TLC for Your Liver, Your Fat-Burning Organ

Milk thistle (also known as “holy thistle”) is an herbal remedy that has been used for over 2,000 years, primarily for liver and gallbladder support. Its main active constituents are collectively referred to as “silymarin.” The liver creates a lot of free radicals (and potential oxidative stress) from metabolizing toxic substances. It requires a lot of nutrients, including antioxidants, to optimally perform its incredible range of functions. Oxidative damage and chronic inflammation are both strongly associated with excess weight challenges as well as virtually all chronic degenerative non-communicable diseases. Silymarin (the active constituent in milk thistle) is a potent antioxidant and also has anti-inflammatory properties so it enjoys my favorite “dynamic duo” status. 


The liver is our main fat-burning organ; supporting the liver can have substantial direct, and indirect, benefits for weight loss efforts and a suboptimal liver can severely impede weight loss efforts. Milk thistle has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels and can possibly help prevent insulin resistance. Milk thistle has shown efficacy in ameliorating the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/NAFLD by helping combat oxidative stress, insulin resistance, fat accumulation in the liver, and mitochondrial dysfunction. A compromised liver poses obstacles to weight loss efforts.


Our livers save us each day and, thankfully, they have an amazing ability to regenerate with timely support. If you haven’t given your liver much thought or attention, I implore you to do so. Milk thistle is available as a capsule or as a tea. 


I use Solgar milk thistle, available at this link:

https://amzn.to/3CKqfmK


If you’re interested in learning more about this topic or more evidence-based tips for a healthy weight, you can read more about it in my book, “Eat the Cupcake, not the Cake.”


https://amzn.to/3Pqa4Tm


*As an affiliate, I get a percentage on products sold via my link at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!




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