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3 Ways Milk Thistle's Antioxidant Actions Help Protect The Liver From Toxins

Author:

Morgan Chamberlain

November 11, 2023

Former mbg Supplement Editor

By Morgan Chamberlain

Former mbg Supplement Editor

Morgan Chamberlain is mindbodygreen's former supplement editor. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science degree in magazine journalism and a minor in nutrition.

Image by Boris Jovanovic / Stocksy

November 11, 2023

From air pollution and heavy metals to beauty products and food additives, we come into contact with countless environmental toxins each day. And while the word detox might bring to mind crash diets, the body is detoxing itself all the time.

As the primary detox organ, the liver has the critical job of filtering these unwanted compounds and preparing them for elimination. So, making sure the liver is functioning optimally is key to holistically supporting the body's natural detox pathways.

And when faced with an onslaught of pollutants, the liver can become taxed. Luckily, there's something that can help: Enter milk thistle. The potent herb can help protect, support, and even rejuvenate the liver so it can filter and remove unwanted toxins with ease.*

How milk thistle supports liver health

Thanks to bioactive phytonutrients called silymarins, milk thistle delivers antioxidant properties that offer quite an array of health benefits—many of which directly support liver health and function:*

It promotes detoxification

liver detox+

Milk thistle helps support the body's natural detoxification pathways by promoting phase I liver detoxification. Specifically, the herb neutralizes free radicals that are produced as a natural byproduct when the liver breaks down unwanted compounds.*

According to a 2015 Antioxidants scientific review, milk thistle's potent phytochemical silymarin also bolsters glutathione synthesis 1₁. Known as the "master antioxidant" in our body, glutathione is a vitally important antioxidant that has a profound impact on detoxification efforts.*

It acts like a toxin-blocking agent

According to a Phytocology Research review, silymarin also helps support the liver by inhibiting toxins from binding to liver cell membrane receptors. In addition to its toxin-blocking actions, milk thistle also helps regulate and buffer liver enzymes to support detox pathways.* (A win-win for the never-ending fight against modern toxins!)

It helps protect & restore liver cells

Finally, milk thistle not only protects liver cells (e.g., by helping to block toxins and supporting overall detoxification) but also helps restore liver cells that have been affected by ongoing toxin exposure.*

The takeaway

By blocking unwanted compounds, supporting their elimination, or rejuvenating liver cells after an increased burden of toxins, milk thistle supports the liver through every step of the detoxification process.*

Finding a high-quality liver detox supplement that includes milk thistle (like mbg's daily detox+) is a great way to increase antioxidant activity, bolster liver function, and support your body's overall detoxification.*

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.