Milk Thistle for Kidney Health

by Vorst Canada March 31, 2023

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Milk Thistle and Kidney Health
How to Use Milk Thistle for Kidney Health
Other Natural Remedies for Kidney Health
Conclusion

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is an herbal plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for centuries to treat a range of health conditions, including liver and kidney problems. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are the Benefits of Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle has been studied for its potential benefits in treating a variety of health conditions.

Some benefits include:

Protecting the liver from damage caused by toxins and alcohol
Reducing inflammation in the body
Lowering cholesterol levels
Potentially enhancing insulin sensitivity in individuals with diabetes
Supporting healthy skin

How Does Milk Thistle Affect Kidney Health?

Milk thistle has been found to have potential benefits for kidney health. The role of the kidneys is to filter out waste materials and surplus fluids from the bloodstream. Studies have suggested that milk thistle may help protect the kidneys from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, milk thistle has been found to have diuretic properties, which means it may help improve kidney function by increasing urine production.

Milk Thistle and Kidney Health

Milk thistle is believed to work in the kidneys by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress is a state where the levels of free radicals exceed those of antioxidants, resulting in cellular damage and inflammation. Milk thistle's active ingredient, silymarin, has antioxidant properties that may help reduce oxidative stress in the kidneys.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Milk Thistle for Kidney Health?

May Help Protect Against Kidney Damage Studies have suggested that milk thistle may help protect the kidneys from damage caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and toxins. This may be particularly beneficial for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can increase the risk of kidney damage.
May Help Improve Kidney Function Milk thistle has been found to have diuretic properties, which means it may help increase urine production and improve kidney function. This may be beneficial for people with kidney problems, as it can help the kidneys eliminate waste products and excess fluids more efficiently.

May Help Reduce Inflammation in the Kidneys Inflammation is a major contributor to kidney damage, and milk thistle has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation in the kidneys, milk thistle may help to prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease.

How to use Milk Thistle for Kidney Health

Milk thistle is available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, teas, tinctures, and extracts. The most common form is standardized milk thistle extract, which contains a high concentration of silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle. Silymarin is a flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to protect the liver and kidneys from damage.

There is no standard dosage for milk thistle, and the appropriate dosage may vary depending on the form of milk thistle used and the specific health condition being treated. However, typical doses for milk thistle extract range from 140 to 800 mg per day, taken in divided doses.

Milk thistle is generally considered safe when taken as recommended, but some people may experience mild side effects such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, or a mild laxative effect. Additionally, milk thistle may interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Other Natural Remedies for Kidney Health:

Cranberries: Cranberries contain compounds that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder and urethra walls, which can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) that can damage the kidneys. Cranberry juice or supplements may be beneficial for people with recurrent UTIs.
Nettle Leaf: Nettle leaf is a natural diuretic that may help improve kidney function by increasing urine production and promoting the elimination of waste products from the body. It is available in tea, tincture, and capsule form.
Dandelion Root: Dandelion root is another natural diuretic that may help improve kidney function and reduce water retention. It is available in tea, tincture, and capsule form.

Astragalus: This traditional Chinese herb is believed to have immune-boosting properties and may help improve kidney function.
Buchu: Buchu is a South African herb that has diuretic properties and is used to treat urinary tract infections and other kidney problems.
Chanca Piedra: This herb is used in traditional medicine in South America to promote kidney and liver health.
Corn Silk: Corn silk is the thread-like strands that surround the corn kernels. It has been used traditionally as a natural diuretic and to promote urinary tract health.
Green Tea: Green tea contains antioxidants and compounds that may help improve kidney function and reduce inflammation.
Marshmallow Root: Marshmallow root is a natural diuretic that may help improve kidney function and reduce water retention.
Parsley: Parsley is a natural diuretic that may help improve kidney function and reduce inflammation.

Milk thistle is a herbal plant that has been used for its therapeutic properties for many centuries. The active compound in milk thistle, silymarin, has been shown to have several health benefits, including its ability to protect the liver, support the immune system, and reduce inflammation. When it comes to kidney health, milk thistle may have several potential benefits, including the ability to protect against kidney damage, improve kidney function, and reduce inflammation in the kidneys.

Final Thoughts

While evidence suggests that milk thistle may have several potential benefits for kidney health, more research is needed to fully understand its effects. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking milk thistle or any other natural supplement, especially if you have kidney disease or are taking medication. Milk thistle may interact with certain medications or have side effects, it's important to use it under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Here you can see Vorst’s Milk Thistle 150 mg Capsules.

Vorst’s liver care formula Liver Care Vegan Capsules contain a considerable amount of milk thistle.

References and Resources

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/milk-thistle-benefits-and-side-effects

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/milk-thistle

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11896/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/milk-thistle-benefits

https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/prevention

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-keep-kidneys-healthy