What are Demulcents?
The meaning of the word demulcent is soothing and this is exactly the action it can take. Demulcents are foods or herbs that form a mucilage or an oily, goo like substance that coat our mucous membranes. It’s through this action that demulcents act to heal and protect these internal tissues. They can have a cooling effect on irritated or inflamed mucous membranes. They are made up of branched carbohydrate molecules that easily trap water and other molecules, this is what causes them to swell and become soft.
Demulcents have a clear and direct action on the lining of the digestive tract. However, research has been done to show that they have an indirect effect on the urinary system and the respiratory system. Because of this they have been used to relax and ease painful spasms of the bladder, ease coughing and soothe bronchial tension.
How Demulcents can support the digestive system:
Demulcents can be used specifically to support digestive conditions or used as a preventative to support the integrity of a healthy digestive system.
Looking at specific digestive disorders:
- Leaky Gut – With this condition, we see the tight junctions in our gut wall coming apart, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, upregulating our immune system, increasing inflammation and limiting nutrient absorption.
- Demulcents may support those with Leaky Gut by creating a protective lining to cool and soothe inflammation. They reestablish the integrity of the tight junctions and replenish the mucous the makes for a healthy intestinal barrier.
- Dysbiosis – With this condition, we see an imbalance of microbes in the microbiome, where harmful microorganisms outnumber beneficial microorganisms. This can lead to other digestive issues, dysfunction in the nervous system, the endocrine system and the immune system, creating mental/emotional health issues, hormone imbalances and autoimmune disorders, respectively.
- Demulcents may support those with Dysbiosis by increasing numbers of diversity of beneficial microbiota. They accomplish this by reinforcing the mucosal layer, which is both food and home to the beneficial microflora of the gut.
- GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) – With this condition, we witness someone with chronic acid reflux due to a dysfunctional LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) or disordered peristalsis. Chronic reflux of HCl (hydrochloric acid or stomach acid) can lead to a host of other serious health issues like Esophagitis, Barrett’s Esophagus, Dysphagia, Esophageal Cancer, Esophageal Stricture, Larynopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and Asthma.
- Demulcents may support someone with GERD by initially providing a cooling and soothing effect that offers relief from the heat and irritation caused by the acid in the esophagus. Not only can they offer relief, but they can also help to restore the damaged esophageal tissues and prevent further harm to these delicate membranes.
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) – With this condition, we see a compilation of digestive symptoms: abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas and bloating are all common. The cause is certain, obviously it will vary from person to person, but some suggest an issue with communication between the gut and the brain, dysbiosis and/or a severe infection.
- Demulcents may support those with IBS by acting as a form of soluble fiber in the intestines, feeding beneficial microbes to promote biodiversity, absorbing water and having a bulking and stool softening effect to support gastric emptying.
As a preventative we can look to demulcents to maintain gut wall integrity, support diversity in our microbiome and support gut motility.
Examples of Food/Herbal Demulcents:
- Aloe Vera Juice/Gel
- Licorice
- Marshmallow Root Powder
- Slippery Elm
- Chia Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Manuka Honey
- Green Bananas/Plantains
- Oats
- Fenugreek Seed
With many of these, you can simply add water to get them to form that gel like texture, making that mucliage quality readily available. You may have witnessed this already with the more common foods like oats, chia seeds and flax seeds.
Precautions/Disclosure:
As with any dietary or lifestyle information shared here, please consult with your doctor or other licensed medical professional before making any changes. As a nutritionist, it is not within my scope of practice to give medical advice, treat, prescribe or diagnose.
With the demulcents, especially the herbal demulcents it’s important to only make these changes with the approval and guidance of a licensed medical professional because many of these herbs can have contradictions with certain medications or may just interact unfavorable with your unique physiology.
- Examples of things to be mindful of:
- It’s often recommended that people with high blood pressure take DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice) rather than Licorice without the glycyrrhizin removed because for some glycyrrhizin has been shown to raise blood pressure and cause cardiovascular issues if used long term.
- Whole Leaf Aloe Vera Juice has been shown to cause diarrhea for some, Inner Leaf Aloe Vera Juice may be a good alternative in these cases.
Want more information and support?
If you’re struggling with digestive issues or simply want to support your digestive system with a preventative approach, please contact me. I can provide further details of dietary and lifestyle recommendations that support this system. As well as providing an emotionally safe space to feel seen, heard, inspired and motivated.
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