The Benefits of Milk Thistle: A Powerful Ally for Your Liver and More

Hello everyone! Today, we’re diving into the world of milk thistle—a natural remedy with numerous health benefits. I’m Dr. Ahmed Eran, an endocrinologist, diabetes education specialist, and your guide to better diabetes management. Let’s get started!

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle, known for its active ingredient silymarin, has been used for centuries to support liver health. Many of you may have heard of its benefits for the liver, brain, and even blood sugar control. Since you’re here on the SugarMD channel, I’m sure you’re most curious about how milk thistle can help with diabetes.

How Does Milk Thistle Help with Diabetes?

Exciting news—our SugarMD supplement, which many of you have already heard about or used, has been updated to include milk thistle! After hearing from several of my patients about how it’s helped with liver enzyme levels and blood sugar control, we decided to enhance our formula by adding this powerful ingredient. The new version comes in 180 capsules at a more affordable price, so I think you’ll really like it.

I’m always striving to help you manage diabetes in the most cost-effective way possible. Let’s take a closer look at how milk thistle can make a difference.

Milk Thistle: A Liver Protector

Milk thistle is primarily used to treat liver inflammation due to its potent antioxidant properties. It works by preventing damage to your liver cells (hepatocytes). This is especially important for people with diabetes, particularly those with type 2 diabetes, as liver damage is often associated with the condition. Many of you might already have fatty liver disease without even knowing it.

When you check your metabolic panel (CMP or BMP) during routine doctor visits, elevated ALT, AST, or ALP levels could indicate liver damage. If you notice these high markers, it’s essential to take action. While living a healthy lifestyle and following the advice we discuss on this channel will help, supplements like milk thistle can speed up recovery and protect your liver.

How Milk Thistle Helps Your Liver

Milk thistle’s active component, silymarin, is extracted from the plant and is often included in supplements. This extract not only helps with blood sugar control by improving insulin resistance, but more importantly, it protects your liver cells from further damage. Considering you only have one liver, protecting it should be a top priority.

Brain Health Benefits

Because milk thistle is both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it’s also beneficial for brain health. As we age, cognitive decline and conditions like dementia become more common, especially for those with diabetes or cardiovascular issues. By reducing oxidative stress and free radical damage, milk thistle can help prevent brain damage, making it a valuable addition to your routine as you get older.

Cardiovascular Support

Cardiovascular disease is often closely linked to diabetes and insulin resistance. Fatty liver disease, diabetes, and heart disease are all interconnected. In fact, heart disease can sometimes develop before diabetes is even diagnosed. That’s why it’s so important to protect your heart while managing your blood sugar.

Even if you manage to bring your blood sugar levels down to a healthy range (around 100 mg/dL or an HbA1c of 5.7% or lower), it won’t matter if your heart isn’t healthy. Your heart is your lifeline, so protecting it is just as critical as managing your diabetes.

Conclusion: Should You Take Milk Thistle?

I’m not suggesting that you should load up on every supplement available, but for those with diabetes, I do recommend trying supplements that contain milk thistle. It’s a natural way to support both your liver and your overall health.

If you're interested in our updated SugarMD formula with milk thistle, check the link below for more details. And don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay informed on how to better manage your health.