Apple Pectin 700mg - 120 Caps

What does Pectin do?

Pectin slows the absorption of food after meals thereby decreasing the rate at which blood sugar enters the body. This is especially beneficial for people with diabetes whose bodies cannot properly take sugar into cells. Pectin, especially apple pectin, also binds to fats and bile acids. Thus it is used to prevent gallstones, and lower cholesterol. Citrus pectin has been studied for its ability to remove toxins from the body, reduce side effects from radiation therapy and limit tumour metastasis.

Intestinal & Bowel Health Tips

Neglected, it can cause serious health concerns. Taken care of intestinal health can help you to stay energetic and full of life. Read on to discover how you can improve the health of your intestines...

The intestine is the main absorptive area of the digestive tract. It is essentially a tube with a thin mucosal lining and lots of blood vessels on the inside and muscles around the outside. It has its own immune tissue called GALT, or gut associated lymphoid tissue. The inner lining is filled with little fingers, or projection of the mucosa, which greatly increases its absorptive surface.

Lying on the membrane are many friendly organisms, which help our body with the digestive process. The small intestine attaches to the stomach. Near it's beginning, ducts from the liver and pancreas release digestive juices. These juices mix with the partially digested food from the stomach and continue the digestive process. Nutrients are absorbed through the thin intestinal wall and transported via the bloodstream, to where they are needed. The liver also excretes processed toxins and fats through the bile. These substances must be carried through the intestine without being absorbed.

The remainder of the food is pushed through into the large intestine. The main function of the large intestine is the preparation of stool for excretion. In order to do this the digested food must be dehydrated and compacted. The last bit of nutrients may also be absorbed here.

The immune system has an important role to play in the health of the intestine and the body at large. One can think of the digestive tract as part of the exterior since it is in contact with things taken in from our environment. GALT must identify normal food particles and nutrients from microbes, toxins and other foreign substances that can cause our body's harm. Improper immune responses are a cause of food allergy, food sensitivity and can be the basis for autoimmune conditions.

Some of the most important players in intestinal health are not part of our own body. Friendly intestinal bacteria, often called probiotics, are an essential part of digestion. They break down food particles, manufacture vitamins and prevent the infection of the tract with other microbes. Each bowel movement actually contains millions of these friendly bacteria; they are in a constant state of renewal. Many concerns like indigestion, gas, bloating and constipation can be due to an imbalance of the intestinal bacteria. It is easy to upset this balance by improper diet or taking medications like antibiotics.

Many foods that we eat, other substances we consume and our lifestyles contribute to intestinal disorders. Highly processed foods, alcohol, medications and tobacco are difficult for our body to break down and may also physically damage the digestive lining.

Bowel cleansing removes excess build-up on the colon walls and repairs the intestinal lining. If necessary, substances to kill infecting organisms can also be used. One simple way to cleanse the bowel is by drinking a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon each morning. Many herbs are helpful to restore intestinal health. To heal the intestine, calendula, fennel, peppermint and slippery elm can be used. To eliminate parasites clove, garlic or wormwood are often used.

Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes as food sources of fibre. Supplemental fibre can be taken in the form of inulin, apple pectin and oat bran. Drink 1.5 to 2L of filtered water daily. Fibre and water are important to regulate bowel movements.