Slippery elm bark, also known as Ulmus rubra, is a tree native to North America that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The inner bark of the slippery elm tree has a number of medicinal properties, including being a natural probiotic.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the digestive system and help maintain the balance of the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is the community of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that live in the digestive system and play a vital role in overall health. An imbalance of the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to a variety of health problems, including digestive disorders, immune system dysfunction, and even some chronic diseases.
One of the primary ways that slippery elm bark supports gut health is by acting as a prebiotic. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the gut, helping to restore the balance of the microbiome. Slippery elm bark is a rich source of mucilage, a type of soluble fiber that forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water. This mucilage helps to nourish and support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Slippery elm bark may also have other benefits for gut health. For example, it has been traditionally used to help soothe digestive disorders, such as acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, and constipation. Some research suggests that slippery elm bark may help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms of these conditions.
In addition to its potential benefits for gut health, slippery elm bark has a number of other medicinal uses. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including sore throat, cough, and skin irritation. Some people also use slippery elm bark as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections and to support immune system function.
This is why you will see it as an important ingredient in Gut Fuel.
