milk thistle and glutathione together

Can You Combine Milk Thistle and Glutathione Together?

Milk Thistle and Glutathione are both herbs that can offer numerous health benefits. Although they have their differences, you can combine Milk Thistle and Glutathione, but this requires research into dosage and usage. So how should you combine them? We know both Milk Thistle and Glutathione benefit liver health. What health benefits will this combination bring? Let's explore this in this article.

Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.

Key Takeaways

  • Combining Milk Thistle and Glutathione can benefit health, especially the liver.
  • You can use supplements containing both Milk Thistle and Glutathione.
  • Milk Thistle and Glutathione benefit the liver, but they differ in their mechanisms of action and applications.

Can You Combine Milk Thistle And Glutathione Together?

Can You Combine Milk Thistle And Glutathione Together?

You can combine Milk Thistle and Glutathione, which requires studying dosage and usage scientifically.

Currently, many supplements containing Milk Thistle and Glutathione are available on the market. However, they are all produced using carefully researched scientific formulas and undergo strict testing to ensure safety for users.

For this reason, you should not combine them freely without understanding the mechanisms of Milk Thistle and Glutathione.

What Are The Milk Thistles With Glutathione Benefits Together?

Both Milk Thistle and Glutathione support our health, and combining them can provide benefits such as:

Enhancing liver function:

  • Glutathione, an antioxidant, can support detoxification in the liver, helping to eliminate toxins from the body, ensuring liver health, and enhancing liver function [1].
  • Milk Thistle contains Silymarin, which has antioxidant, immune-regulating, anti-fibrotic, and antioxidant properties, promotes liver regeneration and enhances liver metabolism [2].

Supporting Detoxification Process: Milk Thistle Can Enhance Glutathione Production in the Liver [3]. This supports detoxification processes and eliminates harmful toxins from the body.

Enhances powerful antioxidant capabilities:

  • Glutathione is a potent endogenous antioxidant in the body [4]. It helps maintain the activity of exogenous antioxidants (vitamins C and E), protecting cells from oxidative damage.
  • Silymarin in Milk Thistle is an antioxidant, shielding cells from oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage [5].

Boosts metabolism: Both Glutathione and Milk Thistle aid in liver detoxification, enhancing liver function, which promotes metabolism, boosts energy levels and strengthens the immune system.

Supports reproductive health:

  • Glutathione has been studied for its ability to improve sperm count and motility [4].
  • Milk Thistle may support increased fertility rates and sperm quality, enhancing reproductive function [6].

How To Use Milk Thistle And Glutathione Together?

How To Use Milk Thistle And Glutathione Together?

Firstly, I will provide general information on how to use each type.

For Milk Thistle:

  • Forms: powder capsules, tea, tincture.
  • Typical dosage: 240-900 mg/day, divided into multiple daily doses [7].
  • Timing: Best taken after meals.

For Glutathione:

  • Forms: capsules, powder.
  • Dosage: Up to 100 mg/day [8].
  • Timing: Taken before breakfast or before bedtime.

Combining Milk Thistle and Glutathione requires monitoring and diagnosis by a doctor, so for the safest approach, consult healthcare professionals.

Additionally, many people use Milk Thistle and Glutathione products for added convenience. This is a practical way for individuals to maintain their health amidst today's fast-paced lifestyles.

What Is Glutathione?

Glutathione is one of the essential antioxidants produced in cells

Glutathione is one of the essential antioxidants produced in cells, synthesized from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine. It is a crucial helper in detoxifying the body and preventing cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, helping the body stay youthful and vibrant [9].

How Does Glutathione Benefit For Health?

