Such simple and complex inulin: how to use it correctly?

What is inulin?

This substance is found in the roots and tubers of some plants. It acts on the human body as a prebiotic. Once inside the digestive tract, it is not absorbed in the stomach, but is broken down only in the intestines. This results in an increase in beneficial bacteria and an improvement in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

The polysaccharide ensures stable functioning of the digestive system, on which the general condition of the body depends. In case of microflora disturbances, inulin helps restore it.

Its action is due to the presence of special fibers that deliver saccharides with different chain lengths to the intestines. This increases the number of beneficial bacteria responsible for the correct acid-base balance. The solubility of calcium increases, the proliferation of harmful bacteria is inhibited, and intestinal tissue is protected from destruction.

Properties

Inulin has a sweetish taste and has no synthetic analogues. This natural carbohydrate is found in more than three thousand plant roots. The healing properties of the substance are determined by its action as a probiotic. It stimulates peristalsis and the growth of bifidumbacteria. Due to the probiotic's immunity to digestive enzymes, it retains 100% of its healing properties when passing through the intestines.

Where it is contained: main sources

The main products in which the polysaccharide is found are Jerusalem artichoke and chicory. Their tubers contain a higher content of useful substances than all other plants. But these are not the only sources of prebiotics. It is found in the following products, although in smaller quantities:

• garlic;
• leek and regular onion;
• dandelion and burdock roots;
• tubers of flowers - dahlia, hyacinth, etc.;
• rye and barley;
• bananas;
• artichoke and asparagus.

Benefits for the human body

This active component has a positive effect on the digestive tract, but this is not its only merit.

#1: sugar control

Lipid and carbohydrate metabolism improves, which further stabilizes sugar levels. This property makes inulin an excellent weight loss aid. Metabolism improves, making weight loss faster. In addition, the dietary supplement helps absorb glucose, therefore it is used in the treatment of certain types of diabetes.

No. 2: removal of waste and toxins

Potentially dangerous compounds, as well as toxins, are removed from the body. The prebiotic complex binds them and helps eliminate them effectively. We are talking not only about slag, but also about such serious compounds as radionuclides or heavy metal impurities. It is useful to use the supplement for people who constantly interact with dangerous reagents.

No. 3: helping joints

The activity of the musculoskeletal system improves. This is due to the fact that inulin affects calcium absorption. Its absorption improves, which affects the growth of bone tissue. With regular and long-term use, bone density increases by one quarter. Therefore, the remedy is indicated for elderly people and those who are faced with diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

No. 4: boosting immunity

The body's defenses increase. It has been proven that strong immunity is impossible if the gastrointestinal tract is not normal. Therefore, you need to start increasing the body’s defenses by establishing the digestive system. Inulin copes with this in a few weeks. Resistance to viral and bacterial infections increases.

No. 5: help with liver function

The active substance has a positive effect on the liver. The internal organ is the body’s main barrier against toxic compounds, so it is subject to increased stress. The herbal remedy helps remove dangerous components and helps cleanse the liver. Therefore, it is used not only for prevention, but also in the complex treatment of serious diseases such as hepatitis.

#6: Lower cholesterol

The risk of developing atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular pathologies is reduced. This is due to the anticoagulant properties of the supplement. It prevents the formation of blood clots and also reduces the level of dangerous cholesterol. Plaques do not form in the vessels. In addition, the absorption of magnesium, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, improves.

No. 7: vitamins are better absorbed

If there is a deficiency of useful elements, regular use of dietary supplements along with vitamin and mineral complexes is recommended. It improves the absorption of the components included in their composition and increases their effectiveness. Together with inulin, the absorption of minerals improves by 30–50%.

No. 8: recovery after a course of antibiotics

In case of dysbacteriosis and other dangerous conditions, the substance alleviates the condition and gradually restores the microflora. It is used to treat severe diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as during the recovery period after long-term use of antibiotics. But it is not recommended to use the product during treatment, as it reduces the effectiveness of the drugs.

Now Foods, Certified Organic Inulin, Pure Powder, 227 g

See price on iHerb

This is a natural dietary supplement that contains only pure powder of the active substance. The composition contains no other components, including potential allergens or synthetic substances. The prebiotic is used for intestinal diseases, to restore beneficial microflora after treatment with antibacterial drugs.

