5 Powerful Natural Solutions for Digestive Health

Artichoke Leaf Extract

Clinical studies show that the large basal leaves of Artichokes contain antioxidant, liver-protective, bile-enhancing, and lipid-lowering effects. The artichoke plant (Cynara scolymnus) is a relative of the well-known liver detoxifier, Milk Thistle, and is one of the oldest known cultivated plants in the world.

Used as a food and traditional remedy in the Mediterranean region since the 4th century B.C., the artichoke's use as an aid for indigestion, insufficient liver function, and high cholesterol is now being proven in scientific studies.²⁰ 

Promotion of bile flow is the basis for the beneficial effects of Artichoke Leaf Extract on the gastrointestinal system. Bile is a thick, yellowish green fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It is then released into the small intestine where it aids in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins.

Good bile flow is also necessary for detoxification which is carried out by the liver. Bile serves as a carrier for the toxins that are excreted by the liver which are then sent to the intestine for their exit from the body. Cholesterol is also excreted in this way. Bile also helps keep the small intestine free of parasites. It promotes intestinal peristalsis and helps soften stool by promoting the incorporation of water which helps prevent constipation.²¹

Decreased bile flow—medically known as Cholestasis—is a major cause of dyspepsia.

The most common cause of cholestasis and impaired liver function is alcohol ingestion. In individuals who are especially sensitive, as little as one ounce of alcohol can damage the liver, which results in fat being deposited in the liver. On the other hand, gallstones are the most common cause of bile duct obstruction. Gallstones affect approximately 20 million people in the U.S. and are linked to a high-fat, low-fiber diet.²²

Cholestasis may also be caused by viral hepatitis, certain drugs and chemicals, pregnancy, hereditary disorders, or hyperthyroidism. Regardless of the cause, the consequence is that cholesterol and toxins remain in the liver which can injure liver cells and function.

Scientific Studies

A variety of clinical in vitro and in vivo studies on artichoke all confirm its traditional use to treat gastrointestinal complaints and protect the liver. Based on recent clinical studies, it also shows great promise as a treatment for high cholesterol.

In an early German study, participants were given a one-time dose of Artichoke extract or placebo, and their bile secretion was measured with special techniques over a several-hour period. The bile secretion was found to be significantly higher in the group that received the Artichoke extract. ²³ 

In another German study that included 553 patients with dyspeptic complaints and 279 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the patients took a recommended dose of 2 capsules each of 320 mg of Artichoke extract, three times per day with meals. All five IBS symptoms—abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, right-sided abdominal cramps, and constipation—along with general dyspepsia were significantly reduced after 6 weeks of treatment. The patients noticed improvement in their symptoms after an average of 10.4 days of treatment, and 84% of both patients and physicians rate the overall effectiveness of Artichoke extract as good or excellent.²⁴

A double-blind clinical trial that studied the impact of Artichoke extract on 44 healthy individuals with high cholesterol levels greater than 220 mg/dl found that it significantly decreased their cholesterol levels. In fact, the higher the initial cholesterol value, the more significant was the reduction in cholesterol levels. It was also observed that the protective HDL cholesterol levels showed a tendency to increase.²⁵

In vitro studies on rat liver cells found that Artichoke extract reduced the formation of cholesterol for several hours following exposure. 26 Artichoke Leaf Extract is well tolerated and has no significant side effects. Although no known allergic reactions have been reported, those with known sensitivities to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants should avoid it.

The verdict’s in: Artichoke Leaf Extract is an excellent digestive aid for dyspepsia... It is especially effective for combating bloating, constipation, flatulence, and diarrhea. It is also a general tonic used to improve liver function, including detoxification. Artichoke Leaf Extract does this by:

• increasing healthy bile secretion
• preventing fat infiltration in the liver
• inhibiting liver cell free radical damage
• inhibiting LDL oxidation
• inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis

Mastic Gum

Mastic gum is a natural substance derived from the sap of a variety of pistachio trees (Pistacia lentiscus) that grow in the Mediterranean. It has been used for centuries in Italy and Greece as a traditional remedy against stomach upset, ulcers, and heartburn.²⁷

Today, mastic is used primarily for gastrointestinal health and as a chewing gum base and flavoring additive. It is also especially effective for protecting the digestive system against duodenal and peptic ulcers, eradicating H. pylori and other gastrointestinal bacteria, and soothing dyspeptic complaints.28

“The H. pylori bacterium has been estimated to be present in 30% to 40% of the U.S. population. It is considered the world's most common chronic infection.”

H. pylori is considered to be the world’s most common chronic infection.²⁹ It is believed to be acquired through consumption of contaminated food and water. It is also transmitted by intimate contact such as kissing, where there is an exchange of saliva. It is common for parents and children—and for lovers—to pass it back and forth!

