver's constant activity 24 hours a day, for those with impaired liver health may need to take a high and repeated oral dose for optimal results.
One should also consider the silybin content of the liver supplement. A high dose of standardised 80% silybin in a liver supplement has higher potency for its antioxidants, detoxification, and improved liver functions. It may be a better option to choose a product with high silybin rather than taking raw milk thistle powder.
Related read:
