Frequently Asked Questions
What is gluten sensitivity?
Gluten sensitivity is a disorder in which a spectrum of negative symptoms are experienced after eating foods that contain gluten and lectins, especially the wheat lectin known as wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). It is associated with many symptoms including bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, skin disorders and brain fog.
How does DigestShield® work?
DigestShield® is a scientifically precise, full-spectrum complex of enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics. It is designed to address gluten, lectins, and other processed foods, while promoting healthy immune function and microflora balance. 20 enzymes break down gluten, dairy, protein, fat and carbohydrates. 11 probiotics restore beneficial intestinal microflora and 5 prebiotics feed the probiotics.
Why do we need probiotics?
Probiotics are live bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut or in supplements. These are good bacteria that not only prevent bad bacteria from growing out of control but have also been shown to provide health benefits. Our modern diets do not contain very many good sources of probiotics. DigestShield® is a co-probiotic containing 11 beneficial probiotic bacteria, 20 digestive enzymes, and 5 prebiotics, including ultra-low molecular weight chitosan derived from oyster mushrooms.
Why do we need prebiotics?
Prebiotics are food for the good bacteria in our gut. Our modern diets do not contain many good sources of prebiotics. The best way to ensure we get enough is through supplementation. DigestShield® contains important prebiotics which makes our probiotics more effective.
What are Lectins?
Wheat lectins, in particular, are known to bind to the lining of the gut, causing inflammation and damage to the intestinal wall. This can lead to a condition called “leaky gut syndrome,” in which the gut becomes more permeable than it should be. When this happens, substances that should remain in the gut, such as undigested food particles and bacteria, can leak into the bloodstream.
When these substances enter the bloodstream, they can trigger an immune response. The body recognizes them as foreign and mounts an attack, producing antibodies against them. In some cases, these antibodies can also mistakenly attack healthy tissues in the body, leading to autoimmune disorders.
Some studies have suggested that wheat lectins may play a role in the development of autoimmune disorders such as celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. However, the exact mechanisms by which lectins contribute to these conditions are still not fully understood, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between lectins and autoimmune disorders.
It’s worth noting that not everyone who consumes wheat lectins will develop autoimmune disorders, and the impact of lectins on the body may vary depending on a range of factors, including genetics, overall diet, and gut health.
The Ultra-Low Molecular Weight chitosan in DigestShield® acts as a lectin decoy. It is made of the exact type of sugar that coats our digestive tract. Lectins bind to the chitosan and pass harmlessly out of the body instead of binding to you.
What is Zonulin and why should I take a test to see what my levels are?
The complex interaction of food allergens, microorganisms, the digestive system, and our immune system can contribute to the development of many chronic diseases. Above all, a permeable intestinal mucosa – called leaky gut – plays a central role.
The protein molecule zonulin is a suitable marker to measure the permeability of the intestinal mucosa. Zonulin regulates the exchange of fluid, macromolecules, and leukocytes (white blood cells) between the bloodstream and the intestinal lumen. High zonulin values can typically be observed in the case of Type I Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.
How do I know if I’m gluten sensitive?
Gluten has been blamed for a wide range of symptoms including bloating, indigestion, gas, fatigue, joint pain, skin disorders, headaches or migraines, and difficulties with concentration. It has also been linked with many autoimmune diseases. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be gluten sensitive.
Why do we need Digestive Enzymes?
DigestShield® is a digestive aid containing a full complement of enzymes that can aid in more completely digesting the food you eat. This results in less likelihood of an immune response to what you eat.
Digestive enzymes are necessary for breaking down the food we eat into basic nutrient components. The proteins in enzymes speed up chemical reactions that turn the nutrients into substances the digestive tract can absorb. Saliva has digestive enzymes in it and starts the process as soon as you start eating. The pancreas, gallbladder, and liver, release enzymes into the food we have eaten once it passes from the stomach into the first section of the small intestine called the duodenum.
Digestive enzymes are important to nutrition and general good health. They help our body absorb nutrients from the foods we eat. People tend to create fewer enzymes as a result of aging. Without sufficient enzymes, certain foods can create uncomfortable symptoms, such as indigestion and bloating, food intolerances, and nutritional deficiencies. DigestShield® provides the largest number (20) of enzymes of any over-the-counter digestive aid.
Is DigestShield® natural and vegetarian?
Every ingredient in DigestShield® is vegetarian and naturally sourced. The Ultra Low Molecular Weight Chitosan in our formula is sourced from the cell wall of oyster mushrooms.
Will DigestShield® treat celiac disease?
No. The only accepted treatment for celiac disease is the total avoidance of gluten. DigestShield® is not intended to treat celiac disease or any other disease.
Can I take DigestShield® while pregnant or breastfeeding?
All ingredients are GRAS – “generally regarded as safe”.
That said, it is recommended to consult with your physician before using DigestShield® while pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is Chitosan?
Chitosan is an amino sugar derived from chitin. Chitin is the second most abundant polymer found in nature (Cellulose is the most abundant). Our chitosan is derived from the cell wall of the Oyster Mushroom. It has many incredible properties such as being anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial. It is also a prebiotic fiber and contributes to the health of the microbiome.
DigestShield® is the only digestive aid in the world that contains Ultra-Low Molecular Weight (ULMW) vegetarian Chitosan. Chitosan can help protect the gut and prevent the negative influence of lectins found in wheat, soy, nightshade vegetables, and other grains.
