
Chronic GI Protocol
Dysfunctional gastrointestinal processes vary widely. Chronic abdominal pain with persistent or recurrent tendencies may be associated with abnormalities in bowel function and structure. The prevalence of gastrointestinal problems presenting in this way ranges anywhere from 5 to 20% of people being affected (1).
Depending on the symptoms presented, there are a variety of ways to help ameliorate symptoms. For example, antispasmodics such as peppermint oil can help with pain associated with digestive dysfunction (2). Probiotics, human milk oligosaccharides, and fiber contribute to improving stool consistency by creating a healthy microbiota, which can lend to easier passing and serve as an indicator of digestive health (3-6).
Based on current research findings, the ingredients in the protocol below have demonstrated efficacy in improving a variety of factors associated with gastrointestinal upset or digestive dysfunction.
About the Protocol
Peppermint Oil- Pepogest
Recommended Dose: 180 mg, 3 times/day, minimum 4 weeks (7); other dosages may vary
Pepogest provides natural gastrointestinal comfort. The essential oil found in peppermint leaves soothes the occasional disruptions in the bowel often caused by nervousness, overeating and/or changes in the diet.
Soluble Dietary Fiber- Fibermend
Recommended Dose: Ranges widely, from 4.1–40 per day for 3–16 weeks as per this systematic review (8)
FiberMend combines Sunfiber® – a partially hydrolyzed guar gum fiber – with rice bran, larch arabinogalactan, apple pectin, and green tea phytosome in a water-soluble blend. Sunfiber is a soluble dietary fiber that is easily added to a wide variety of foods, beverages, and supplements.
The formula dissolves more easily and improves its digestibility without sacrificing fiber content. The result is less bloating, cramping, or gas.
Larch arabinogalactan, also an excellent source of fiber, possesses important properties that benefit immune function. Green tea phytosome is a highly absorbable complex of green tea polyphenols and phospholipids that are powerful antioxidants and support healthy prebiotic activity.
Probiotics- UltraFlora Spectrum Probiotic
Recommended Dose: 50 billion CFU, twice per day, minimum 12 weeks (9),or 25–50 billion CFU, 1–3 times per day, as per this systematic review (10)
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UltraFlora® Spectrum offers multidimensional support for the upper and lower GI tract to promote digestive and immune health. It is made up of a proprietary blend of seven clinically researched probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus NCFM and Bifidobacterium Bi-07
Benefits of Probiotics
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Promotes a healthy intestinal environment and immune health
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Supports upper and lower gastrointestinal tract
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Starts to release good bacteria into the gut in 30 min to provide 24-hour gut support
Ginger Extract
Recommended Dose: 1,200 mg 1 hour before eating, as needed (11-12)
Provides 500 mg of Zingiber officinale root extract, standardized to contain 5 % gingerols via supercritical CO₂ extraction
Ginger supplementation may support digestive function, GI motility through serotonin receptor activity, cardiovascular health, and joint health.
Benefits of Ginger
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Stimulates digestive enzymes
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Increases bile production and secretion from the gallbladder
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Supports cardiovascular system by maintaining healthy leukotriene and thromboxane production
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Supports healthy platelet function
Glutamine- L-Glutamine Powder
Recommended Dose: 5 g, three times daily, for eight weeks (6); dosages may vary
L-Glutamine is an amino acid, which is essential for the health of the immune system and the digestive tract. A free-form L-glutamine formula in powdered form to support gut mucosal barriers, and immune health.
Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free powder manufactured under cGMP with rigorous raw material selection and contaminant testing.
Benefits of L-Glutamine
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Promotes the health and function of the mucosal cells for normal healing and repair
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Supports optimal muscle growth and strength and has been shown to be particularly useful in helping to maintain muscle tissue
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Acts as a substrate for protein synthesis and as an anabolic precursor for muscle growth.
References
1.Ford, A. C., & Vandvik, P. O. (2012). Irritable bowel syndrome. BMJ Clinical Evidence, 2012. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22296841/ 2.Merat, S., Khalili, S., Mostajabi, P., Ghorbani, A., Ansari, R., & Malekzadeh, R. (2010). The effect of enteric-coated, delayed-release peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 55(5), 1385–1390. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19507027/ 3.Iribarren, C., Törnblom, H., Aziz, I., Magnusson, M. K., Sundin, J., Vigsnaes, L. K., Amundsen, I. D., McConnell, B., Seitzberg, D., Öhman, L., & Simrén, M. (2020). Human milk oligosaccharide supplementation in irritable bowel syndrome patients: A parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Neurogastroenterology and Motility: The Official Journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society, 32(10), e13920. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.13920 4.Liang, D., Longgui, N., & Guoqiang, X. (2019). Efficacy of different probiotic protocols in irritable bowel syndrome: A network meta-analysis. Medicine, 98(27), e16068. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31277101/ 5.Palsson, O. S., Peery, A., Seitzberg, D., Amundsen, I. D., McConnell, B., & Simrén, M. (2020). Human Milk Oligosaccharides Support Normal Bowel Function and Improve Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Multicenter, Open-Label Trial. Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology, 11(12), e00276. https://doi.org/10.14309/ctg.0000000000000276 6.Yasukawa, Z., Inoue, R., Ozeki, M., Okubo, T., Takagi, T., Honda, A., & Naito, Y. (2019). Effect of Repeated Consumption of Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum on Fecal Characteristics and Gut Microbiota: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Parallel-Group Clinical Trial. Nutrients, 11(9). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31509971/ 7.Cash, B. D., Epstein, M. S., & Shah, S. M. (2016). A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 61(2), 560–571.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26319955/ 8.Nagarajan, N., Morden, A., Bischof, D., King, E. A., Kosztowski, M., Wick, E. C., & Stein, E. M. (2015). The role of fiber supplementation in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 27(9), 1002–1010. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26148247/ 9.Preston, K., Krumian, R., Hattner, J., de Montigny, D., Stewart, M., & Gaddam, S. (2018). Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, Lactobacillus casei LBC80R and Lactobacillus rhamnosus CLR2 improve quality-of-life and IBS symptoms: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. Beneficial Microbes, 9(5), 697–706. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29888656/ 10.Didari, T., Mozaffari, S., Nikfar, S., & Abdollahi, M. (2015). Effectiveness of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: Updated systematic review with meta-analysis. World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG, 21(10), 3072–3084. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25780308/ 11.Hu, M.-L., Rayner, C. K., Wu, K.-L., Chuah, S.-K., Tai, W.-C., Chou, Y.-P., Chiu, Y.-C., Chiu, K.-W., & Hu, T.-H. (2011). Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia. World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG, 17(1), 105–110. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21218090/ 12.Wu, K.-L., Rayner, C. K., Chuah, S.-K., Changchien, C.-S., Lu, S.-N., Chiu, Y.-C., Chiu, K.-W., & Lee, C.-M. (2008). Effects of ginger on gastric emptying and motility in healthy humans. European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 20(5), 436–440. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18403946/



