At Elixir Shots, we are committed to using only the safest, highest-quality ingredients in our products. Our decision to avoid using milk thistle was a conscious and intentional one, rooted in a deep understanding of integrative medicine and backed by scientific evidence. Dr. Delbruck, our founder and a trained integrative medicine physician, has carefully reviewed the benefits and risks associated with milk thistle and concluded that it does not meet our rigorous standards for a safe, healthy herb to consume regularly. Here’s why:
1. Contamination and Quality Concerns
One of the biggest issues with milk thistle is the lack of regulation in the supplement industry. Studies have shown that milk thistle extracts are often contaminated with heavy metals and diluted with other plant species, making it difficult to ensure purity and safety. This is the same reason we press our own turmeric and focus on using whole food ingredients. Additionally, powdered milk thistle is frequently found to be contaminated with mold and fillers, which further compromises its safety. Whole milk thistle, while potentially safer, is very seasonal and difficult to harvest year-round, making consistent quality even harder to guarantee.
2. Medication Interactions
Milk thistle is known to interact with several common medications, posing risks for certain individuals. These interactions include:
- Blood thinners, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Cholesterol medications, potentially altering their effectiveness.
- Diabetes medications, which could interfere with blood sugar regulation.
- Hormonal treatments, due to the estrogen-like effects of milk thistle. This makes it particularly concerning for individuals taking medications for hormone-related conditions.
3. Hormone Effects
Milk thistle mimics estrogen, which is why it is often found in products aimed at breastfeeding mothers to increase milk production, as well as teas marketed for postmenopausal women. However, this estrogenic effect can be harmful for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast cancer, uterine fibroids, or endometriosis, as it has the potential to worsen these conditions.
4. Limited Evidence of Benefits
While some studies suggest potential benefits of milk thistle, such as protecting the liver from damage caused by acetaminophen or alcohol, the overall evidence is limited and inconsistent. Many studies have shown little to no benefit, and the risks associated with regular consumption—especially in contaminated or low-quality forms—outweigh these potential benefits.
Our Approach: Prioritizing Safety and Efficacy
At Elixir Shots, we prioritize using ingredients that are not only effective but also safe for regular consumption. Our decision to avoid milk thistle is part of our broader commitment to transparency, quality, and your health. By using whole food ingredients and avoiding herbs with potential risks, we ensure that our products meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
If you have any questions about our ingredient choices or our commitment to health, feel free to reach out to our team. We believe that wellness should never come at the expense of safety.