Greens Powders for Gut Health

by Vorst Canada June 01, 2022

greens powders for gut health

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

Today’s most prevalent chronic illnesses have been found to be linked to poor gut health. The gut is the key mediator of foods and drinks as well as various external invaders like fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Greens powders contain a large number of fruits and vegetables that may meet a person’s daily requirements of vegetable intake. The benefits of greens powders for gut health are established by multiple scientific studies.

Here we’ll explore some of the common benefits of greens powders for gut health along with the basics of gut health and why it is so important. So, let’s get started.

Understanding gut health
Why gut health is so important
What are greens powders?
How greens powders can promote gut health
How to use greens powders
Precautions and side effects
Final words

Understanding gut health

The gut, also known as the digestive tract or gastrointestinal tract or GI tract, refers to the tract, or tube, or passageway of the digestive system that starts from the mouth and ends at the anus containing several digestive parts including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

The term “gut health” involves the overall activities and cohesion of various parts of the gut, the balance of microbiomes it contains, and the functionalities of associated organs that assist the digestive system in various reactions such as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. All of these take part in digestion and help maintain all bodily functions.

Why gut health is so important

The father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, a renowned ancient Greek physician, over 2500 years ago opined:

“All disease begins in the gut”

With the advancements in modern medical science, his conclusion has been proving to be true through diverse scientific studies.

It has been found that the gut is implicated in the development of nearly all chronic diseases, either directly or through influencing or affecting various processes. The gut microbiomes and their activities are not only responsible for gastrointestinal disorders, but also contribute to developing many other physical and emotional conditions such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and depression.

A 2019 review published in the Nutrients showed that gut microbiomes have profound implications in the development of various health conditions including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and depression.

Let's take a look at some prevalent chronic illnesses that have been associated with poor gut health, directly or indirectly:

Metabolic disorders - chronic kidney disease (CKD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cirrhosis of the liver.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) - high blood pressure (hypertension), arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, heart attack, and congestive heart failure.

Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases - irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), atopic asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, atopic eczema, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), type 1 diabetes (T1D), autoimmune hepatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and celiac disease.

Emotional or mental conditions - chronic stress, anorexia nervosa (AN, an eating disorder), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and chronic depression.

Brain health conditions - Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), brain stroke (both ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and Alzheimer’s disease.

What are greens powders?

Greens powders are dietary supplements made from natural ingredients that are responsibly sourced from greens such as grasses, vegetables, and fruits. For people who have a hard time taking enough fruits and vegetables and experience a long-term lack of daily recommended minerals and vitamins, greens powders would certainly be the best solution to fulfill their gaps in the daily recommended intake of vegetables and protect them from various illnesses.

Key natural compounds found in greens powders may include, but aren’t limited to:

Leafy greens and vegetables - spinach, kale, broccoli, parsley, collards, cabbages, tomatoes, carrots, beets, and more.

Grasses - wheatgrass, alfalfa, barley, and oat grass.

Fruits rich in antioxidants - pomegranate, tart cherries, apple, banana, strawberries, and goji.

Seaweed - spirulina, chlorella, dulse, kelp, and more.

Probiotics - Lactobacillus, Acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Herbs - astragalus, echinacea, milk thistle, holy basil, and more.

Digestive enzymes (plant-based) - amylase, lipase, papain, cellulase, and protease.

How greens powders can promote gut health

Greens powders are rich in various natural compounds such as antioxidants, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and plant fibers, as well as others. All of these ingredients can support gut health and overall wellness in many ways.

Digestive enzymes and antioxidant compounds present in greens powders may help address the leaky gut which is responsible for numerous autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Moreover, probiotics and plant-based fibers can help balance pH levels in the gut and reduce the chances of gas fermentation, resulting in decreased acid loads and beneficial for diverse gut issues such as gas, bloating, hyperacidity, heartburn, abdominal cramp, abdominal pain, and so on.

How to use a greens powders

Greens powders can be taken by mixing with water or adding to other foods such as juices, milk, or favorite smoothies. Since it is loaded with minerals and vitamins, it’s always best to start with moderation. 5 grams to 10 grams of greens powders once or twice a day is a good option to get started with.

Precautions and side effects

Though greens powders are generally safe, some people may experience mild to moderate side effects due to sudden load of vitamins and minerals. They may include gastrointestinal discomforts such as abdominal cramps, pain, bloating, or hypersensitivity reactions like fever, rash, hives, and scaly skin.

Besides, certain types of vitamins may interact with other medications. Therefore, it’s always the best idea to consult with a qualified nutritionist or natural medicine practitioner to determine your safety and best doses.

Final words

Greens powders are made from nutrient-dense natural sources and packed with diverse healthy compounds like antioxidants, probiotics, plant fibers, and digestive enzymes. A combination of these ingredients has an incredible ability to address serious gut issues such as the leaky gut and improve gut health which is vital for overall mental and physical wellness.

Here you can see Vorst’s pure and natural Multi-Greens Powder 600 G.

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