Glutathione can provide numerous health benefits, such as:

  • Powerful antioxidant properties: Glutathione helps neutralize free radicals and protects cells from damage [10].
  • Supports liver function: The liver synthesizes Glutathione, aiding in detoxification processes and enhancing metabolic capabilities [10].
  • Boosts the immune system: Glutathione protects cells from oxidative stress and enhances the body's ability to combat diseases [10].
  • Anti-aging effects: Its antioxidant properties help prevent premature aging, maintaining youthful and healthy skin [10].
  • Supports disease treatment: Glutathione is researched for its potential in supporting conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, liver diseases, and other illnesses associated with oxidative stress [10].
  • Reduces the effects of harmful toxins: Studies show Glutathione can mitigate the toxicity of chemicals and therapeutic drugs in the body [10].
  • Supports reproductive function: Additionally, Glutathione may help improve sperm count and motility in men [4].

However, using Glutathione may also lead to unwanted side effects, including bloating, diarrhea, facial flushing, and weight gain [11]. More severe but rare symptoms may include difficulty breathing due to bronchospasm, allergies, rash, etc.

What Is Milk Thistle?

Milk Thistle is an ancient herb used historically for supporting liver issues

Milk Thistle is an ancient herb used historically for supporting liver issues. Its active compound, Silymarin, protects the liver and has antioxidant, antioxidant properties and potential immune-regulating effects. Furthermore, all above-ground parts and seeds of the Milk Thistle plant are used for medicinal purposes.

How Does Milk Thistle Work For Health?

Milk Thistle's widespread use stems from its beneficial properties, including:

  • Liver protection: Silymarin in Milk Thistle enhances Glutathione production to detoxify the liver and protect it from damage caused by toxins like alcohol, chemicals, and medications. It also supports liver cell regeneration and recovery [7].
  • Supports liver disease treatment such as alcoholic liver disease, chronic hepatitis, toxin-induced liver damage, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease [7].
  • Cardiovascular protection: Research indicates Milk Thistle can protect the heart from damage [12].
  • Antioxidant properties: It reduces free radical production and lipid oxidation, safeguarding cells from damage [12].
  • Supports reproductive health: Studies suggest Milk Thistle may enhance sperm quality in men, including count, motility, and fertility in women [6].
  • Milk Thistle also aids in improving conditions like jaundice, hepatitis, and certain cancers [13].

However, using Milk Thistle may lead to side effects like any supplement. Common side effects include nausea, upset stomach, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain [14]. Severe reactions may include rash, difficulty breathing, facial, lip, tongue.

Milk Thistle Vs. Glutathione: Which Is Better For Liver Health?

To understand the differences between Milk Thistle and Glutathione and their benefits for liver health, you can refer to the table below:

Characteristics Milk Thistle Glutathione
Main Applications
  • Treatment of liver diseases
  • Liver care after alcohol consumption, exposure to chemicals
  • Protection of the liver from harmful substances
  • Support of liver function
  • Body detoxification
  • Protection of cells from oxidative damage
Suitable for individuals
  • Regular alcohol consumers, exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • Those with liver conditions
  • Seeking liver cell regeneration post-medication.
  • Efficient liver detoxification.
  • Enhancing overall liver health.
  • Preventing liver diseases.
  • Improving liver function.

 

 

Comparision table of Milk Thistle and Glutathione

Both Milk Thistle and Glutathione offer health benefits for the liver. Consulting a doctor is recommended to determine which is best for your health. This will help you better understand your body's needs and identify the appropriate supplements.

Does Milk Thistle Increase Glutathione?

Milk Thistle can increase Glutathione levels by providing cysteine

Milk Thistle can increase Glutathione levels by providing cysteine, which enhances antioxidant capacity [3]. Moreover, it can boost Glutathione activity, effectively protecting the liver.

A study has demonstrated that Silymarin helps enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes. One is glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in glutathione production [15].

Another study also highlighted that Silymarin in Milk Thistle has a very positive effect on regulating the activity of glutathione metabolism enzymes, helping to boost glutathione production in the body [16].

Therefore, through its mechanism of countering oxidative stress and maintaining the antioxidant system within cells, we can see the potential of Milk Thistle in protecting cells against environmental toxins. It can also support comprehensive health care.

Conclusion

The answer is yes regarding whether you can combine Milk Thistle and Glutathione. However, it should be done under medical supervision for safety and efficacy. Additionally, you can use products that combine Milk Thistle and Glutathione for your healthcare needs. This article provides you with valuable insights.

