Discover all the healing properties of milk thistle and check out the top 5 suggestions for supplements with this plant to keep your liver supported and healthy!
Taking care of the health of the liver is an extremely important activity. This is because this organ is what keeps us alive. The liver is the largest internal organ that metabolises and stores essential nutrients every day, as well as filtering and detoxifying the body. It has the capacity to regenerate itself, but it is not indestructible. Therefore, any support for its proper functioning will ensure that it performs its role to the best of its ability and for as long as possible. In this article, you will learn about the structure of the digestive system, its basic functions and the most common problems. You will also learn about dietary supplements that can effectively support the health of the liver, so that we can take care of it as it takes care of us.
The digestive system - structure
The digestive system (or digestive system) is responsible for taking in food and drink and processing them. The resulting nutrients are then transferred into the bloodstream and delivered to all the cells of the body. The proper functioning of the digestive system is very important in order to avoid many serious health problems.
The first part of the digestive system where digestion begins is the mouth In the mouth, food is broken down and then passed on to the pharynx and oesophagus.
The stomach is the section of the digestive system where the most important digestive processes take place. Glands in the gastrointestinal tract produce gastric juices that allow the food ingested to be transformed into an easily digestible slurry that is passed on to the intestines for further digestion.
The small intestine is the longest section of the digestive tract. In an adult, it is about 4-5 m long on average. In the small intestine, the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream begins. The small intestine is located immediately after the stomach and passes smoothly into the large intestine.
Thelarge intestine ends with the rectum, through which metabolic products are excreted. The function of the large intestine is to absorb those nutrients that have not entered the bloodstream in the small intestine, as well as to form faeces.
Very important for the proper functioning of the digestive tract is the liver. It is the largest and one of the most important internal organs in the body. The liver is responsible for proper carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, and also stores vitamins A, D and B12. Its tasks include the production of bile, which is essential for the digestion of fats. The liver also detoxifies the body by neutralising toxins in the food supply, and is responsible for breaking down alcohol and drugs. It also has autoimmune functions - among other things, it neutralises microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria.
The pancreas is an organ that supports the digestive system by producing digestive enzymes. These include trypsin, ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease. The pancreas controls blood glucose levels and also neutralises acidic gastric contents.
The most common problems of the digestive system
The most common digestive system problems you may encounter include a number of different conditions and ailments. Here are some of them:
Gastro-oesophageal reflux: Manifested by pain or burning in the chest (heartburn) caused by backflow of gastric contents into the oesophagus.
Irritable bowel syndrome: This is a disorder that leads to abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation.
Stomach ulcers: These are ulcers on the mucosa of the stomach or duodenum that can cause abdominal pain and other symptoms.
Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas that can cause severe abdominal pain and digestive problems.
Celiac disease: This is an intolerance to gluten that leads to damage to the intestines and problems with nutrient absorption.
Steatosis of the liver: Liver steatosis is the accumulation of excess fat in the liver cells. It can be associated with obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and other risk factors.
Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is an advanced liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue and fibrous tissue. Cirrhosis can result from long-term liver damage such as alcoholism or chronic viral hepatitis. Liver poisoning: Ingestion of toxic substances such as alcohol, drug abuse or exposure to toxic substances can damage and poison the liver.
How to deal with digestive problems?
In the case of bothersome, chronic and recurring gastrointestinal complaints, the first step should always be to consult a doctor. In everyday practice, it is extremely important to follow a few dietary rules in order to maintain the health and proper functioning of the digestive system. It is advisable to avoid products that can irritate the stomach and intestines. These include spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, dairy products (in the case of lactose intolerance) and large amounts of fat. Instead, it is a good idea to choose mild, easily digestible meals that are rich in fibre, such as vegetables, fruit, whole-grain cereal products and fat-free protein sources. Always eat slowly, chewing food thoroughly to aid and facilitate digestion.
Physical activity can help maintain a healthy digestive system by improving intestinal peristalsis. However, exercise should not be started in quick succession after eating, as this can disrupt digestive processes.
