Spreading awareness of digestive health is an important message. Chronic digestive diseases and digestive cancers are a heavy burden, and digestive cancers are a leading cause of cancer related deaths, affecting both men and women. Evidence suggests a large proportion of digestive cancers are preventable, so it is important that we promote a healthy diet and lifestyle to help reduce the risk factor. Healthy nutrition is important for digestive health so we should have a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, is high in fibre, including wholegrains. We need to limit our intake of highly processed foods, trans-fats and saturated fats alongside trying to reduce salt and sugar consumption.
Early detection is also crucial, as it significantly improves the chances of survival, so we all need to spread the message and encourage people to seek help and address symptoms, working towards increasing participation in available screening programmes.
To keep your digestive heath on track and reduce potential risk there are a range of supplements that you can introduce alongside a healthy diet to improve your digestive system and gut microbiome...
Acidophilus – Probiotics are live microorganisms that are often referred to as ‘friendly’ bacteria. Food sources of good bacteria include – yogurt, miso, kefir and sauerkraut. Probiotics increase the level of good bacteria in your gut to improve your digestive health. Stress, poor eating habits and antibiotics in food can cause the balance of good to bad bacteria to change. If bad bacteria are allowed to multiply, and the ratio of good to bad bacteria is lowered then digestive problems can arise. Lactobacillus Acidophilus is one of the main residents found in your gut. It produces an enzyme called lactase, which breaks down lactose (a type of sugar) into lactic acid. This creates a hostile environment for the bad bacteria which may prevent them from colonising the intestines, thereby restoring equilibrium, and maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Hellenia Acidophilus capsules also contain 2 other friendly bacteria, as well as FOS (Fructo-oligosaccarides), prebiotic non-digestible fibres that can support the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon.
L-Glutamine Powder – Glutamine is an amino acid produced by the body. Our small intestines require the most. The demand for Glutamine increases particularly during times of physical and mental stress, so there are times when the body’s need for it outweighs our body’s ability to produce it. Glutamine is important for digestive health because it helps to maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier, which is essential for the absorption of nutrients and optimal health, and for preventing harmful bacteria or toxins from moving from your intestines into the rest of your body[¹]. We also get Glutamine from our diet, as it is found in a variety of protein rich food products, particularly meat and animal products. Hellenia’s L-Glutamine Powder is great as an alternative way to increase your intake. It is especially suitable for vegetarians and vegans who may find it more difficult to get a high amount through their diet. It is easy and convenient to take as you just mix with food or water.
Inulin Powder - Inulin is a prebiotic soluble fibre found in foods such as leeks, onions, garlic, asparagus, chicory root, bananas and artichokes. For many people it is difficult to get these whole foods consistently into the daily diet, and so prebiotic nutritional supplements such as Inulin are a great option. Prebiotics help to feed and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria already present in our gut, to improve the balance of intestinal flora for gut health. This helps to protect from toxins and bad bacteria that may be a cause of various digestive ailments. Inulin is one of the best researched prebiotic fibre ingredients worldwide, promoting digestive health and helping to improve bowel regularity and relieve constipation.
As a guideline a daily dose of 8 – 12g of Inulin has been found to be the optimal amount for most to maintain a healthy digestive system. Although it is usually better to start off with a smaller amount before gradually increasing. Introducing it slowly is the best way to be sure it is well tolerated, and to avoid any sudden or uncomfortable side effects.
At Hellenia we offer a quality prebiotic supplement in the form of Orafti® inulin. It is 100% vegetable origin, from Chicory root. The white soluble powder has a mild, sweet to neutral taste.
For more product information, to browse or purchase the above supplements and other additional supplements related to digestion/protecting your digestive tract click here.
