Intestinal Repair Complex™ (powder and capsules) is designed to assist in the repair and restoration of a normal, healthy GI mucosal lining. Soothing, anti-inflammatory extracts of mucilaginous herbs, amino acids and enzymes make up the Intestinal Repair formula. These formulas are not designed to mask symptoms, but rather to provide essential factors for the nutritional support of healthy GI structure and function.
L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. L-Glutamine is often used for organ repair and gastrointestinal tract nutritional support. Glutamine enhances the mass and strength of the intestine’s protective mucosal lining, reducing altered permeability issues that can lead to increased allergy and toxemia susceptibility.
N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG) is a carbohydrate used to make glycosaminoglycans needed for normal intestinal mucous production.
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) like NAG enhances normal mucous production to establish a healthy protective barrier. It has historically been used in treatments for indigestion, heartburn, and peptic ulcers. Licorice is a demulcent, which soothes and coats the digestive and urinary tracts. It contains flavonoids and chalcones, two important ingredients that help the digestive tract to heal and are also potent antioxidants.
Plant Enzymes assist in the digestive process as it occurs in the brush border of the small intestine. These enzymes convert carbohydrates (fruit, vegetable, grain and bean fibers, sugars, milk sugar, grain sugar) into their final digestive end products thereby helping to reduce issues of flatulence, bloating and bowel toxemia.
Aloe Leaf Concentrate has been in use for centuries both topically and orally. It has remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and bowel-moving properties. Aloe has the ability to absorb deep into affected injured tissue and promote repair and structural integrity.
Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) is an organic sulfur compound present naturally in the human body. MSM is concentrated in connective tissues. In Intestinal Repair Complex™, MSM is included to promote structural repair and integrity.
Slippery Elm, Okra, Cat’s Claw and Marshmallow are mucilaginous herbs with a long history of use in gastrointestinal complaints. They act to coat and soothe inflamed injured tissues. Like DGL and L-Glutamine they enhance normal mucosal secretions, which are absolutely necessary for healthy structure and function.
Vitamins A, E, Folic Acid and the mineral Zinc participate in beneficial antioxidant functions to reduce oxidative stress in the cellular lining of the gut. In this manner they assist in the overall repair process. Some of the gut barrier functions, such as Secretory IgA secretion may be enhanced by beneficial nutrients such as Vitamins A, E and Folic acid.
Butyric Acid is a short chain fatty acid produced by the anaerobic bacteria in the colon through fermentation of fiber and starch. Colonic epithelial cells use butyric acid as their major fuel source. As such, butyric acid enhances the regeneration of colonic epithelial cells and assists in repair of damaged epithelial cells. Butyric acid levels are often measured in stool analysis as a screen for risk of colon cancer. individuals with low levels are at higher risk.
Mucin (Sialic Acid, N-Neuraminic Acid) is a glycoprotein. Mucins are secreted by the epithelial cells lining the mucosal lining throughout the intestine. Their protective function is due to their high viscosity. They act to coat, protect, entrap antigens and, along with Secretory IgA, bind and move potential antigenic inflammatory triggers out of the system.
Quecetin is a flavonoid antioxidant. It acts to quench oxidative stress, stabilize colonic mast cells and improve tissue integrity.
Gamma Oryzanol has been shown in studies to have positive anti-inflammatory properties. This property allows it to assist other compounds in restoration of normal colonic epithelial health.