RESQWATER KEY INGREDIENT: Milk Thistle Extract

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant with a well-studied active ingredient, silymarin. The herb is believed to be native to the Mediterranean, but now enjoys a vast habitat with worldwide distribution for various uses. Milk thistle extract is a staple of the herbal supplement aisle at your local grocery store. But there’s much more to know about this purple herb (with “milky” veins).

Benefits of Milk Thistle

Silymarin is a phytochemical, a biologically active compound that powers herbal remedies. This particular extract is found in detox drinks, digestive cleanses, liver supplements and other health products.

The most prominent benefit of milk thistle is liver health.  Milk thistle benefits work by drawing toxins out of the body and protecting the liver from damage.  Several studies have found marginal but encouraging results. The anti-inflammatory properties of silymarin may reduce liver damage according to one such study. Another study found it may protect the liver against toxins produced by death cap mushrooms.  Not only has silymarin been found to increase glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that is crucial for liver detoxification), but it also may help to regenerate liver cells.

Another benefit found was that hepatitis C patients had milder or fewer symptoms after taking silymarin.  Similarly, milk thistle was shown to decrease blood sugar for those with type 2 diabetes.

Some studies have found that milk thistle boosts bone health by working against Osteoporosis and reduces the side effects of cancer treatments.

Milk Thistle Supplements

Milk thistle is a go-to supplement for liver health due to the benefits above. Milk thistle supplements are used by health conscious individuals as part of a daily or weekly health routine. Their also taken by people with poor liver health. Consult your doctor if you experience liver disease symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea and fatigue. L-Glutathione, burdock root, chlorella and amla fruit extract are also considered top supplements for liver health.  Silymarin also acts as an antioxidant to help reduce swelling and maintain vital body functions.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is clearly a valuable ingredient in RESQWATER Proactive Recovery and in New RESQWATER Sugar Free.  Milk Thistle's positive effects on the liver could help lessen the effect of alcohol.