A-Z digestive aid Articles

Aloe vera is a succulent (cactus-like) plant whose sap has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years. You can use it on the skin and take it internally to soothe the digestive tract. Most of us are familiar with the use of Aloe on sunburns, but did you know that you can also use it internally? Read on as we share the many benefits of aloe vera.

External Use for Skin

Aloe vera gel is best known for its benefits to the skin when used topically. This is because aloe gel has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. When used externally, it speeds the healing of many types of skin burns, including those from sun, radiation, chemicals and heat. It can also help to reduce the discomfort associated with these conditions, when applied soon after the trauma. Although it does not directly reverse sun damage, Aloe can help to prevent sun damage after exposure by blocking certain pro-inflammatory pathways in the affected cells.

You can use aloe vera topically to treat:

• cuts
• insect stings
• acne
• poison ivy
• skin ulcers (including diabetic ulcers)
• eczema

There is some evidence that topical application can help to reduce outbreaks of genital herpes and psoriasis as well.

Cosmetic Benefits

Because of its ability to help reduce inflammation and speed the healing of the skin, Aloe is commonly used in a wide variety of cosmetic and skin-care products. It has been widely approved around the world as a natural food additive. It is also commonly used as a gentle antibacterial moisturizer.

Aloe Antibacterial and Anti-fungal Benefits

Because of its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, Aloe vera gel is commonly used to protect damaged tissue from infection. It can also be used to topically treat minor skin Infections such as boils and Tinea infections. This makes it particularly useful in helping to treat conditions such as Acne. When taken internally, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties heal the inner lining of the digestive tract, making it useful in treating ulcers, hemorrhoids and colitis.

Aloe Juice (Latex)

When the plant is harvested, the juice located in, and just beneath, the outer skin contains a far greater concentration of a constituent called aloin, which can create a laxative effect in the body. This substance is called the latex. In fact, many over the counter laxatives in North America contain this constituent. Thus, Aloe juice is a laxative that can be used for constipation and as a colon cleanser. The gel does not contain as much of a laxative effect and is more commonly used for its soothing properties.

Those using Aloe internally should be careful about the preparation they use to ensure that they get the desired effects without any unwanted side effects. This is especially true in cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, where an irritating laxative can do more harm than good. Please read the labels carefully to make sure you purchase the form of Aloe your particular case requires.

Laxative Effects of Aloe

While the juice (latex) of the Aloe plant can be used as a laxative, the body will develop a tolerance over time. Consequently, it cannot be used too frequently or on an ongoing basis for the treatment of constipation. It can also have a strong laxative effect that can result in cramping and diarrhea. Use caution with your first use of any internal Aloe product to be sure you get the dosing right for your particular needs. Some forms of Aloe can coat and soothe the digestive tract and help to soften stools. Some Aloe acts as a soluble fibre, so it can bind medications and reduce their absorption. Be sure to take any form of Aloe away from other supplements and medications.

Blood Sugar Benefits

There is some initial evidence that Aloe may help to improve blood sugar control in diabetics and can also help to lower blood lipid levels in people suffering from hyperlipidemia. This effect is also seen in those with acute liver disease.

How can I get Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera can be purchased as a juice or gel. It is very sensitive to light and heat, and so it must be processed and stabilized immediately after harvest. The quality of Aloe vera supplements may vary amongst manufacturers because of the fragile nature of the Aloe gel. Be sure to use a manufacturer that you trust. If you have an Aloe plant at home, parts of the raw plant can be opened and the fresh juice or gel used topically or internally. Most commercial supplements contain the whole-leaf, and therefore, a mixture of juice and gel from all parts of the leaf. Be sure to take oral Aloe away from other supplements and medications as it can affect their absorption.

Aloe Vera FAQs

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe vera is a succulent plant. Its juice has been used as a remedy for centuries.

How to use Aloe?

