Add milk thistle to your morning-after toolkit to stay healthy during the festive season and reap the benefits of milk thistle
December marks one of the busiest months of the year, which can throw up a whole load of issues when it comes to keeping your health on track.
The party season is a great time to let loose and have fun, but one-too-many late nights, excess alcohol and deviating from your usual healthy diet can all take its toll on your wellbeing. Your liver can pay the price of a month-long binge, which can manifest in how you look and feel.
The liver is your body’s in-built detoxification system, and one of the most important metabolic hubs in the human body. From aiding digestion to converting nutrients into energy and filtering harmful toxins, this incredible organ is a multi-tasking powerhouse that works around the clock to help you stay on the health wagon.
As you read this, your liver is busy removing synthetic chemicals and the effects of pollutants from your blood. The liver is generally considered a very resilient organ, but with so many responsibilities to carry out, it can become overburdened when it’s not given enough TLC, impairing how it functions.
Symptoms to watch out for
One of the main symptoms of an overworked liver is digestive discomfort. The liver is responsible for producing a substance called bile, which helps to break down fats and absorb nutrients from food.
This process cannot function smoothly if your liver is compromised, and your body will give off telltale signs to let you know that something is wrong. You may experience gut symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements – both constipation and diarrhoea.
Since the liver plays an important role in immunity, you could find that you’re more susceptible to illness if your liver is impaired. Frequent viruses and getting sick more often than usual could be down to a buildup of harmful toxins, which your liver is unable to eliminate efficiently.
Changes in skin health is also another key red flag to watch out for. A condition called jaundice, (which happens when the liver is unable to break down a byproduct of red blood cells called bilirubin) can cause the skin and whites of the eye to take on a yellowish tone. If you think you might be suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.
The good news is that there are lots of ways that you can ease the burden on your liver while still taking part in the holiday festivities.
What is milk thistle used for?
If you need extra support during the festive season, milk thistle should be your go-to herb. The benefits of milk thistle are plentiful.
The herb is a heavy hitter in the world of detoxing for its natural cleansing properties and it can be particularly helpful after an evening of festive eating and drinking.
This purifying plant has been used for centuries for its powerful medicinal properties. As the gold standard in holistic detoxification, the Mediterranean herb contains a compound called silymarin, which is a source of polyphenols that help to regulate liver function by speeding up toxin elimination and stimulating the production of bile to help break down fats.
Benefits of milk thistle
If your body needs a helping hand to recover from festive excess, then a hardworking herbal medicine is one of the best ways to alleviate symptoms.
HRI Milk Thistle tablets are designed to help your body recover from food and drink overindulgence symptoms such as indigestion and upset stomach. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, the easy to swallow tablets are UK licensed, offering peace of mind that you’re choosing a high-quality product.
Most people don’t suffer from milk thistle side effects, and it’s generally considered a safe herb, but if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18 years of age then milk thistle tables are not recommended.
If you take milk thistle and notice that your symptoms get worse, it’s important to seek medical advice. Here are some more simple ways to stay healthy during the festive season.
Limit alcohol
Try to alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water throughout the evening or opt for low-alcohol wine or beer or alcohol-free spirits to cut down the number of units that you’re consuming. Sip water throughout the day – especially the morning after a big blow out to stay hydrated and encourage impurities to be flushed from your system.
Watch portion size
Your tastebuds might like party staples like sausage rolls and crisps but your liver won’t. This doesn’t mean you need to skip the fun stuff. Slim down portions of treats and try to opt for the healthier appetisers like crudites, fresh fruit and crackers where possible.
Liquidise your nutrients
The day after a big night out is an opportunity to load up on whole foods so try to cram in antioxidants through veg-based smoothies, juices and soups, which are more palatable if you’re feeling worse for wear.
Drink herbal tea
Stay hydrated with warming herbal tea infusions. Look for infusions with purifying properties such as milk thistle, fennel, nettle and liquorice. These can be a convenient remedy to have in your kitchen cupboards for the morning after a heavy night out.
Prioritise rest
Getting a good night’s rest will help your liver cells to regenerate, so try to escape falling victim to a sleep debt. Tune into your body – if too many late nights are taking their toll, it might be a good idea to trim down your social calendar, which will allow your body to recover in between nights out. Check out this article about the importance of sleep and natural sleep remedy tips.
