How does milk thistle work?
Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant. We are constantly exposed to toxins such as cigarette smoke, car exhaust, pesticides, and other chemicals in our air, food, and water. This is in addition to the toxins that our bodies produce as by-products of our own metabolism. All these toxins produce free radicals, which cause cell damage. They can, however, be neutralized by substances called antioxidants. Two major antioxidants produced by the body, glutathione and superoxide dismutase (SOD), are greatly enhanced by silymarin. Thus, milk thistle acts as an antioxidant in the liver, protecting it from free-radical damage. Animal studies suggest that milk thistle extract can also protect against many poisons, from toluene, a common solvent, to acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol. In Europe, doctors often prescribe milk thistle as extra protection for patients taking medications that are known to case liver problems. I often recommend it to patients who are on medications such as antid