Recent studies have shown that mastic is particularly effective against H. pylori. One study showed that mastic killed 50% of the 16 strains tested at a concentration of 125 mcg/ml and 90% of the 16 strains at a concentration of 500 mcg/ml. The researchers also noted that mastic produced alterations, abnormalities, and fragmentation in H. pylori cells, making it difficult for the bacterium to survive in the body.³⁰

Other studies showed that mastic can quickly heal gastric and even some duodenal ulcers.³¹ Endoscopic studies have shown that lesions heal within weeks with mastic therapy with healthy tissue regrowth over the formerly damaged tissue—all without the use of antibiotics.³²³³

Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the oldest traditional remedies for gastric disorders. This flavorful herb has been used in many cultures because of its digestion enhancing and stomach protective properties. Ginger extract contains a variety of active compounds which have been studied for their effects on digestion and gastric health as well as many other beneficial medicinal properties.³⁴

Among the scientific validations of ginger's traditional uses are anti-ulcer and anti-dyspeptic properties. Among its effects, Ginger has been shown to inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria.³⁵

Ginger has also been shown to prevent ulcers from both drugs and stress.³⁶ In the case of dyspepsia, Ginger has been proven to significantly relax the stomach, lessening the chance of an overactive stomach causing heartburn.³⁷

No question about it … Ginger extract is a powerful weapon in the battle for digestive peace.

DigeZyme®

DigeZyme® is a multi-enzyme complex from Aspergillus oryzae consisting of amylases (starch digesting enzymes), proteases (protein digesting enzymes) and lipases (fat digesting enzymes). Lactase, a carbohydrate digestive enzyme that digests lactose, is included especially for individuals who are lactose intolerant.

Unlike the commonly available enzyme products of animal origin, DigeZyme® is derived from the microbial fermentation of grain. This preparation is therefore free from the potential hazards of latent viruses such as bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE).

Aspergillis enzymes are unusually stable and active under a wide range of pH conditions, contrary to the once popular animal enzymes (e.g., pepsin, pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pancrelipase, pancreatic amylase), which require special pH conditions, often lacking in a stomach ravaged by digestive problems.

Let’s be clear: cofactors such as vitamins and minerals are essential for the activity of many enzymes.

For instance, there are over 300 enzymes in the human body that require zinc in order to function properly. Other enzymes may require B vitamins, magnesium, iron, copper, and selenium. It is therefore essential to take an excellent vitamin/mineral supplement along with digestive enzymes for the best results.

Lactospore® (Lactobacillus sporogenes)

Probiotic (beneficial bacteria) therapy originated in the ancient Near and Middle East where physicians used fermented milk for the treatment of various diseases including gastrointestinal disorders. Scientists later discovered that the health benefits from fermented milk were derived from the indigenous lactobacilli, which also inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract, skin, and vaginal mucosa. It isn't surprising, then, that the lactobacilli have been found to be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, vaginal infections, and even high cholesterol.

The problem is that lactobacillus—commonly called acidophilus—have a short shelf life and need refrigeration. They also do not survive the acidic environment of the stomach. In fact, most lactobacillus die in the stomach before they have a chance to reach the small intestine where they are most needed.

Lactobacillus sporogenes is a spore-forming probiotic that has been used in Japan successfully for more than 20 years. It represents a significant breakthrough in lactobacillus supplementation because it can survive the acidity of gastric and bile juices, and it produces L(+) lactic acid in the intestines which is fully metabolized to glycogen. Once in the small intestine, a spore will sporulate, meaning it will open up and grow. It also doesn't require refrigeration.

Intestinal flora supplementation is highly recommended when an individual has dyspeptic complaints, or has:

• Taken antibiotics that kill bacteria, antifungal drugs that kill fungi and yeast, and antiprotozoal drugs that kill organisms such as Giardia and Malaria
• Chronic diarrhea
• Chronic constipation
• Malabsorption/malassimilation problems due to poor diet
• Colitis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Used drugs that inhibit the immune system

Clinical trials with Lactobacillus sporogenes have proven successful in the treatment of:

• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Non-specific vaginitis³⁸
• Antibiotic-induced diarrhea in children³⁹
• High cholesterol⁴⁰
• Constipation⁴¹
• Imbalance of intestinal microflora⁴²

For all these reasons, Lactobacillus sporogenes is considered to be an excellent supplement to aid in replenishing normal intestinal flora.

Experience the Amazing Power of 5

FACT: Stomach acid and bile flow help maintain normal health in the gastrointestinal tract.

FACT: Stomach acid supports digestion, helps the body absorb vital nutrients, digest protein by stimulating pepsin production, and helps prevent bacterial and fungal overgrowth.

FACT: Bile flow also helps support normal gastrointestinal health by carrying toxins out of the liver, excreting cholesterol, and keeping the small intestine free of parasites … both essential factors in preventing premature aging.

Statistics show that you may be among the 100 million Americans who suffer severe illness or even disease caused from chronic dyspeptic complaints.

Forget about the pharmaceutical drugs that decrease the acid so vital to healthy digestion, overall health, and longevity. Consider instead, the natural route … Artichoke Leaf Extract, Mastic, Ginger, Digezyme® and Lactobacillus sporogenes. Add them to your daily health regimen and you’ll soon have what it takes to conquer digestive discomfort.

Let’s examine the statistics one more time:

• 30% of the population suffers from dyspeptic complaints!
• 20% suffer from heartburn at least once per week!
• 1% of Americans are chronically ill with upper GI tract disease every year!
• 40% of postmenopausal American women have low stomach acid, reports the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

You need not be a statistic. And you need not succumb to the perils of pharmaceuticals. The natural solution to dyspepsia is available to you now. Do yourself, and your health, a favor and act now before it is too late.

DigeZyme® and Lactospore® are registered trademarks of Sabinsa Corporation. 

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