Does Milk Thistle/Silymarin Lower Blood Sugar?
How Does Milk Thistle/Silymarin Help for People with Diabetes?
Have you heard of this herb called milk thistle or silymarin? This herb has flowers and looks very pretty. Milk thistle has been made into supplements that are sold all over the world! And why? Because milk thistle is believed to have many benefits; From helping your liver, and brain, to help you control your blood sugar levels.
And yes!! Our newest supplement has milk thistle in it. I mean, one of the many ingredients is milk thistle. Hello! I’m Dr. Ahmet Ergin and I am an endocrinologist who has a passion for treating patients living with diabetes.
Today, let’s talk about the benefits of milk thistle.If you have diabetes and want to know how this supplement our supplement can help, then you’re at the right place.
This article will explain it all to you. So, without further ado, let’s begin! Milk thistle is a herbal remedy that has been around for many many years. Before I was born, and before you were born, people were already using it. Some even used it to protect from poisonous snake bites!
milk thistle plant
So, which ingredient in milk thistle has superpowers? Well, the active ingredient is called silymarin. And studies show that silymarin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It really is a powerful compound! The extract from milk thistle contains high amounts of silymarin. And this will be turned into pills and supplements that you and I can buy from this link Well, how can these supplements help you? That’s a very good question, and I would love to tell you about some benefits of milk thistle supplements.
How can milk thistle help the liver?
Firstly, the most famous benefit of milk thistle is how it can help your liver. If you have diabetes, it is so so important for you to protect your liver. Diabetes can increase your risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Remember to watch our fatty liver video on youtube later.
Anyway, Fatty liver disease can actually affect how your liver works! So even if you don’t drink alcohol, or you take very little alcohol, you can still get fatty liver disease. At least 50% of people with diabetes will eventually develop fatty liver disease.
So, I encourage you to protect your liver in any way you can. You can do this by exercising and eating healthy food. Or maybe avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. But most importantly, managing your blood sugar levels well can protect your liver.
Did you know that milk thistle supplements may help to preserve your liver cells? Studies suggest that milk thistle may reduce the damage and inflammation of your liver. And it can even prolong the lifespan of some people who have liver disease.
These studies do not have a strong conclusion though, so you probably should not use milk thistle to replace your hepatitis medications! If you eat burgers every day like Scooby and Shaggy. Or if you don’t exercise at all like Garfield. Then milk thistle won’t help much either. Leading a healthy lifestyle is most important in protecting your liver!
Can Milk Thistle Help Prevent Dementia?
Milk thistle may help with your brain. It may help to slow down the decline of brain function due to aging. Animal studies suggest that it can help to protect your brain as you grow older and older. So, it may help with diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.
Given the fact that diabetes messes with your brain too, I would say yeah it makes sense. Unfortunately, there are no human studies that prove this fact. So, it could help but you know, it’s not guaranteed!
Can Silymarin Help to Protect Heart?
If you’re a diabetic, then yes silymarin can protect your heart. Several studies have been carried out in diabetic patients. And guess what they found? In diabetics, milk thistle can help lower your bad cholesterol. And this may reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attacks! Imagine this. Bad cholesterol can build up in your heart.
If you don’t take care of your diet or lifestyle, then this bad cholesterol will keep building up in your blood vessels. Eventually, it might cut off blood supply to one part of the heart completely. And this can cause your heart muscles in that area to become weak, leading to a heart attack that could be fatal.
This is why I encourage you to keep your cholesterol levels in check to protect your heart. Milk thistle supplements may help you with lowering your cholesterol levels. Last, of all, this plant may be beneficial for you if you are diabetic.
Do you know how milk thistle/silymarin actually work? Well, some medications make your cells more sensitive to insulin. Studies actually suggest that milk thistle can do the same thing! Milk thistle can decrease your blood sugar levels and your HbA1c.
HbA1c is a measurement that your doctors and healthcare providers use to measure blood sugar control. That’s not all! Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it may also help prevent diabetes-related complications. For example, kidney disease. Do take note that these benefits are not guaranteed. So don’t use our supplement that contains milk thistle to replace any medication, at least until you may not need them.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions I would not probably recommend it. Based on the brand and product you choose, the dose may vary. It does not have many side effects, even if you take it for a few years.
However, some people might experience itching, nausea, diarrhea, or bloating when they take this product. (can animate these side effects) In summary, milk thistle supplements or supplements containing milk thistle-like SugarMD Advanced Glucose Support may protect your heart and liver, and even lower your blood sugar levels.
Well, thank you so much for joining me today. I really appreciate it. If you enjoyed this, don’t forget to like, subscribe and share it with your friends and family. Do let me know down in the comments below what you would like to see in the next video! Until then, take care and stay safe!
Ahmet Ergin, MD, FACE, CDCES, ECNU Endocrinology 2260 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Ste 212 Unit #7 West Palm Beach, FL 561-462-5053