Digestive Aids

Ginger

Anti-emetic (anti-nausea) - e.g. beneficial in motion sickness, vertigo.
Anti-ulcer - Prevents gastric mucosal damage.
Anti-inflammatory - Inhibits arachidonic acid metabolism i.e. cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, both inflammatory prostaglandins.
Analgesic - Shown to inhibit the release of substance P a key marker in pain response
Digestive tonic / Anti-spasmodic - Ginger improves gastric motility and soothes digestive function, reducing spasm and inhibiting diarrhoea.
Thermogenic properties - Ginger is noted for its warming properties and may offer benefit in a number of circulatory disorders.

Peppermint

Carminative - Peppermint promotes the elimination of intestinal gas, through (it is believed) relaxation of the oesophageal sphincter, leading to released gas pressure in the stomach.
Anti-spasmodic - It is hypothesised that the clinical effectiveness of peppermint in the treatment of IBS results from the inhibition of the hypercontractility of intestinal smooth muscle, thereby returning normal muscle tone.
Choleretic - Peppermint stimulates the flow and solubility of bile, offering benefits in cases of gallstones.

Betaine Hydrochloride

The common plant based form of hydrochloric acid (HCL) normally secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach. This protein-digesting enzyme is a powerful aid involved in breaking down tough protein structures. Low levels of HCL have been known to result in iron deficiency anemia and osteoporosis through poor mineral absorption. Those with low levels of HCL are more prone to allergies and leaky gut syndrome due to an environment more conducive to the presence of bacteria, yeasts and parasites.

Lipase

Enzyme that, along with bile, function in the digestion of fats. Deficiency of lipase results in malabsorbtion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Amylase

Enzyme that breaks down starch molecules into smaller sugars. The salivary glands also secrete amylase.

Protease

This enzyme (normally secreted by the pancreas) functions in digestion by breaking down protein molecules into single amino acids.

Amyloglucosidase

Additional plant based enzyme helping enable the breakdown of complex fibre structures found in legumes and beans.

Fiber is another great digestive aid because it works to cleanse and detox the system. This common nutrient can be found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as whole-wheat breads and grains. Fiber also helps to stimulate digestion, preventing and resolving constipation.

Dosage

One to three capsules daily or as recommended. Best taken with food.

Potential applications

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal bloating / intestinal gas e.g. candida, nausea, poor digestion/insufficient digestive enzyme output, anti-inflammatory / anti-spasmodic effects on GI tract, anti-ulcer, anti-microbial, anti-odour i.e. helps deodorise the intestinal tract. Digestive enzyme supplementation also offers benefit in cases of stress, as normal enzyme secretion is impaired by the influence of stress hormones.

Known contraindications

Not recommended in patients with oesophageal reflux symptoms (due to the effect of peppermint decreasing the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure).

Interactions

None noted.

Use in conjunction with

Probiotics (acidophilus), fibre (psyllium), glutamine, licorice, oregon grape root, spirulina (green food blend), grapefruit seed extract.

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