“All disease begins in the gut.” Hippocrates made this statement over 2,000 years ago. Since that time, many health-promoting systems have followed this insight. In Ayurvedic medicine, for example, Agni is the biological fire of digestion that controls the metabolic process and influences the breakdown and transformation of food. Ayurveda teaches that “if this fire of digestion is functioning properly, the whole body will be nourished, full of life and vibrancy”. Similarly, for centuries Chinese medicine has taught about the importance of preserving the stomach-Qi and considered the health of the spleen and stomach as the foundation for good health.
“Healthy gut” is now at the forefront of scientific studies in integrative medicine. Emerging science is showing that the gut essentially acts as our “second brain”. The Microbiome Project confirms that microscopic bacterial colonies which live in our digestive tract play important roles to both our physical and mental well-being. Healthy gut bacteria is considered fundamental to overall health, including healthy weight, mood, energy and mental function. In 2015 a Cell Journal study showed that although serotonin is known as a brain neurotransmitter, approximately 90 percent of the body’s serotonin is cultivated by certain bacteria in the digestive tract.
Digestion is important
In summary, digestion is the breaking down of food to nutrients which the body then utilizes to nourish and repair cells and provide energy. A healthy gut promotes good immune health and produces beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. This creates a positive effect on vitamin and mineral absorbency, hormone regulation, the ability to eliminate toxins, mental health and of course, digestion.
The search for natural support
Probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, enzymes and other natural ingredients all help to increase good bacteria and boost digestive health. Probiotic products like yogurt, acidophilus, kefir and lactobacillus provide billions of good bacteria. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are supporting ingredients developed to feed the beneficial bacteria. Prebiotic ingredients include inulin, guar gum, vegetable fibers and fructooligosaccharides (FOS).
Inulin is a type of fiber found in plant foods and widely used as a prebiotic agent in many functional foods and supplements. Large amounts of inulin can be found in the chicory root plant and certain herbs. Everyday foods like leeks, asparagus, banana, wheat, garlic, and onions are also good sources of inulin.
Citrus ingredients such as orange or lemon are frequently added as flavorings to bitters formulations.
Many herbs have a long tradition of use in digestive health and contain properties including tonic, stimulant, carminative and relaxant. Studies have shown that the Turmeric (Curcuma longa) may have a calming effect on the digestive system.
Fennel leaves and seeds are known to prevent and relieve gas and to promote the secretion of digestive enzymes.
Certain herbs and cooking spices such as Ginger and cayenne have a warming, spicy quality which may help neutralize toxins in the digestive system. Ginger root is also known to help calm nausea and strengthen the stomach.
Recent findings suggest that cranberry juice may have a similar effect to probiotics in keeping the digestive system healthy. In the study, a regular 6.8-ounce serving of 25% cranberry juice was found to suppress growth of H. pylori, a bacteria commonly found in the stomach. It is estimated that half the world’s population is infected with H. pylori.
Realizing that a healthy gut and digestive system are crucial to their overall wellness, consumers are searching for a more natural approach to improve their gastrointestinal health.
Increasing demand for gut-health products has positioned manufacturers and challenged formulators to create quality functional digestive health products and dietary supplements for digestive support. According to a Nielsen’s survey from 2015 the digestive health market in the United States was valued at US$65 billion (Natural Marketing Institute’s (NMI)/Nielsen’s). In 2014, U.S. consumers spent US$10.8 billion on probiotic-rich foods, beverages and supplements (Euromonitor report).
Always researching and keeping up-to-date with market demands and consumer trends, NP Nutra® continues to supply premium quality ingredients to their customers for use in functional foods, beverages and dietary supplements.
References:
The Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Good Health, Robert A. Ronzio, PhD., C.N.S., F.A.I.C
The Herb Society’s Complete Medicinal Herbal, Penelopy Ody, MNIMH
http://www.navacenter.com
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/helicobacter-pylori-infection-and-treatment-beyond-the-basics
http://www.womenshealthnetwork.com
http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com
http://www.nmisolutions.com/index.php/research-reports/nmi-nielsen-health-reports/opportunities-in-digestive-health-report
Click here for more information and to see our complete range of the Nutra Organics product line.
