Small Intestine Detox

Small Intestine Detox combines the digestive benefits of the enzyme pepsin, with the soothing, protective effects of marshmallow root. Small Intestine Detox enhances digestion, particularly the metabolism of proteins, and promotes detoxification of the bowel. Small Intestine Detox may also help improve conditions related to poor digestion and intestinal toxicity such as allergies, fatigue, headaches, skin blemishes and certain respiratory problems.

Small Intestine Detox can be used for a variety of gastrointestinal ailments related to inadequate digestion and/or local inflammation, including abdominal distension (bloating), colitis (inflammation of the colon), diarrhea, dyspepsia (indigestion), flatulence (gas), hyperacidity (excess stomach acid), and peptic and duodenal ulcers. Small Intestine Detox may also be beneficial for respiratory congestion, dry coughs and tickling in the throat.

Marshmallow contains high amounts of large sugar molecules known as mucilage. This substance swells on contact with water to develop a gel-like consistency that relieves local irritation and soothes inflammation. The German Commission E has approved marshmallow’s use for mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa (stomach lining). Marshmallow is particularly beneficial where there are dyspeptic conditions, especially with hyperacidity. Marshmallow is recommended as a soothing, healing agent for inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract such as common and ulcerative colitis, enteritis (inflammation of the intestinal tract, especially small intestine), gastritis (chronic or acute inflammation of the stomach lining), ileitis (inflammation of the ileum—the third and terminal portion of the small intestine), peptic and duodenal ulceration, and reflux esophagitis (inflammation of the lower esophagus from regurgitation of acid gastric contents). Marshmallow may also be employed to reduce bowel looseness or diarrhea. In addition, marshmallow’s soothing, anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for dry, unproductive coughs associated with acute bronchitis, as well as to help relieve the pain and discomfort of chronic sore throat and tonsillitis. Furthermore, marshmallow is reported to stimulate phagocytosis (the ingestion of bacteria and other foreign substances by certain cells of the immune system) and act as a hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering) agent.

Pepsin is an enzyme produced by the gastric and pyloric glands that assists the digestion of proteins in the acidic environment (optimal pH 1.8 to 3.5) of the stomach. Pepsin is initially secreted in the form of pepsinogen, which has no digestive activity. However, upon contact with hydrochloric acid in the stomach, pepsinogen is immediately activated, forming pepsin. Pepsin is essential for healthy digestion, since this enzyme converts proteins into short chains of amino acids. Pepsin also contributes to the detoxification of the bowel by promoting healthy digestion, which in turn, improves bowel transit time and the elimination of metabolic wastes from the body. In addition, pepsin has been used to remedy a lack of appetite. Pepsin is derived from bovine sources.