Q. What are the key benefits of Slippery elm bark for digestive health?
A. Slippery elm bark powder is a popular herb used by many Native American tribes to help relieve gastrointestinal irritation. The bark mainly contains mucilage and nutritional factors making it a valuable nutritive demulcent.
Demulcent, mucilaginous herbs work by coating the surface of delicate membranes in the gut as they come into contact with water. They do this by forming a thick, gel-like layer that acts as a barrier to both protect and nourish the cells in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.
Q. What role does Glutamine play in digestive system health?
A. Glutamine is an amino acid used by intestinal, liver and immune cells as a fuel source. It is also used in protein synthesis, energy production and other important metabolic processes. It has been shown to help in the production and repair of intestinal cells, making it vital for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining and helping to prevent the absorption of undigested food particles, toxins and bacteria into the bloodstream.
Q. What are the key digestive benefits of the other herbs in this formula?
A. Aloe vera: the inner part of the leaves of Aloe vera contain a clear, polysaccharide-rich gel that acts as both a prebiotic to encourage healthy gut flora, and a soothing demulcent to help soothe the digestive system and calm the gut lining during times of occasional inflammation.
Globe artichoke: a bitter antioxidant tonic that assists in maintaining and restoring liver and digestive health.
Marshmallow: one of the key actions of this herb is to act as a soothing demulcent to help calm the gut lining during times of occasional inflammation. The demulcent property of this herb is due to the mucilage content of marshmallow root.
Q. What role does Acacia and Pectin play in digestive health?
A. Both acacia gum and apple pectin act as prebiotics in this formula. A prebiotic is a specialised plant fibre (non-digestible carbohydrate) that is used as an energy source (food) by certain beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that naturally live in the intestines. Prebiotics are sometimes known as fermentable fibre and they give the probiotic bacteria a chance to exert their benefits.
Q. What is the difference between a prebiotic and a probiotic?
A. Prebiotics shouldn't be confused with probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep your digestive system healthy by controlling the growth of harmful bacteria. Whereas, prebiotics act as a food for the good bacteria that's already there. When probiotics and prebiotics are combined, they interact beneficially.
Some of the best sources of prebiotics include acacia gum, apple pectin and inulin - found in chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, dandelion greens, garlic, leeks and onions.
