Milk Thistle Extract Demonstrates Potent Activity Against Liver Cancer

milk thistleDena Schmidt – The compound silibinin, a flavonoid in milk thistle, has shown extremely promising activity against human liver cancer, according to University of California, Irvine researchers.

Both silibinin and silymarin are highly bioactive milk thistle compounds that are already linked with offering protection for the liver against damage from alcohol and drug use. Now silibinin is showing promise in protecting against a number of cancer types, including liver cancer.

Liver cancer cases have tripled in the U.S. since 1980

For the study, human cells were treated with the milk thistle extract silibinin at different doses. Its substantial anticancer effects were linked with several specific processes. These included suppressing the cell cycle of cancer cells, reduction of the cellular proliferation of cancer and increasing apoptosis (cancer cell death).

Continue reading

4 Ways To Protect The Liver From Prescription Drug Damage

“A healthy liver is the foundation for a healthy body.” – C Sarich

There are hundreds of pharmaceuticals which can cause acute liver damage, and others which are definitely not kind to this extremely important organ of the body (which is in charge of over 500 bodily functions). Many people eschew prescription drugs altogether due to bodily damage like this, but if you are still weaning yourself from the traditional medicinal paradigm or you must take a prescription drug for some other reason, here are 4 ways to protect your liver since it becomes highly compromised when taking most pharmaceuticals.

(Just don’t forget to confirm with your doctor that the following will not negatively interact with any medications you may be taking).

1. Milk Thistle

MilkThistleUsed for over 2000 years as a medicinal herb, namely for liver, kidney and gallbladder problems, milk thistle is a must-have for any liver cleanse diet. This herb has been helpful in protecting it from other medications due to a flavonoid called silymarin and can even protect the liver from over-the counter Tylenol. Milk Thistle is also a super-powered antioxidant which protects the body from oxidative stress damage.
One of the ways in which milk thistle protects liver cells is by preventing a reduction in the concentration of glutathione in the body. This is an amino-acid like compound which neutralizes toxins. In many studies, milk thistle has been shown to increase glutathione levels by more than 35%. This compound is so helpful to the body that it actually alters the outer membranes of cells, making them impervious to many toxins that would otherwise find their way into the cell, while promoting the formation of newer, healthier cells to replace old, tired ones. Continue reading

Top Herbs That Lead To Quick Weight Loss

“For people who eat when they are stressed, [peppermint] is a great herb to drink as a tea, take as a supplement or use as an essential oil.” Sandeep

weight loss
Dandelion blossom jelly

Sandeep ~ Individuals who carry an excess amount of weight on their frames can face a number of health problems. Being overweight has been linked to an increase in blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. In addition, being overweight makes it more difficult for people to move and exercise and these effects often domino. Being sedentary can lead to a greater weight gain as well as an increase in the above health conditions.

Making lifestyle changes, such as eating more healthy foods and exercising on a regular basis, is a great way to get started losing weight. Sometimes the progress can seem a bit slower than the individual would like it to be. The following herbs help to increase the amount of weight loss so that results are seen more quickly.

Dandelion

The oft-maligned dandelion weed is actually a powerful aid in the weight loss arena. Each part of the lowly dandelion flower and herb can be ingested. In addition to it being prized for its cleansing properties, dandelion helps to neutralize toxins, keep blood sugar levels normal, reduce inflammation and make the body more alkaline. An individual can consume dandelion as a tea, in the form of a supplement or eat some of the leafy greens.

Milk thistle

Continue reading

7 Ways To Detox Pesticides From Your Body

If you don’t know by now, pay closer attention—pesticides are everywhere. They are on our food, in our water, and in the air. They find their way into our bodies through a variety of vehicles. We can buy organic, grow our food, and use fancy water filtration, but we are still exposed to these modern chemicals on a daily basis. The key to minimizing the effects of pesticides come through both minimizing our exposure, but also through detoxification and preventing their effects on our bodies.

So, how can you detox from pesticide exposure? Here are 7 tips on how to detox pesticides.

1. Milk Thistle

This plant is a member of the daisy family and has a long history of healing. It is primarily seen as a liver cure-all and is also said to be a great way to detox from toxic chemical exposure.

2. Sauna or Bath

Continue reading