You can use aloe both topically and internally. Topically, aloe gel works to moisturize and soothe the skin. When taken internally, aloe is typically used as a laxative. There is some evidence to suggest that it may also help to support healthy blood sugar.

What is the difference between Aloe Vera juice and gel?

Aloe juice is more similar to sap, and is what you would typically take internally. The gel, on the other hand, is the thicker substance that comes from the inside of the aloe leaves.

Where can I buy Aloe Vera gel?

You can buy aloe gel and juice at most health food stores.

Butyric acid (butanoic acid) is a Short Chain Fatty Acid found naturally in the human digestive tract. It is produced from the breakdown of dietary fibre in the colon in the presence of beneficial bacteria. Butyrate supplements have been found to help reduce inflammation in the colon and may help to stop unhealthy cell growth and slow memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease.

What Is Butyrate?

Butyric Acid to Butyrate

Butyric acid (now known as butanoic acid) can easily form a salt in the digestive tract by binding to a positive ion, which results in the formation of butyrate (now butanoate). There are many forms of butyrate available, such as salts of methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate, butyl butyrate, pentyl butyrate, and even sodium butyrate. Alternatively, butyrate can be part of a larger molecule and the name will contain “-butyro-“ within it.

Health Benefits of Butyrate

The presence of butyrate in the digestive tract has been shown to reduce inflammatory responses in colon cells. This has made it useful in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) like Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease. It has been shown to reduce the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-g) in the gut, a major pro-inflammatory cytokine. Direct supplementation can thus help to reduce inflammation, particularly in the digestive tract. Alternatively, increasing prebiotic fibre and providing probiotics can help to bring the digestive tract back into its own balance and allow for the body’s natural production of butyrate once again.

Sodium Butyrate As A Supplement

A butyrate salt called sodium butyrate is sometimes formed during digestion in the presence of sodium and fibre in your gut. It can also be manufactured and directly supplemented. This molecule has been found to strongly detoxify ammonia and neurotoxins in the gut, as well as promote the growth of healthy gastrointestinal flora. Recent research in mice has found that supplementation in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease improved memory function. It has also been found to stop the growth of certain abnormal cells, particularly in the colon. All of this research is preliminary (in animals and cell culture), so further research is required before we can be sure of the same benefits in humans.

Where To Buy Butyrate Supplements

Simply ingesting healthy prebiotic Fiber along with beneficial Probiotics can work together to allow for your body’s own natural production of butyrate. Butyrate salts can also be found alone and in supplements for colon and mental health. There is no established therapeutic dose of butyrate, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions on any supplements that you may purchase.

Cilantro is one of those herbs that you either love or hate. It seems there is very little middle ground when it comes to this plant and if you Google cilantro, you will see whole websites devoted to loving or hating this culinary herb. But regardless of what side of the great cilantro debate you're on, there's no denying its many health benefits.

People who dislike cilantro describe it as tasting and smelling like soap or bugs; however, those who love it enjoy the strong, unique taste and aroma of this herb. Science hasn’t confirmed why people seem to have such different experiences with this herb, but some evidence is pointing to a genetic influence. Some people even start off hating the taste of cilantro and over time grow to love it. Regardless of your preferences, cilantro is more than a culinary treat; it’s good for you too!

What is Cilantro? A Controversial Herb

Cilantro can be a little confusing because it is also called coriander. Coriander refers to the dried seeds of the plant, which is used as a spice in foods. The leaves are called fresh coriander, coriander leaves or cilantro and they have the unique flavor and aroma that creates all the controversy. Cilantro is often used in Mexican, Asian, Indian and South American cuisine. If you like cilantro, you’ll love it in tacos, guacamole, salsa, chutneys, salads and rice dishes to name a few.

What Are The Health Benefits of Cilantro?

