Best Milk Thistle Supplement Reviews In 2024: Top 5 Choices

Our bodies naturally rid themselves of toxins thanks to healthy liver function, but many people are searching for an organic solution to improve their liver function and support liver health. Implementing organic and natural supplements into your day may aid in liver productivity and longevity, all while increasing antioxidant properties.

Milk thistle extract is a popular supplement that may improve healthy liver function. Whether you partied a little too hard, have a family history of fatty liver disease, your diet lacks antioxidants, or you simply want additional liver support, milk thistle may be a supplement worth considering. In addition, people with a damaged liver, even damage caused by hepatitis or overuse of painkillers, may benefit from adding milk thistle^[1] as a dietary supplement. 

This article will review five of the top milk thistle supplements on the market to help you in finding the best milk thistle supplement for your needs.

These two ingredients are often used interchangeably, but they have different purposes and effects on the body.^[4] Silybin’s primary purpose is to help the body eliminate free radicals. Silymarin acts as an insulin sensitizer, anticarcinogen, antidiabetic, anti-fibrotic, and choleretic.

With these unique properties in tandem, milk thistle may reduce inflammation, toxins, and scarring on the liver. While most claims revolve around liver health, some companies promote milk thistle extract as a supplement that can support weight loss. However, there is very little research to back up those claims.

5 Best Milk Thistle Supplement Brands Reviews 2024

How Does It Work?

Milk thistle reduces inflammation by regulating cytokines, a bodily protein that works in the immune system. These anti-inflammatory properties are especially helpful in restoring liver function lost by alcohol consumption or fatty liver disease. 

Milk thistle may also serve as an antioxidant by protecting the body from toxins and free radicals, such as those from acetaminophen and ethanol. Lastly, it prevents collagen from collecting on the liver, which causes further damage in conditions like cirrhosis. 

Of course, it’s important to remember not all milk thistle products are made the same, and optimal health results will vary among individuals. Wellness supplements are most effective when coupled with well-balanced dietary and lifestyle habits.

Benefits Of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle supplements might be worth considering if you’re looking for health and wellness supplements that help you maintain healthy liver function. Milk thistle^[3] is commonly used to promote healthy liver function as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic. 

When taken consistently, milk thistle may reduce inflammation in the liver, help the body say goodbye to free radicals, and prevent and repair scarring on the liver. 

Milk thistle can be used as a proactive and reactive supplement, which may prevent and repair liver damage. Some customer reviews even said it helped reduce the effects of alcohol consumption afterward.

At this time, research also suggests a correlation between diabetes and milk thistle. In addition, early studies suggest that milk thistle could improve insulin resistance^[5] in individuals with diabetes. However, studies are still being conducted on its efficacy in reducing diabetic symptoms, so it is recommended that those with blood sugar irregularities use caution when taking milk thistle.

Are There Any Downsides?

Research continues to explore the benefits and potential risks of milk thistle seed extract. Results seem to vary based on each individual, so it is important to monitor side effects and progress over the first month of taking milk thistle supplements. 

Common side effects of milk thistle include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, headache, rash, or hives. As with many herbal supplements, there isn’t a commonly agreed-upon dosing recommendation for milk thistle extract. So, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor, especially if using other medications or if you have medical conditions. 

Side effects may be more common in those with a history of an allergic reaction to plants in the same line as milk thistles, such as daisies, ragweeds, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. It is unknown how milk thistle may interact with prescribed medications, so discussing potential drug interactions with your doctor or dietitian before adding milk thistle supplements to your wellness routine is important.

Buying Guide: What To Look For The Best Milk Thistle Brand?

If you’re wondering what to look for when buying milk thistle supplements, consider its ingredients, dosage, and cost. Some milk thistle makers will include various ingredients that can affect both your physical reaction to the product and its marketing price. 

The best brands of milk thistle will include silybin and silymarin, the two ingredients in milk thistle that give it its purportedly positive liver-protecting benefits. Check the health label on the back of the product for specific ingredients, especially if a product boasts of using a proprietary blend. 

After consulting with your doctor or dietitian, search for a milk thistle brand that offers their recommended dose. Doses offered typically range from 450 milligrams to 1300 milligrams. After finding a product that meets your doctor’s recommendation, decide if you prefer a tablet, soft gel, or liquid solution. Finally, determine if you want to take the supplement once or twice a day, and make sure your chosen brand meets your preference.

Final Thought

A milk thistle supplement could be a natural remedy if you want to improve your overall health by supporting your liver function. Milk thistle supplements have become increasingly popular, as they are seen as a natural, organic solution to help rid the body of unwanted toxins. 

Individuals who want to support the body’s natural waste elimination processes rarely want to add more toxins to the body through medication, so milk thistle extract has become a popular alternative. However, consult your doctor before taking milk thistle or changing any medicines.

Because milk thistle’s efficacy is still being studied, talk with your doctor and abide by their recommendations, especially for those with a history of liver diseases. It is also important to note that, like all dietary supplements, milk thistle is not regulated at all by the US Food and Drug Administration; thus, the FDA cannot recommend it as a treatment for any medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

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