For mild gastrointestinal complaints or as a preventive measure, suitable dietary supplements or over-the-counter medicines can be taken to effectively support the proper functioning of the digestive system. However, you should consult your pharmacist or doctor before starting any treatment or supplementation.
Milk thistle - properties
Thistle, from the Latin Silybum marianum, is a plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its valuable and beneficial properties have been known for thousands of years. Originally, it was found in its natural state mainly in the Mediterranean basin. In Poland, the fruits of thistle are mainly used for medicinal purposes. Very often, thistle is recommended as a dietary supplement for daily use.
Thistle fruits are a rich source of silymarin, which exhibits strong antioxidant properties. This makes the fruit of the thistle often used in medicine. In particular, silymarin is used to treat the liver, as it has a cholagogic, anti-inflammatory, regenerative and detoxifying effect. In the fruit of the thistle can also be found:
essential oils that aid digestive processes,
bitter compounds - histamine and tyramine,
oil containing oleic, palmitic and linoleic acids,
vitamin E, which inhibits the oxidation of fats present in the blood and cell membranes,
plant sterols (or phytosterols), which have a therapeutic effect.
Silymarin, on the other hand, contains other valuable compounds, which include silibinin, silidiamine, silicristin, as well as isosyllimarin, 2,3-dehydrosilimarin, 2,3-dehydrosilicristin and silibinomers. Silymarin also includes taxifolin, dehydroconiferyl alcohol, quercetin, thymine, organic acids, vitamin A, B, C and D, tannins, proteins, sugars and mineral salts.
The medicinal properties of milk thistle are impressive. However, it is most commonly used to support the proper functioning of the liver. Among other things, thistle is recommended for viral hepatitis, steatosis and cirrhosis. The silymarin contained in the thistle seeds is also used for liver damage caused by excessive alcohol consumption, toxic compounds found in, among other things, plant protection products, as well as poisoning by stinging flies. Milk thistle also has a slightly laxative effect. It alleviates the symptoms of migraines and counteracts motion sickness. It is used for gallstones and the prevention of gall bladder disease. This plant is also used to help treat psoriasis and acne.
For whom are thistle supplements intended?
Dietary supplements containing milk thistle are mainly intended for adults and children over 12 years of age who want to support liver health and improve liver function. People struggling with liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, steatosis or jaundice very often turn to this ingredient. People with unhygienic lifestyles, poor diet and alcohol abuse can also appreciate the healing properties of milk thistle. It is also recommended for gastrointestinal complaints, as it regulates digestive processes and increases the secretion of gastric juice.
Like any medicinal product, milk thistle has contraindications for use, but there are relatively few compared to other such preparations. Thistle-based supplements are not recommended for very acute food poisoning. Thistle should not be used by children under the age of 12 years. In addition, the intake of thistle in any form is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for people who are allergic to the plant. Thistle preparations should also be taken with caution in cases of obstructed bile ducts.
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to use thistle supplements, especially if you have any existing medical conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or other dietary supplements.
Key ingredients in dietary supplements with milk thistle
The most important ingredient in thistle supplements is silymarin, which is a complex of flavonolignans found naturally in thistle seeds. Silymarin is responsible for the beneficial effects of this plant on the liver. The flavonolignans that make up silymarin are mainly sillimine, isosylimine, silydianine and sylchristine.
Milk thistle is also a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acid and protein, which is beneficial for those on plant-based diets.
The composition of milk thistle supplements varies depending on the manufacturer and the form of the supplement (extract, capsules, liquid). It is always worth checking the product label to find out what ingredients it contains.
What are the effects of taking a milk thistle supplement?
The effects of regular intake of dietary supplements with milk thistle can vary and depend on a number of factors, such as the body's individual predisposition, state of health, quality of diet and the type of supplement used. However, the most common effects of thistle supplementation include:
Liver protection: One of the main effects of taking thistle supplements is to protect the liver from toxins such as alcohol, drugs, chemicals and other external agents. Silymarin, the main component of thistle, is an antioxidant and helps to neutralise free radicals.