Obviously, cilantro is used to add flavour and interest to cuisine. Cilantro also has many medicinal qualities including reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, enhancing liver function, chelating heavy metals, promoting detoxification and improving digestion. It is also a good source of antioxidants and vitamin C. Interestingly, cilantro has a historical use in preventing food spoiling and its antibacterial effects against salmonella may prevent food poisoning. It also has antibacterial effects against H. pylori and E.coli.

Active Ingredients In Cilantro & Their Many Health Benefits

First of all, cilantro is a green leafy herb that is full of nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, which enhances the diet and fights the damaging effects of free radicals. It also has numerous active ingredients that work to protect the liver, while also enhancing liver function. Many of the active ingredients are antibacterial and work to kill bacteria like E.coli and salmonella. Cilantro also has the ability to chelate heavy metals like lead and mercury. The unique chemical structure of cilantro can bind to heavy metals in deep body tissues like the brain and spinal cord so they can be excreted through the stool and urine. Often cilantro will mobilize heavy metals in deeper tissues to more superficial, peripheral tissues and other chelating agents can be used to completely remove the heavy metals from the body.

Different Ways To Consume Cilantro: From Culinary Uses To Supplement Varieties

Fresh cilantro is easy to add to most culinary dishes, just chop and add it. It’s most flavorful raw and loses some of its taste as you cook it. It’s very tasty when added to salads, salsas, guacamole, tacos, bean salads or any dish you feel needs fresher, citrus-like tastes. You can find cilantro in capsules form, which is most often used for heavy metal detoxification. At this time there is no known, researched optimum dosage for supplemental cilantro so simply follow the manufacturer’s directions. Some historical sources suggest 2 teaspoons of cilantro pesto taken daily for three months will detoxify the body of heavy metals like mercury, lead, aluminum and tin.

Do you remember eating Jell-o as a kid? Remember that fun, jiggly dessert in a rainbow of colours? You were eating gelatin, which is a common ingredient used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

What Is Gelatin?

Gelatin is an odourless, colourless, tasteless, thickening material that is made by boiling animal tissues like bones, cartilage, tendons and skin. It is most commonly sourced from cows and pigs and is derived from collagen found in the bones and hides of these animals.

Key Health Benefits of Gelatin & How It Made

Gelatin is a hydrolyzed form of collagen, meaning collagen goes through a process where water is added and the molecules of collagen are broken apart during a heating process. You can do this yourself by boiling the bones and cartilage of cows or pigs and is commonly used to make food dishes like aspics.

When the natural molecular bonds are broken down in collagen strands it results in molecular forms that rearrange more easily into a structure which forms a semi-solid gel when cooled, called gelatin. Ultimately, it is chemically similar to collagen and can have similar effects as collagen on the body such as reducing joint pain and strengthening joints, skin, hair and nails.

Top Uses For Gelatin

This unique product has a multitude of uses in the food industry. It is used as a gelling agent to make jiggly desserts, marshmallows and gummy candies shaped like animals. It is also a texturizer used to improve the textures of foods like yogurts and ice creams and is used to stabilize food products like fruit juices and margarine. It has also been used in “reduced fat” products to enhance the “mouth feel” and to simulate the mouth feel of fat without adding calories.

The pharmaceutical industry uses it as a stabilizer in vaccines and as a binder for tablets. It is often used to make capsules, which are used to make both medications and supplements. You can even buy your own gelatin capsules to encapsulate your own herbal formulations.

It is also used in supplement form to treat osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease and is used to strengthen skin, hair and nails. Studies have shown that hydrolyzed gelatin can be useful to reduce joint pain and because it has similar properties to collagen, it can strengthen connective tissues.

Gelatin Alternatives For Vegans

Some people choose to avoid gelatin because it is sourced from animals. Some cultures that do not eat specific animals, such as cows, pigs or horses will want to avoid gelatin made from those particular animals. Sometimes the animal source is listed on the label of the product, however, if it is not and you want to know the source, simply call the company directly to ask about their particular source of gelatin.

