Digestion
digestion: always trust your gut
Did you know that your gut has around 10-14 bacteria, comprised of more than a thousand species? (1-2)
Over the last decades, it has become clear that the diverse micro organisms that live in the digestive tract play a significant role in human health or disease (3). Numerous studies show the beneficial effects of nutrition or biochemical compounds on gut microbiota or its host (4). Your diet and nutrition undoubtedly influences the composition of your gut microbiota (5).
But your microbiota also influences you:
Individual composition of gut microbiota differs immensely, partially based on genetics and diet: while some possess bacteria mostly associated with pro-inflammatory effects, others may contain those with anti-inflammatory effects (6). Accordingly, the micro organisms in your digestive tract are important for the development of your overal immune system (7).
In general, inflammatory processes that alter gut macrobiotic play a key role in many diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and many others (8).
So how do we improve our nutrition in the most natural way? Here is where the nutrients in Marine Phytoplankton can play an essential role.
Marine Phytoplankton is the fundament of the entire food chain. With the aid of sunlight it harnesses a great amount of nutrients from the environment. This is called photosynthesis.
This process is eventually channeling these essential nutritional compounds towards krill, fish, mammals, and even humans (9). Marine Phytoplankton contains 10% carbohydrates, 47-52% protein, 18-20% lipids and 15-18% dietary fiber. On top of that, it contains essential minerals and vitamins as well (10-12). These numbers vary due to seasonal differences in eventual Phytoplankton growth condition and differentiation.
Carbohydates are the main component in the Phytoplankton cell wall. Besides being a vital structural component, carbohydrates can also be used to deliver energy. These carbohydrates in Marine Phytoplankton are glycose, galactose and mannose (13).
Among these carbohydrates, polysaccharides seem to be the most promising.
These polysaccharides can be found in Marine phytoplankton: the compounds have the potential to beneficially affect its host by selectively stimulation activity or growth of certain bacteria in the gut (14). As a result, different types of algae have successfully been incorporated into yogurts, cheeses for example because it improves the viability of probiotics. On top of that, many other products - bread, cookies, etc - use it to enhance its protein and fibre content (15). Edible algae contain extraordinary high amount of dietary fiber: fiber is responsible for regulating transit time in the gastro-intestinal tract (16).
Increasing your fiber intake is a first step in the treatment of constipation (17).
Fiber from algae has also been used for treatment of several gastro-intestinal disorders, such as diarrhea and ulcerative colitis (18-20).
Studies show that the specific bioactive compounds, trace elements, and vitamins of algae can stimulate the growth of desires probiotic bacteria (21-25).
The lipids from marine phytoplankton aid in digestion, provide energy, are a vital structure in cell membranes, and posses many other functions (26).
GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS
Your stomach is constantly exposed to varying severe inflammations to digest our food and protect us against pathogens. Problems with our digestion, stomach and stool are partially caused be infections and associated oxidative stress (27).
The antioxidants in Marine Phytoplankton, such as beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, etc. - can decrease the severity of these inflammatory responses.
Adding plnktn. can support gastric health and has been reported to decrease clinical symptoms of constipation, bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, reflux, etc. (28-34).
The omega-3 fatty acids
O3FAs posses anti-inflammatory properties, and supplementation has shown beneficial effect against inflammatory bowel disease (35). These fatty-acids seem to be promising components with potential probiotic applications (36-38). Marine phytoplankton also contains a high protein, vitamin, and mineral content (39).
Minerals
plnktn. contains vital minerals, which are essential for most living organisms, such as the bacteria in our gut. When we ingest Marine Phytoplankton, the vast amount of minerals become available to the microbes in our gut. Depending on the taxonomic group, physiological and season variation, it can contain a great abundance of magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium, sulfate, chloride, and micronutrients such as iron, iodine, zinc, copper, selenium, fluoride, etc. (43,44).
HOW DOES YOUR DIGESTION WORK?
Digestion begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. The pancreas produces enzymes that aid in digestion, while high-fiber foods promote intestinal health. After the small intestine, undigested food reaches the large intestine, where water and minerals are absorbed and the remains are turned into feces. Proper digestion ensures efficient nutrient absorption and healthy bowel function.
WHAT ABOUT DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS?
Digestive problems can occur at several places in the digestive system, including the mouth, pancreas and especially the colon. Poor digestion can be caused by several factors, including bad bacteria in the intestines that upset the balance of beneficial bacteria.
This can lead to symptoms such as poor bowel movements and discomfort. The pancreas produces enzymes needed for proper digestion, but problems with this organ can cause digestive problems.
High-fiber foods can help with smooth bowel movements and promote healthy intestinal flora. It is important to watch out for symptoms of digestive problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence, and if necessary seek medical attention to address the cause.
For optimal human digestion, it is important to eat foods rich in various types of fiber, including insoluble fiber. Avoid low-fiber foods because they can slow digestion and stress the intestines. Keep your gut healthy by consuming enough fiber and taking regular short walks. These simple habits help digestion run smoothly and promote healthy bowel function.
THE ROLE OF NUTRITION ON YOUR DIGESTION
Good digestion is essential to overall well-being, and it starts with good nutrition. Sufficient fluid is necessary to facilitate the breakdown of food and improve the absorption of useful nutrients. So drink plenty of water!
Most fiber, found in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, contributes to normal bowel movements and a healthy digestive system. This process, from mouth to butt, plays a crucial role in our daily lives and health.
Avoiding low-fiber foods can help prevent poor absorption and support digestion, allowing you to enjoy better overall well-being.
GUT-BRAIN-COMMUNICATION
So why do they tell you to "follow your gut"?
There seems to be a direction connection between gut microbiota, heart, brain, and many other organs (45). According to research the gut has direct influence on cognitive functioning, such as seen in depression and even on cardiovascular health, such as hypertension (46).
Did you ever experience stomach problems when feeling anxiety or stress?
Positive influencing your gut microbiota has been proposed as part of various treatments for years, and exciting results have been seen so far.
We will discuss this ongoing research in more depth in future posts.
CONCLUSION
Adding plnktn. to your daily nutrition might have positive influences in the microbiota of your gut. It might also improve your symptoms of gastrointestinal problems. So far, we have noticed that many clients experience positive effects with regards to their digestion.
However, plnktn. is not a replacement for your medication. Always consult your or our doctor before taking Marine Phytoplankton as a replacement for other medicine.
DISCOVER MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON
Marine Phytoplankton, an "all-in-one" superfood full of natural nutrients.
Besides being the source of Omega-3 fatty acids, Marine Phytoplankton is rich in vitamins minerals and strong antioxidants.
The perfect supplementation to your daily nutritional needs. Discover it now:
Please click below to see which scientific articles were used to gather information concerning the subject.
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