References

  • [1] Rassin DK. Source, Metabolism, and Function of Cysteine and Glutathione in the Central Nervous System. Methods in neurosciences. Published online January 1, 1996:167-177. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s1043-9471(96)80103-0
  • [2] Ludovico Abenavoli, Izzo AA, Natasa Milić, Cicala C, Santini A, Capasso R. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum): A concise overview on its chemistry, pharmacological, and nutraceutical uses in liver diseases. PTR Phytotherapy research/Phytotherapy research. 2018;32(11):2202-2213. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6171
  • [3] Gillessen A, Hartmut H.-J. Schmidt. Silymarin as Supportive Treatment in Liver Diseases: A Narrative Review. Advances in therapy. 2020;37(4):1279-1301. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-020-01251-y
  • [4] Ko EY, Sabanegh ES. The Role of Nutraceuticals in Male Fertility. Urologic clinics of North America. 2014;41(1):181-193. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ucl.2013.08.003
  • [5] Bhattacharya S. Phytotherapeutic properties of milk thistle seeds: An overview. Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education & Research. 2011;1:69-79. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://japer.in/storage/models/article/CpcagzCDWtOREPlrlc9KBc11vOcjnHV0R7C6hDkxbObt0s7Xy5Cb5xaTUsyE/phytotherapeutic-properties-of-milk-thistle-seeds-an-overview.pdf
  • [6] Silymarin: a review on paving the way towards promising pharmacological agent. International Journal of Food Properties. Published online 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080//10942912.2023.2244685
  • [7] Ludovico Abenavoli, Capasso R, Milic N, Capasso F. Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. PTR Phytotherapy research/Phytotherapy research. 2010;24(10):1423-1432. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3207
  • [8] Richie JP, Sailendra Nichenametla, Neidig W, et al. Randomized controlled trial of oral glutathione supplementation on body stores of glutathione. European journal of nutrition. 2014;54(2):251-263. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-014-0706-z
  • [9] Henry Jay Forman, Zhang H, Rinna A. Glutathione: Overview of its protective roles, measurement, and biosynthesis. Molecular aspects of medicine. 2009;30(1-2):1-12. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2008.08.006
  • [10] Lomaestro BM. Glutathione in Health and Disease: Pharmacotherapeutic Issues - Ben M Lomaestro, Margaret Malone, 1995. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. Published 2016. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/106002809502901213
  • [11] https://www.facebook.com/Drugscom. Glutathione Uses, Benefits & Dosage Herbal Database. Drugs.com. Published 2023. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.drugs.com/npp/glutathione.html#side-effects
  • [12] Nikolaos P. E. Kadoglou, Panayiotou C, Michail Vardas, et al. A Comprehensive Review of the Cardiovascular Protective Properties of Silibinin/Silymarin: A New Kid on the Block. Pharmaceuticals. 2022;15(5):538-538. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15050538
  • [13] Seyyed Amir Emadi, Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, Soghra Mehri, Hosseinzadeh H. A review of therapeutic potentials of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) and its main constituent, silymarin, on cancer, and their related patents. DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals). 2022;25(10):1166-1176. doi:https://doi.org/10.22038/ijbms.2022.63200.13961
  • [14] https://www.facebook.com/Drugscom. Milk thistle Side Effects: Common, Severe, Long Term. Drugs.com. Published 2024. Accessed July 5, 2024. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/milk-thistle-side-effects.html
  • [15] Soto C, J. Pérez, V. García, E. Uría, Vadillo M, Raya L. Effect of silymarin on kidneys of rats suffering from alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(14):1090-1094. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.04.011

Author

Ralph S Albert
Ralph S Albert
Ralph S. Albert is an esteemed professional with a remarkable career spanning over 15 years in the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of the food and nutrition industry. Currently, Ralph proudly serves as the Head of Research at Vinatura Supplements, a leading company in the dietary supplement industry. His work is characterized by a dedication to innovation, compliance, and the application of scientific research to create natural, yet practical solutions for consumers.
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