For vegetarians or vegans who choose not to eat animal products, there are some vegetarian alternatives to gelatin, including seaweed extracts like agar and carrageenan, and other plant sources like pectin and konjak.

Using Gelatin Capsules For DIY Supplements

You can buy empty gelatin capsules to make your own herbal encapsulations, which allows you to more closely control dosage and make your own unique herbal combinations.

You can supplement with gelatin for joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease by taking 1500mg daily with meals. Some studies have used very high doses, up to 10 grams per day for osteoporosis with little to no side effects. Some side effects that were noted were digestive upset and allergic reactions. Since it comes from animal sources, you want to be sure you are using a quality product that is free of contaminants.

Lactose is a sugar found in milk that consists of two sugar subunits linked together. Lactase is a digestive enzyme that is responsible for cleaving the bond between the simple sugar subunits. This allows the sugar to then be absorbed through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. As infants, the gene expressing lactase is turned on in many of our intestinal lining cells to allow us to digest our mother's milk.

As you grow and stop breastfeeding, these genes often get turned off. In some people, the enzyme is no longer produced at all. It is estimated that 75% of the world's population is deficient in lactase. Without sufficient amounts of this enzyme in the intestine, people are unable to properly digest dairy products. This results in a condition known as lactose intolerance.

Understanding Lactose Intolerance

This condition results in a set of uncomfortable digestive symptoms whenever dairy is consumed. It is hallmarked by the inability to properly digest the lactose in dairy products due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase. Your body can only absorb single sugar units through your digestive tract lining. Since lactose is a disaccharide, meaning it is made up of two linked sugars, it cannot be absorbed without first being cleaved into subunits by lactase. As such, when a lactose intolerant individual consumes lactose, it passes along the GI tract where it has one of two effects. 

First, some lactose is digested by certain bacteria in your gut that use chemical reactions to break down the sugar, which unfortunately also results in the production of gas. While bacteria digest some lactose, the rest will continue travelling through the GI tract unable to be absorbed. While passing, it irritates the lining and draws water from the body tissues, causing cramping and loose stools. 

Because of these two effects combined, people with lactose intolerance can have nausea, gas, cramping, and diarrhea when they ingest dairy products. Supplementation with a lactase enzyme before eating dairy generally eliminates these symptoms. A simple glucose hydrogen breath test can be used to check for lactose intolerance with your healthcare practitioner.

Uncovering Dairy Sensitivities

Some people have problems digesting milk, even when sufficient lactase is present. These people will not benefit from lactase supplementation, and will only stop having digestive symptoms when dairy is removed from their diet entirely. This condition is called "dairy sensitivity" and represents a food intolerance. Although the symptoms may be similar, dairy sensitivity involves an immune reaction to the proteins in milk products, instead of the sugar. Dairy must be removed from the diet of these people to prevent systemic inflammation and the development of chronic disease.

Key Dairy Alternatives

Dairy does not just include cow's milk. Goats and other animal milk still contain high levels of lactose. For those unable to eat animal dairy, there are several dairy alternatives available on the market. Milk alternatives are soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, and nut milk (such as almond milk), amongst others. Cheese, yogurt, and ice cream alternatives are also easily available in most supermarkets. Lactose-intolerant individuals can also purchase animal milk pre-treated with a lactase enzyme as an alternative.

The Probiotic and Lactose Connection

Some probiotic strains can help with lactose digestion in people with lowered levels of the lactase enzyme. Species that have been studied for the benefit are some Lactobacilli (L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, and reuteri), although generally mixed-strain probiotic formulations provide the most benefit to digestion. In general, supplementation of probiotics helps to weed out gas-producing bacteria in the intestines but is not as successful as lactase supplementation for lactose intolerance.

Tips For Taking Lactase Enzyme Supplements

Lactase supplements come in liquids, pills or capsules that are swallowed before ingesting a meal containing lactose. The typical dose of lactase is 6000-9000 FCCLU tablets, although the dose can vary widely depending on your size and your lactase production levels as well as the amount of lactose ingested.

