Intestinal health: causes and what really helps

Dietary fibre play an important role in maintaining good health. A low fibre intake is associated with a high incidence of intestinal diseases.

The intestinal flora (microbiome) contributes to the control of blood sugar and cholesterol levels, plays a role in appetite control and supports the defence against pathogens in the intestine.

Via the so-called gut-brain axis, the microbiome constantly communicates with the brain via direct neuronal connections and the production of neurotransmitters.

The role of the microbiome in gut health

The microbiome is a community of microorganisms that live in the intestinal flora and use fibre as nutrients (fermentation). While they utilise important nutrients, they produce substances that are useful for the body, so-called short-chain fatty acids.

Fatty acids are a source of energy for the intestinal cells and stimulate their function and renewal. Certain types of fibre promote the proliferation of beneficial microbes in the bacterial flora, known as prebiotics.

The secret of intestinal health

Diet is the key to maintaining health and the balance of the microbiome. By consuming dietary fibre, which supports the Intestinal bacteria serve as food, we can directly influence the function of the microbiome.

Among the hundreds of different microorganisms that make up the microbiome, the well-known bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are excellent "fibre utilisers". The microbiome of people who eat a high-fibre and predominantly plant-based diet is richer and consists of a greater variety of bacteria.

Previous research has shown a clear link between the less favourable composition of the microbiome of modern humans and the increased prevalence of chronic diseases.

How dietary fibre supports intestinal health

Water-soluble (fermentable) fibre creates a feeling of satiety by absorbing water, slowing gastric emptying and reducing the secretion of digestive juices by influencing the balance of digestive hormones. This helps to maintain body weight and combat obesity.

- They slow down and smooth the absorption of glucose in the small intestine by forming gels and thus reducing the rise in blood sugar levels after meals.

- They shorten the transit time of the intestinal contents and eliminate some of the water-soluble harmful substances. This can contribute to the prevention of bowel cancer.

- Gel-forming dietary fibres bind and eliminate some of the cholesterol and bile acids that are used to produce cholesterol. Thanks to their positive effect on cholesterol levels, they can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

- The fatty acids produced during fermentation nourish the epithelial cells of the intestinal wall and contribute to the function of the immune system in the digestive tract by inhibiting inflammatory processes.

- Some of the water-soluble dietary fibres are prebiotic, i.e. they promote the activity and multiplication of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and thus indirectly inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms.

The most effective water-soluble dietary fibres - the most important for intestinal health

The most effective dietary fibres are those that help the healthy epithelial cells of the small intestine (enterocytes) and the large intestine (colonocytes) to function properly.

These include Pectin and inulinwhich is also used in Fulvicherb - Synergy are included.

Pectin

Pectin is the most valuable dietary fibre as it can be fermented to 100% due to its water solubility. Pectin can influence the immune status of the gut by interacting directly with immune cells. Pectin can stimulate the diversity and abundance of beneficial microbial communities. It influences the composition of the gut microbiome and promotes the proliferation of butyrate-producing bacteria (Bifidobacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Anaerostipes, Eubacterium and Roseburia species) in the colon.

The effects of pectin include strengthening the intestinal mucosa and calming the intestinal immune response, thereby preventing a cytokine storm. It can help strengthen the intestinal immune system by inhibiting the attachment of pathogens. Current data show that pectin may be an effective dietary fibre for the treatment and prevention of many inflammatory bowel diseases.

Inulin

Inulin is a water-soluble dietary fibre. The human digestive system does not have the enzyme inulase to digest inulin. The form used in Fulvicherb - Synergy does not contain potentially harmful sugars and sugar alcohols such as Jerusalem artichoke syrup. Particularly important for calorie intake is that it is not absorbed and does not raise blood sugar levels even when consumed for long periods.

The greatest advantage of inulin is its probiotic property: it is a nutrient exclusively for beneficial intestinal bacteria, especially Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Acidophilus.

Fulvicherb - Synergy contains a high proportion of inulin and pectin in the recommended daily dose of 40 ml.

Herbs for intestinal health

The Herbs in Fulvicherb work together to control intestinal bacteria. Their module helps to keep the intestinal flora in a healthy, eubiotic state and prevent the proliferation of harmful intestinal bacteria. These herbs are tolerant to beneficial intestinal bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria. They prevent the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). They also protect the stomach and intestinal mucosa and promote the formation of digestive juices. They play an important role in regulating blood pressure and increasing urine output.

The Camomile has a positive effect on gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), enterocolitis (inflammation of the digestive tract) and colitis (inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine). In addition to basic therapy, the plant is used to treat patients with ulcers (ulcus ventriculi or ulcus duodeni).

Due to the antibiotic properties of the substances Blueberry leaves tannins it contains, it is also used to treat diarrhoea.

Stinging nettleStudies have been carried out to verify the antidiarrhoeal and anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin. They have shown that quercetin is able to inhibit secretion from the intestinal wall (release of substances beneficial to the body into the extracellular or intercellular space) and the formation of neurotransmitters (such as histamine, serotonin and prostaglandins) that cause inflammation. In this way, the quercetin content of stinging nettle helps to stop secretory diarrhoea, provided it is not caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

SorrelIts fruits have been used in folk medicine for centuries as a natural remedy for diarrhoea in humans and animals. Rumex acetosa L. is the most important herb in the supportive therapy of Crohn's disease. Pharmacologists Z. Kisgyörgy and M. Péter (1982) from Cluj-Napoca studied pharmacognosy and analysed the effects of the species of the genus Rumex frequently used in folk medicine. Their antidiarrhoeal effect was also confirmed experimentally. The inhibitory effect on the development of enterobacteria was experimentally proven.

Sage contains an astringent substance (carnosol, also known as picrosalvin) which relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes and has an anti-diarrhoeal and antibiotic effect.

Maintaining a good composition of intestinal flora contributes to the elimination of harmful toxin-producing bacteria and fungi. Good (eubiotic) bacteria ensure the protection, permeability and balance of the intestinal mucosa. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of the importance of healthy intestinal flora (microbiome) for the functioning of the entire organism. This is particularly important as around 70% of the immune system is located in the digestive tract.