Gut health is essential for our overall well-being because it is responsible for the proper functioning of our digestive system and immune system. Many factors, however, can disrupt gut health, resulting in a variety of unpleasant and often painful symptoms.
Bloating is a common symptom caused by a buildup of gas in the intestines or a bacterial imbalance in the gut. It can be painful because it causes the stomach to feel full, tight, and swollen. Bloating can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, food intolerances, and dysbiosis in the gut.
Constipation is another symptom of ill-health in the gut. It is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements per week and can result in discomfort, pain, and bloating. Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of fiber, dehydration, and gut dysbiosis.
Diarrhea, on the other hand, is defined as having loose, watery stools more frequently than usual. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, food intolerances, and dysbiosis in the gut. It can cause dehydration and is especially hazardous to young children and the elderly.
Stomach cramps and pain are also common signs of a bad gut. These can be caused by a variety of factors, including inflammation, dysbiosis in the gut, and food intolerances. They can cause mild discomfort to severe pain and have a significant impact on a person's quality of life.
History
Tongkat Ali, also known as Malaysian ginseng or Eurycoma longifolia, is a Southeast Asian medicinal herb. For centuries, it has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, malaria, fever, and hypertension.
How it works
Reducing inflammation: Gut inflammation can cause a variety of digestive issues. Tongkat Ali's anti-inflammatory compounds, such as quassinoids, aid in inflammation reduction and promote a healthy gut environment. Quassinoids have been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Balancing gut microbiota: The gut microbiome is extremely important in maintaining gut health. Tongkat Ali has been shown to modulate gut microbiota, promoting a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Tongkat Ali has been shown in studies to increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Clostridium and Staphylococcus.
Tongkat Ali has been shown to increase the secretion of digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and protease, thereby improving digestion and nutrient absorption. Tongkat Ali has been shown in studies to stimulate the secretion of these enzymes, thereby improving the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the gut.
Increasing the function of the gut barrier: The gut barrier is a protective layer that separates the gut from the bloodstream. Toxins and harmful bacteria can enter the bloodstream when the gut barrier is compromised, causing inflammation and other health problems. Tongkat Ali has been shown to improve gut barrier function by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins that keep the gut barrier intact.
Studies and Results
Several studies have been conducted to investigate the potential of Tongkat Ali in promoting gut health, with promising results.
Researchers investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of Tongkat Ali extract in rats with colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease, in a study published in the journal Molecules. Tongkat Ali extract significantly reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in rats, indicating its potential as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.
Another study published in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy looked at the effects of Tongkat Ali extract on gut microbiota in obese mice with metabolic dysfunction. Tongkat Ali extract modulated the gut microbiota, promoting a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria while decreasing harmful bacteria, according to the findings. According to this study, Tongkat Ali extract may be effective in promoting gut health in people with metabolic dysfunction.
A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research looked at the effects of Tongkat Ali extract on constipation in humans. When compared to the placebo group, Tongkat Ali extract significantly improved bowel movements and reduced bloating and discomfort in the participants. The researchers came to the conclusion that Tongkat Ali extract could be an effective natural remedy for constipation.
Overall, the research indicates that Tongkat Ali extract has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties that can improve gut health. More research is needed, however, to determine the optimal dosage and long-term effects of Tongkat Ali extract on gut health.
It should be noted that these studies were conducted on both animal and human subjects, and more research is required to confirm the efficacy of Tongkat Ali extract in promoting gut health. Furthermore, before beginning any supplement regimen, including Tongkat Ali extract, it is critical to consult with a healthcare provider.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of Tongkat Ali extract varies depending on the individual's age, weight, and health condition. However, most studies have used a dosage range of 200-400mg of Tongkat Ali extract per day, taken in two divided doses.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali is a natural herb that has shown promising results in promoting digestion and improving gut health. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, as well as its ability to balance gut microbiota and boost digestive enzymes, make it a promising therapeutic option for a variety of digestive disorders. However, before beginning any supplement regimen, including Tongkat Ali, it is critical to consult with a healthcare provider.
References
- Rajikin et al. "Eurycoma longifolia as a potential alternative to ibuprofen in reducing inflammation." Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, vol. 5, no. 4, 2015, pp. 278-282.
- H. Azmi et al. "Modulation of gut microbiota by Eurycoma longifolia Jack: A systematic review." Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, vol. 140, 2021, 111767.
- H. Chua et al. "Eurycoma longifolia extract improves constipation symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical