Marine Phytoplankton - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

You’ve probably heard of it. Unfortunately, you may even have suffered from it. In this we blog we will explain how Marine Phytoplankton can help against IBS. Let’s start at the beginning. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a chronic condition of the intestines, in which their function is significantly disrupted. As a result, people suffer from digestion, which often results in: a bloated stomach/feeling, abdominal pain, severe flatulence, or problems with defecation, such as diarrhea or constipation.

Did you know that 1 out of 10 Dutch people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome? It is much more common than people often realize.

Suffering from irritable bowel syndrome?

Unfortunately, people suffer from these complaints for months before they turn to (specialist) help. Do you experience these kinds of complaints? Then visit your general practitioner. If the diagnosis of IBS is made, this means that a personal treatment plan can be made.

Cause irritable bowel syndrome? Both known and unknown

The intestines must work at the right pace before, during, after and around digestion. In IBS, the intestines work too slowly at one moment and vice versa. This can cause diarrhea or constipation, for example. Nutrients are also less absorbed in the body when you suffer from diarrhea or constipation, i.e., a reduced intestinal function. Unfortunately, this causes our body to miss out on more nutrition than usual. The exact cause is still unknown but is lies somewhere in the complex communication between the brain, nerves and the muscles surrounding the gut. The frustrating thing about this condition is that it can get in the way of a person’s social life. In addition, the symptoms of IBS can get worse when someone suffers from anxiety or stress, for example. This can put some people in a vicious circle. Quite annoying.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

So far, there is not definitive solution, treatment of panacea for IBS. Current therapy tries to limit or reduce the complaints as much as possible. Nowadays, a plan that is as complete as possible is offered, which can consist of nutritional advice (drinking plenty of water, sufficient dietary fibers, etc.), psychological counseling and medication.

Marine Phytoplankton: Ancient Prebiotics

Although algae have long been known for their nutritious and unique nutrient composition, it is also becoming clearer that they can have a great effect on our gut. It is therefore no surprise that the nutrients in Marine Phytoplankton have long been known for their prebiotic effect: this means that the nutrients in Marine Phytoplankton influence the composition of the bacteria that are in our gut.

Did you know that in our lifetime we eat around 60 tons of food, which we all need to digest with the help of various types of bacteria?

That’s why we want and need good bacteria in our gut, so that our intestines function as well as possible. This is one of the reasons that doctors are increasingly recommending pre- and probiotics for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

Certain components in Marine Phytoplankton, especially specific carbohydrates, including polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, are used for the growth of certain bacteria that have a positive influence on intestinal function. An increase in these bacteria logically supports digestion.

The specific carbohydrates in Marine Phytoplankton therefore stimulate the growth of these ‘good’ bacteria, which improves our intestinal flora.

In addition, the Omega-3 fatty acids and the natural pigments (carotenoids and chlorophyll) in Marine Phytoplankton ensure that our intestines are better able to absorb as many nutrients as possible from our diet. Hence, Marine Phytoplankton can again help to reduce and even relieve intestinal complaints.

Did you know that Marine Phytoplankton also contains fiber?

Fiber-rich diets are often one of the first steps in the treatment plan for IBS. The combination of these fibers, Omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids ensure a better absorption of nutrients. How? They manage tat food stays in the stomach and longer and moves more stably through the intestines, giving more time to absorb sufficient nutrients.

What our customers experience?

Many of our customers indicate that they have fewer intestinal and abdominal complaints. Do you have questions about this, or do you want to know more about studies that we have used for this blog? Send an email to alexander@plnktn.com and he will get in touch!