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Psyllium Husk:
Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber made from the husks of psyllium seeds. It is used as a bulk-forming laxative to help slow digestion and ensure that the body absorbs more nutrients as they pass through the intestines. So far, taking psyllium husk has been proven to improve constipation. Moreover, its ability to disrupt the body’s absorption of bile acids means cholesterol will be used instead, lowering cholesterol levels. Other benefits linked to soluble fiber that apply here include blood sugar management and increased satiety.
Another source emphasized that psyllium husk is an equally important prebiotic fiber, helping support good bacteria in the colon. Though research from this angle is not easily available, some researchers believe it can also be used as a prebiotic. Matter-of-factly, when added to a synbiotic supplement, psyllium is trusted to help treat inflammatory bowel disease more efficiently than taking it solely as a prebiotic.
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Bentonite Clay:
Bentonite clay is a natural mineral predominantly used in skincare products and as a food product to remove toxins from the body. Proponents who favor this ingredient’s digestive support capacities have argued that it absorbs materials by sticking to molecules or ions. So, as the clay exits the body, it is believed to take with it toxins. As a result, bentonite might regulate the digestive tract, alleviate symptoms of diarrhea, and potentially serve as a treatment for metal toxicity.
Interestingly, one animal study that looked at the effect of bentonite clay on the gut reported its ability to alter the gut microbiota, thus suggesting it as a potential prebiotic supplement. When paired with probiotics and black seed oil, as noted in one study, this ingredient could help treat Clostridium difficile infection. However, more quality research is still needed to understand how it works in the body.
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Black Walnut Hull:
Black walnuts come from the Juglans nigra tree, which is native to North America. Its kernels (or nuts) have been predominantly used in alternative medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Based on these properties alone, individuals can anticipate the neutralization of free radicals, disruption of bad bacteria synthesis, and improvements in heart function (by altering measures of cardiovascular health).
A 2018 study that looked at the effects of walnuts found that they might influence the gut microbiome in addition to playing a positive role in heart health. The reason for this is the nuts’ dietary fiber content, which is believed to serve as a food source for the gut microbiota. In turn, the overall functioning of the gut bacteria is said to be efficient. The researchers also added that walnuts increased butyrate production, a beneficial metabolite for colonic health. Of course, more research is needed to confirm its role as a prebiotic.
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Oat Bran:
Oat bran is described as the outer layer of the husked oat kernel. It appears to have been selected for GutOptim because of its source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Speaking of fiber, oat bran is best known for a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has been linked to healthy bowel function, reducing pain, and improving the frequency and consistency of bowel movements. It also has the potential to nourish colon cells by helping gut bacteria break down short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate.
Other benefits include reduced free radicals and the risk of heart disease, regulated blood sugar levels, and some relief for inflammatory bowel disease. Another source that covered oat bran’s beta-glucan content explained that research has generally linked it to healthy gut bacteria, lowered bad cholesterol, and reduced cancer risk.
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Flaxseed:
Flaxseed is a small oil seed that contains a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and other plant compounds. Its fiber content is believed to promote healthy gut bacteria, promote regularity in bowel movements, ease symptoms of diarrhea, and reduce the amount of dietary fat that is digested and absorbed. This ingredient also contains phenolic antioxidants, which reduce the activity of free radicals and regulate blood sugar levels. A source that covered everything there is to know about flax seeds added weight-loss results to its list of benefits. This is because of its ability to suppress hunger and cravings, favoring those on a calorie-restrictive diet.
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Plum Extract:
Plums are small, sweet fruits normally the size of a golf ball. In terms of properties, they, too, consist of a large antioxidant profile, which, as mentioned repeatedly, is imperative for taming inflammation, regulating blood sugar levels, and maintaining healthy heart function. Not surprisingly, this ingredient contains a high fiber concentration, helping to slow digestion and prevent spikes in blood sugar while supporting healthy gut function as a prebiotic. As a fiber, plums add bulk to stools, allowing them to pass easily. Since plums contain sorbitol, they might also exhibit laxative properties.
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Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant used historically for its rich medicinal profile. Normally, this ingredient is found in skincare products for its hydration properties, but in GutOptim’s case, its ability to improve digestive health caught the creators’ attention. Aloe vera might soothe and cure stomach ailments, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Moreover, it might help prevent the growth of the H. pylori bacteria. The latter is problematic for the gut, as it might cause sores in the stomach lining, increase inflammation in the stomach lining, and induce ulcers.
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Lactobacillus acidophilus:
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a popular probiotic naturally found in the intestines. In terms of the science surrounding L. acidophilus, it has been repeatedly proven to promote several health benefits. That said, the benefits supposedly depend on the strain of L. acidophilus, with several unique types identified to date. Nevertheless, this probiotic is trusted to raise good cholesterol levels and reduce bad cholesterol levels, prevent and reduce the frequency of diarrhea episodes, improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (i.e., abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements), and promote weight loss, among others.
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Apple Pectin:
Apple pectin is a soluble fiber derived from apples. So far, research has demonstrated its positive effect on the gut as a prebiotic. In particular, it might prevent the growth of harmful bacteria (like Clostridium and Bacteroides). Furthermore, apple pectin’s role in delaying stomach emptying promotes weight loss because individuals should be full longer. Other areas of health that are naturally influenced by its presence include healthy blood sugar levels, a boost to heart function, relief of symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, increased iron absorption (critical for the transportation of iron), and a reduced risk of acid
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Glucomannan (from Konjac Root):
Glucomannan is an extract made from the konjac root. It contains a rich source of beta-glucan, which, as noted previously, contributes to digestive health. As a soluble fiber, it might also regulate blood sugar levels, increase nutrient absorption, and possibly influence other health consequences, such as diabetes, obesity, and inflammation. Concerning its role as a prebiotic, the same source reported that glucomannan might stimulate the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, which, as a result, improved bowel movements.
