Ostropestřec Mariánský je vyhledávaným doplňkem stravy zejména pro své silné antioxidační účinky. Často se využívá také jako podpora ochrany a detoxikace jater a celého těla. Pomáhá udržet správnou činnost srdce a hladinu cukru v krvi a v neposlední řadě napomáhá správnému trávení. Find out more
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a herb native to the Mediterranean region that resembles a thistle in appearance. For its effects and antioxidant properties it is popular in folk medicine, where it has a long tradition and many uses. Milk thistle contributes to normal digestion, cleanses and supports proper liver function. It maintains normal blood sugar levels and normal heart function. In addition, it supports the body's natural defences.
Milk thistle can also be purchased in the form of dietary supplements. These are made with good absorption and utilisation of the active ingredients in mind and are available as tablets, capsules, drops or tinctures.
The main effects of milk thistle are:
Contributes to normal digestion and liver function
Purifies
It is an antioxidant
Balances blood sugar levels
Maintains normal heart function
Supports natural immunity - resistance
Milk thistle and active ingredients
Milk thistle contains approximately 30% protein, 30% vegetable oils, especially linoleic and oleic acid, vitamin E, amino acids and other substances. An important active ingredient that is obtained from milk thistle is silymarin (3-6%). It is this that is crucial for supporting digestion and liver regeneration. When choosing dietary supplements, it is therefore important to monitor the amount of silymarin contained.
How to take milk thistle?
Milk thistle is usually used in cures lasting several weeks to months. It is also recommended to repeat the treatment 2-3 times a year. It is advisable to take a break of several weeks between each treatment. Alcoholic beverages, synthetic drugs and foods rich in saturated fat should not be consumed during the treatment. As far as the daily dose is concerned, the recommended dosage on the packaging should be followed.
Milk thistle should not be taken in any form by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people with high blood pressure. People suffering from serious illnesses should consult a doctor about taking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The liver is the main chemical factory of your body. In hard-training athletes, it takes a massive beating because it constantly has to process huge amounts of protein, high-calorie food, and various supplements. Milk thistle acts as the most effective natural shield and cleanser, protecting the liver from overload, accelerating its regeneration, and helping the body effectively flush out toxins.
Silymarin is the main active ingredient (a complex of powerful antioxidants) hidden in milk thistle seeds. It is precisely this compound that is responsible for all the healing and regenerative effects on liver cells. When choosing a supplement, always read the label carefully and look for extracts with the highest possible standardized percentage of silymarin (ideally 80% or more). Ordinary crushed powder without standardization is often insufficient for athletes.
Absolutely yes! By stimulating the liver, milk thistle directly supports the production and secretion of bile. Bile is absolutely essential for the proper digestion of heavy meals and the breakdown of fats. Because of this, your body can absorb valuable nutrients and vitamins from food much more efficiently, which simultaneously prevents feelings of fullness and bloating after a large post-workout meal.
Although milk thistle is purely natural and safe, it is strongly recommended to cycle it. If you were to take it year-round without a break, your liver could become "lazy" and rely solely on outside help. It is ideal to incorporate an intensive cleansing course for 4 to 12 weeks (for example, after a heavy bulking phase or in the spring) and then take a break for a few weeks to months.
The active ingredients in milk thistle (including silymarin) are very poorly soluble in water but bind excellently to fats. Therefore, it is absolutely best to take it always together with a meal that contains at least a small amount of healthy fats (e.g., eggs, nuts, avocado). If you are taking it in capsule form, you can easily split the daily dose into two smaller ones and take them with your morning and evening meals.