Supporting liver regeneration: Thistle supplements can help with the regeneration process of liver cells after liver damage. This is particularly important for people with liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Improving digestive function: Milk thistle can support the production and flow of bile, which helps with fat digestion and the overall digestive process.
Lowering cholesterol levels: The phytosterols present in milk thistle may help to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) cholesterol levels in the blood.
Mitigating inflammation: Silymarin also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that may help to treat inflammation in the body.
It is important to remember that supplements cannot replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. The effects of their use are not always guaranteed and are a matter of the body's individual predisposition.
Advantages of using food supplements with thistle
There are many health benefits to using thistle supplements, especially when it comes to supporting liver health. Here are a few of the main benefits of using supplements with milk thistle:
- Liver protection.
- Supporting liver regeneration.
- Improving digestive function.
- Lowering cholesterol levels.
- Alleviating inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant protection.
- Supporting the treatment of liver disease.
- Ease of use.
Disadvantages of taking supplements with milk thistle
Taking thistle supplements may also be associated with some disadvantages and adverse effects such as:
- Side effects and drug interactions.
- Lack of standardisation of ingredients.
- Inadequate dosage.
- No guarantee of efficacy.
- Possible allergic reactions.
In order to minimise adverse reactions when taking thistle supplements, always read the information on the packaging regarding how to take and dosage of a particular preparation. If you have any doubts about supplementation, it is a good idea to consult your doctor.
How often should I take dietary supplements with milk thistle?
As a dietary supplement or herbal medicine, milk thistle is intended for adults and for children over 12 years of age. It is most commonly found in capsule or tablet form, less commonly in seed form for grinding. Pre-prepared, already ground thistle seeds are also available for sale. Thistle oil is also available, which is a valuable source of unsaturated fatty acids that have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Milk thistle is also available in drinkable forms such as juice or herbal teas. It is important to adapt the type of preparation to individual preferences. It is good to choose products without added sugars, artificial flavours or preservatives.
Thistle supplements are taken daily, preferably with or immediately after a meal. The dosage depends on the form in which the preparation is taken.
Taken in tablets: 35-150 mg (concentrated) of the extract 2-3 times daily. Thistle oil is most often taken at a dose of 3 teaspoons, while ground seeds are taken 2-3 teaspoons daily with or before meals.
Each preparation may vary slightly in terms of daily doses. Therefore, always follow the recommendations on the product packaging.
Although thistle generally does not cause side effects, it is not recommended to exceed the dosage recommended by the manufacturer, as there is a minimal risk of gastrointestinal disorders. Indeed, when taken in excess, thistle can have a laxative effect. People who are allergic to the plant may experience shortness of breath or a rash.
What should I consider when choosing thistle supplements?
When choosing thistle supplements, there are a number of things to consider to ensure that the product will be effective. Here are the most important selection criteria:
Manufacturer: choose products from reputable manufacturers. Check that the brand is certified for quality and adheres to safety standards in the production of supplements.
Composition: Read the label on the packaging to find out how much silymarin and other active ingredients a supplement contains.
Standardisation of ingredients: Make sure that the plant extracts contained in a particular supplement are standardised. This is a guarantee of the quality of the preparation you receive and ensures that each packet has the same composition and the same concentration of ingredients.
Opinions and reviews: Read the opinions of other users about the product in question. This will help you find out how the supplement works in practice.
Consult a doctor: It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting a supplement, especially if you have health problems and/or are taking medication.
Discover the top 5 supplements with thistle in 2026
When creating our product reviews, we consider the ingredients and research their safety. We analyse the opinions of industry experts and the experiences of product users. We obtain recommendations from authorised retailers and use available sources of knowledge about the active ingredients and their effects. We personally verify the action, texture, scent and feel of the products, and assess value for money.
Below are detailed reviews by our editors with a description of each product indicated.
