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October 2024 by Sandy Yanez
The liver is one of the body’s most important organs, helping detoxify harmful substances and keeping you healthy. But with things like poor diets, alcohol, and medications, liver problems are becoming more common. Luckily, two natural remedies, Milk Thistle and CBD (Cannabidiol), might help keep your liver in shape. Let’s explore how these two powerful plants work together to protect the liver.
Milk Thistle: A Plant with a Long History
Milk Thistle is a plant that’s been used for thousands of years to help the liver. Originally from the Mediterranean, this prickly plant contains silymarin, a compound with incredible healing properties. Silymarin is a super antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize harmful substances and supports the liver in cleaning out toxins. Studies have shown it helps boost liver function, especially for those with liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatitis.
Milk Thistle doesn’t just help the liver. It’s also been used for skin conditions like psoriasis, which can be a sign that your liver is overworked. New research suggests that silymarin even works on the same parts of the body as cannabis, interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the liver to help prevent damage from fibrosis and chronic liver disease.
CBD: The New Kid on the Block
While Milk Thistle has been around for centuries, CBD is more of a modern remedy. CBD comes from the cannabis plant, but unlike its cousin THC, it doesn’t make you feel “high.” What it does do, however, is reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage, which can help the liver.
Studies show that CBD may be able to reduce fatty liver disease, whether caused by alcohol or poor diets. It does this by interacting with CB2 receptors in the liver, helping to prevent fat buildup and reduce inflammation. In animal studies, CBD has been shown to protect the liver from the harmful effects of alcohol and high-fat diets. However, high doses of CBD might increase liver enzymes, which can be a sign of stress on the liver. It can also interact with medications, so it’s important to talk to a doctor before trying CBD for liver health.
Milk Thistle and CBD: A Power Duo for Liver Health
Both Milk Thistle and CBD have unique ways of supporting the liver. Milk Thistle focuses on detoxifying and protecting liver cells, while CBD helps fight inflammation and reduce fat buildup. Together, they could be a powerful combo for anyone looking to support their liver health naturally. But as always, it’s important to check with a healthcare provider before adding new supplements, especially if you’re on medication or already have liver issues.
Conclusion
Milk Thistle and CBD offer natural ways to support liver health. Milk Thistle has been trusted for centuries for its liver-boosting abilities, while CBD brings a new approach to reducing liver fat and inflammation. If you’re interested in supporting your liver naturally, these two plants might be worth considering, but always consult a doctor first.
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