The intestine is perhaps the least understood organ, yet recent studies confirm the enormous importance of the role it plays in the body's health. Let's treat it well and, when needed, help it along with the right product.
Divided into two parts, the small intestine and the large intestine, each with specific functions, the intestine is the final section of the digestive system. As well as being the seat of the enteric nervous system, also known as the gut brain, the intestine is home to an ecosystem made up of millions of bacteria — species defined as "friendly" — that form the intestinal bacterial flora and offer us an endless range of benefits.
Imagine many tiny guests who, within the intestine, are not only a resource for our immune system, but are capable of synthesising certain B-group vitamins, vitamin K, and of making the best possible use of all the nutrients present in the food we consume every day.
The digestion of food takes place in the first part of the intestine, but it is largely in the second part — and more precisely in the colon — that the absorption of nutrients and fluids occurs. And it is precisely here that waste products tend to accumulate, especially in the bends and loops.
The accumulation of these substances can give rise to unpleasant putrefaction, with the consequent production of foul-smelling gases and an abundance of toxins, which in a very short time inflame the intestinal membrane, making it more permeable and therefore able to allow dangerous substances, poisons, viruses and bacteria to pass more easily into the blood and lymph. We often find ourselves battling poor digestion, bad breath, persistent bloating and uncomfortable flatulence, constipation, dysbiosis, abdominal pain, through to inexplicable forms of migraine, mood changes, anxiety, difficulties related to sleep and hard-to-resolve skin problems. All are symptoms of a toxic intestine that must be strictly "listened to" and taken into consideration.
What is certain is that the accelerated pace of daily life, to which most people are subjected, can be considered one of the main causes of an intestine under strain, combined with an undoubtedly poor diet. Stress, refined foods and excessive consumption of meat and cured meats, along with the abuse of medications and alcoholic substances, can lead the intestine into a state of distress due to the disruption of the bacterial flora which, in order to function correctly and support the entire body, should always remain in balance.
Probiotics and a balanced diet, accompanied by regular bowel movements, can ensure a well-balanced bacterial flora. Equally, it is helpful to try to manage sources of stress which, precisely because of the connection that exists between the brain and the intestine, can cause significant problems.
Amicolon by Natural Point is the ideal food supplement for supporting the healthy functioning of the colon; it can in fact be used both in cases of discomfort and as a maintenance product to help the gastrointestinal tract carry out its normal functions. The psyllium fibre contained in the product has an emollient and soothing action on the digestive system. Being able to swell in the presence of water, it promotes the cleansing of the intestinal walls and increases faecal mass, thereby encouraging intestinal peristalsis.
The presence in the formulation of cloves, rhubarb and ginger, in addition to regulating intestinal function, promotes digestion and reduces fermentation. The action of Lactobacillus acidophilus is fundamental, being ideal for countering the onset of irritable bowel syndrome and abdominal bloating.
The formula is completed by Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed, a brown alga found on the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, plantain, a remarkable plant with a pronounced anti-inflammatory function, maté, aloe and vitamin C which, as well as being an excellent antioxidant, is beneficial for supporting the immune system.
If your problem is one or more of those described, Amicolon is certainly the product that can help you restore balance and wellbeing to your intestine. This formulation can be the right support the intestine needs, especially during periods of constipation or when it is necessary to cleanse the intestinal tract.
If you have been suffering from intestinal problems for some time, regular cycles of Amicolon can be of great help, restoring it to good functionality. In this way it will be possible to deal more easily with any changes to the gastrointestinal tract and the structures connected to it, supporting the healthy functioning of the immune system.
Once or twice a year, perhaps in conjunction with the change of seasons, it can be used for a deep cleanse of the colon by following the "Intestinal cleansing programme", which involves taking:
• Week 1: 2 capsules twice a day
• Week 2: 3 capsules twice a day
• Week 3: 4 capsules twice a day
• Week 4: 5 capsules twice a day
Once the cycle is complete, it is recommended to continue with two to three capsules per day as maintenance.
Psyllium fibre, with its "removal" action on residues, will bring the colon back to working at full capacity, with a marked improvement in the absorption of nutrients and a benefit to the whole body and to mood. To allow Amicolon to work to its full potential during the "cleansing programme", it is recommended that the capsules be taken away from meals, consuming at least 1.5–2 litres of water per day.
During the maintenance phase, it is recommended to take Amicolon close to meals, as the fibres provided will help create a sense of satiety, increase intestinal motility and faecal mass.
Amicolon can be found in the best herbalist shops, parapharmacies, pharmacies and natural food stores in the 100-capsule pack at a price of €18. The only excipient present is organic rice flour, and it may contain traces of milk proteins.