There are a host of modern-day factors that can negatively affect the gut and many of us are living with suboptimal digestion and poor gut health. Factors that can impact our digestive health include poor diet, antibiotic use, chronic stress and illness and so it is of no surprise that many of us may need extra support at times. At Cytoplan, we have developed a range of products to help support the different key areas of digestive health and to offer targeted support where needed.
Within our digestive health range we have developed a range of safe and bioeffective probiotic supplements which have been uniquely formulated to suit all the family - from probiotics for babies and children, to both younger and older adults too. We also offer a uniquely formulated probiotic for women. Our prebiotic supplement provides a blend of mixed prebiotics to help increase populations of beneficial bacteria and to support a diverse microbiome.
We use only the highest quality probiotic strains that are pure, naturally fermented, antibiotic resistant and are able to survive the challenges of stomach acid and bile within the digestive tract. Our probiotic supplements do not require refrigeration, are stable at room temperature and have a guaranteed count through their shelf life.
To further enhance the quality of our probiotic supplements, we have introduced GUARD technology into a selection of products including Acidophilus Plus, Fos-a-dophilus and Women's Biotic. GUARD technology is a patented, innovative and natural technology which protects the bacterial strains from stomach acid and enables the timed release of probiotics within the intestines. GUARD technology includes the introduction of a new ingredient referred to as NutraJIT®; a patented, innovative and natural oral delivery platform. When the probiotic supplement is administered orally and reaches the stomach, a gel barrier forms to protect the active ingredient from the stomach’s acidity. Once in the intestines, the gel dissipates to ensure a controlled release of the active ingredients and maximise the product’s efficacy at the ideal site of action.
Further to our range we offer a high potency, broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement to help aid digestion and the optimal absorption of nutrients, and an aloe vera juice for additional digestive support. We also have individual products and synergistic formulations to suit specific requirements and to offer targeted support for a variety of digestive health complaints.
With the exception of our Betaine and Pepsin product, all our digestive health supplements are suitable for vegetarians, with the vast majority also being suitable for vegans too. Our digestive health supplements are available in a range of forms including capsules, powders and liquids.
What are the benefits of digestive enzymes?
Digestive enzymes are biological catalysts that are produced in the body. They help to break down food into its basic components so that our bodies can absorb the nutrients they require for all aspects of health. For example, they help to turn complex foods into absorbable compounds, including fatty acids, amino acids and simple sugars. It is only these tiny compounds that can cross the intestinal wall and enter the blood stream to be utilised effectively by the body. As food moves from the small intestine to the large intestine, any food components that are left undigested can be fermented by gut bacteria causing discomfort such as bloating, gas, cramping and abdominal pain. Digestive enzymes are produced naturally in the body but many factors can affect this process making it inefficient.
Benefits of digestive enzymes may include:
- Decreased bloating and gas
- Improved digestion
- Increased nutrient absorption
- Fewer food sensitivities
Furthermore, there are a range of other conditions associated with the malabsorption of nutrients and impaired digestion. Our diets now contain many foods that can be difficult to digest such as dairy, grains and legumes and in addition, our natural production of digestive enzymes declines as we age. Including a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement can therefore be a beneficial addition.
What is gut dysbiosis?
Which foods can help to support my digestive health?
Most people can enhance their gut health naturally through diet.
Probiotics - certain foods provide us with natural probiotics, which support the growth and diversity of our gut flora and promote a favourable balance. Fermented foods such as natural live yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha are a great source of gut friendly probiotics. Some people may also benefit from taking a multi-strain probiotic supplement.
Prebiotics - are specific types of fibre which can be digested by your gut bacteria. Humans lack the enzymes to digest most prebiotic fibres, so they pass through the small intestine unaffected before being fermented by the microbiota. By providing an energy source for your gut flora, prebiotics can modulate the composition, quantity and function of these microorganisms and have a beneficial effect on gut health. Rich sources of prebiotics include foods such as onions, garlic, chicory, olives, baked apples and Jerusalem artichoke.
Anti-inflammatory foods - If you are experiencing digestive symptoms, it is likely you have an element of inflammation in your gut. Anti-inflammatory foods include a wide range of vegetables, particularly green leafy veg like kale, spinach and broccoli. They also include healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, avocadoes, and oily fish and spices such as turmeric and ginger.
