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This Supplement Can Help Boost Brain Function and Balance Blood Sugar

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Do you walk around constantly feeling like your brain is in a fog? It’s super frustrating, and particularly hard if you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s especially risky for people who need to monitor their blood sugar levels, like those with type 2 diabetes. But It turns out, there’s a simple supplement that can help ease both of those issues. 

Milk thistle is most widely known as a natural treatment for liver problems. Several studies, like one published in Phytotherapy Research, observed the historic uses of milk thistle and found that an antioxidant component known as silymarin in the plant can be beneficial in treating liver diseases, including ones caused by alcohol abuse. 

A more recent study published in Current Drug Targets looked at how that same antioxidant could be helpful for our neurological health. Researchers admit more studies need to be done, but their results showed a promising outcome with the silymarin protecting brain cells from degeneration. Although “brain fog” can be caused by a number of issues like iron deficiency, depression, or hormonal changes, the silymarin in milk thistle has shown potential to prevent the build-up of protein plaque to keep your mind clear and ward off illnesses like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. 

When it comes to blood sugar, the antioxidant benefits can help ward off complications like kidney disease, according to an article from the Review of Diabetic Studies. Another study showed the supplement producing a “significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels,” although researchers admit their observation pool was small. Again, more extensive research needs to be done, but the results so far are definitely inspiring. 

You can find milk thistle supplements at your local health store or online ($12.46, Amazon), but you should talk with your doctor before adding it to your daily routine. There typically aren’t a lot of side effects to worry about with this herb, but there are some people it could negatively affect. If you get the OK, here’s hoping you also get a clear mind and stable blood sugar levels in your near future, too!

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