Saturday, September 09, 2006

Milk Thistle...For A Healthy Liver

We live in a toxic world, no one can dispute that. But it’s our liver that takes a great majority of the burden. And the stresses to the liver are caused by more than just the chemical pollutants in the air. There are those in our food, in the pharmaceutical drugs that we take and even second hand smoke.


But the liver has more to do than just filter poisons out of our body. In order for us to remain healthy our liver also performs (but is not limited to) the following functions:

Blood detoxification and purification
Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
Bile production and excretion
Enzyme activation
Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs

Care of the liver is key to TOTAL BODY HEALTH!

One way that we can assist the liver and gain health is by taking Milk Thistle…also known by it’s botanical name, Silybum marianum, or by its 3 main active compounds collectively known as silymarin.

Milk Thistle is an herb with an ability to defend and rebuild the liver. It is considered by many to be the best product for liver detoxification, protection and regeneration. Its active compounds silymarin is ten times more potent as an antioxidant, than Vitamin E. This makes this powerful antioxidant helpful in preventing free radical damage throughout the body, but especially in the liver, stomach, and intestines.

This cleansing and fortifying herb assists the liver in in part, by preventing the reduction of glutathione. In fact studies show that Milk Thistle actually increases glutathione levels significantly and it is the glutathione, an amino-acid like compound that is critical to neutralizing toxins.

There are now 137 scientific studies on pubmed, heralding the benefits of Milk Thistle. If you need more proof…check here for the studies http://www.pubmed.com/

When purchasing Milk Thistle, it is important that you choose a standardized product which contains a minimum of 70% to 80% silymarin in each dose. This would ensure that a significant amount would reach the bloodstream and eventually reach the liver, giving you the full therapeutic benefits.

So if you are feeling sluggish, or suspect your liver needs a bit of help, you might take a look at an amazing herb called Milk Thistle!


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