08/01/2024
We often get asked how IgY protects gut health. Itโs important to first paint a picture of what happens inside your gut, more specifically your intestinal tract.
The intestinal tract (past the stomach) is where a remarkable 90% of essential nutrients get absorbed. Imagine this area resembling a bustling nutrient metropolis, populated by numerous bacteria working diligently to break down food, and facilitating the uptake of beneficial substances to be delivered throughout our body. These bacteria are extraordinary and engaged in a long-standing symbiotic relationship with us whereby humans provide a warm, protected place to live along with a steady supply of nutrients; and in return, these tiny organisms digest complex carbohydrates that we cannot, and produce vitamins that we are unable to make.
These small inhabitants are known as commensal bacteria, a term derived from Latin that means "to share a meal." For peace, these bacteria inhabit the mucous layer, just as skin bacteria live on the outermost layer. Now, mucous typically summons an โickyโ response however in this case it plays a vital role with supporting gut microbiome and our overall health and well-being.
The phrase "sharing a meal" might conjure images of a friendly dinner party, however its anything but thatโthese microbes are not there to mingle. If these bacterial allies stray into the bloodstream, it can lead to serious problems. Therefore, the intestinal lining acts as a critical barrier - your gastrointestinal wall integrity - preventing these potential troublemakers from causing disruption where they shouldn't. When certain types of bacteria die, they release components that are toxic to us - Lipopolysaccharides (LPS). When the gut barrier is weak or permeable โ the LPS are able to easily escape into the blood. Endotoxemia (toxins in the blood) is a key feature of a disordered gut.
So where does IgY come in? IgY has been investigated for its role in managing mucosal infections, including bacterial (e.g., E. coli, H. pylori, C. difficile, Salmonella spp., S. typhimurium, S. dysenteriae, and P. aeruginosa), viral (e.g., rotavirus, norovirus, influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2), fungal (C. albicans), and parasitic infections (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium). The first and best supported mechanism of action is that IgY can bind bacteria that are free floating on or around mucosal surfaces, in humans. Once several IgY antibodies have surrounded the bacteria or pathogen, they are unable to interact with the hostโs mucosa. This action stops the vital first step of infection, which is contact with host tissues and cells.
Want to learn more about how IgY can support better gut? https://lnkd.in/g7zDq_eT
Also consider watching the documentary "Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut" on Netflix as itโs highly illustrative of the mucus barrier and its effectiveness.
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