Final Thoughts & Considerations On Lactase Enzyme Supplements

Showing an amount of enzyme by weight is not pertinent information on a supplement label as it is the enzyme's activity that is important and independent of weight. Supplements may show FCCLU (food chemical codex lactose units), LacU/LU (lactase units), on the label.

What is S-Boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is a tropical yeast strain that has been found to act as a probiotic when ingested and replenishes gastrointestinal flora, and gut health. This yeast grows at body temperature, and is a non-pathogenic organism, meaning that it does not cause disease in humans.

It is also non-systemic, meaning it is limited to the digestive tract and does not spread throughout the body.

Traditional Uses for S-Boulardii

Traditionally, S. boulardii was ingested by people in South-East Asia, as a folk medicine to prevent and treat diarrhea of various causes, particularly cholera.

To ingest this yeast, they chewed the skins of the mangosteen and lychee fruits, upon which S. boulardii has been shown to cultivate naturally. Because it is in the yeast family, it is inherently resistant to antibacterial antibiotics, and thus is a great choice of probiotic for treatment alongside these antibiotics to help reduce their unintended side effects.

Key Benefits of S-Boulardii

Traveller's Diarrhea

In general, probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that coat the digestive tract much like the grass on your lawn. Seeding the lawn with a wide variety of beneficial grass creates a strongly rooted lawn that prevents weeds from growing. In the same way, seeding your gut with a wide variety of probiotics helps to ensure that any pathogenic organisms, such as bacteria that cause diarrhea, or the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans (the yeast that causes human yeast infections) cannot take hold. Research has shown that S. boulardii can inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms such as Candida albicans, E. coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus. In addition to helping prevent infection by these organisms, S. boulardii has been proven to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea in several clinical trials, and is effective in preventing 2/3 of cases of traveler's diarrhea when taken at least 5 consecutive days prior to exposure.

S. boulardii and IBD (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis)

Interestingly, current research is beginning to examine the role of this probiotic in protecting against gut inflammation. It has been found to decrease the amount of a proinflammatory cytokine called Interleukin 8 (IL-8), which could allow it to have a protective effect in inflammatory bowel disease. More research is required in this area before we can be sure of this protective effect.

S. Boulardii and C. Difficile

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile, or C. diff) is an extremely antibiotic-resistant organism that tends to cultivate in a hospital and clinical environments and infect people undergoing antibiotic treatments or who have compromised immune systems. One of the most exciting pieces of information to come out of current research on S. boulardii is its ability to protect against C. difficile in a number of different ways. It can reduce the symptoms of a current C. difficile infection by protecting the host against several toxins produced by this pathogenic bacteria. Also, co-supplementation of this probiotic with antibiotics targeted against C. difficile significantly reduced relapse of infection after treatment is completed. There is even preliminary evidence that it may be able to directly treat C. difficile infection, without the use of antibiotics in over 70% of those infected. In fact, the WHO (World Health Organization) has stated that it considers S. boulardii to be a possible treatment for recurrent C. difficile colitis.

Taking S. Boulardii Supplements

Currently, there are several preparations of S. boulardii available in viable freeze-dried formulations. S. boulardii is often marketed as a probiotic in a lyophilized form and in these cases is therefore referred to as Saccharomyces boulardii lyo (one well-known brand is Florastor). The recommended dosage is 750-1000mg of freeze-dried yeast per day in divided doses. Generally speaking, it is better to take probiotics with food to help protect them against your stomach acid so they can cultivate your intestines. Current doses are sufficiently high that capsules can be taken away from food if required. For protection against infection by pathogenic organisms, supplementation should begin at least 5 days prior to exposure.

Important Information

Although extremely rare, a few cases with Saccharomyces boulardii fungemia have been reported in patients with central intravenous lines. Careful use of Saccharomyces boulardii in patients with central lines is recommended.