The product has a very low glycemic index. The manufacturer indicates that the powder must be dissolved in a liquid, for example, water. On the first day, take only 1 teaspoon, gradually increasing the dose to 3 teaspoons per day. A slight intestinal upset at the first time of use is a normal process, indicating the normalization of the microflora.

What can you combine polysaccharide with?

The polysaccharide has an important property: it improves the absorption of some other nutrients.

Table 3. How to use inulin with other drugs.

Important! Discuss the idea of ​​combining any medications with your doctor first.

Inulin in chicory

Chicory is one of the main products used to isolate the substance. The prebiotic is obtained from the root of the plant. This is the main component for which it is valued. It is not broken down in the stomach, but continues its journey through the intestines. Here it is transformed and converted into a product that improves the functioning of the digestive tract. And this helps cleanse the body of all harmful substances that enter it.

Inulin continues to act in all parts of the intestine, including the large intestine. Here it blocks cholesterol, toxins, and other dangerous products and removes them.

How to use to strengthen the immune system

Many diseases begin from the stomach in the truest sense of the word. Waste and toxins that linger in the gastrointestinal tract provoke a deterioration of the body's immune defense. Polysaccharide dietary supplements are needed to cleanse the digestive tract and ease the load on the immune system. And also to reduce the risk of cancer. In this case, proceed as follows:

Table 5. Scheme for strengthening the body's protective barriers.

Start probiotic therapy in advance, before the disease season. In the case of children - 2-3 weeks before going to kindergarten or school (children get sick there more often). The break is 30 days, then prophylaxis is allowed to start again.

Inulin in Jerusalem artichoke

A significant part of the polysaccharide is obtained from Jerusalem artichoke. This is an amazing plant that absorbs only everything useful. But it does not absorb chemical compounds or nitrates. It is able to process them and turn them into useful components.

Jerusalem artichoke contains a large amount of vitamins and microelements, but it is valued primarily for its inulin. When the ingredient is isolated, it retains all the beneficial properties for which the plant itself is valued. Typically, Jerusalem artichoke varieties that are bred through selection are used for production. They contain the highest inulin content, which makes it possible to obtain supplements with its increased concentration.

Jarrow Formulas, Inulin FOS, Powder, 180 g

See price on iHerb

Another prebiotic complex that helps maintain proper intestinal activity. Polysaccharide is the only component included in its composition. During the production of the powder, prebiotic fiber is preserved, which is necessary for improving intestinal microflora.

The products do not contain ingredients of animal origin, so they can be used by vegetarians. The manufacturer indicates that you need to combine 1 scoop with your favorite drink (or water). You need to take 1 – 2 spoons per day.

Scheme for weight loss

Many overweight people have a slow metabolism. Fat deposits accumulate faster than they are burned. You can change the situation with a polysaccharide. It will cleanse the body of waste and toxins, improve digestion, and speed up metabolism. It will also give you a feeling of fullness. For this purpose, from the age of 12, the drug is drunk 1-2 servings per day. It is recommended to consume fermented milk products with reduced fat content at this time.

Important! There will be no results from the drug unless you adjust your diet and add physical activity - you need to create a calorie deficit.

Admission rules

In most cases, the substance is available in the form of a dry powder, less often in the form of tablets. If it is a powder, then it is dissolved in water or any drink. Take an average of 1 teaspoon of bulk product per glass. Use the product before meals one to three times a day. The recovery course can last several weeks or months, depending on the purpose of use. This is followed by a break of 1–3 months.

If you take the substance in tablets, then read the instructions first. Usually you need to take 1 - 3 tablets several times a day.

How to use for diabetes

A valuable probiotic product has two important properties:

• removes excess sugar;
• replaces glucose in the cell.

Interesting! Many people confuse insulin and inulin due to similar names. The first is a pancreatic hormone; injections are given with it in case of type 1 diabetes. The second is a natural polysaccharide, and it is drunk in tablets or powder for diabetic types 1 and 2.

As a rule, the dose of the medicine in this case is selected by the endocrinologist. Usually this is from 6 grams per day (maybe more at the discretion of the attending physician). The total amount is divided into 2-4 doses. Long-term therapy - at least 2 months, then its duration is determined by a specialist. The patient is also required to strictly adhere to the prescribed diet. By the way, inulin from Jerusalem artichoke tubers is considered the most active in the treatment of this disease.

Inulin from Now Foods

The best options for Inulin with Iherb

Production technology

For the production of dietary supplements, plant tubers are used, which contain a high concentration of the component. There are different technologies for obtaining prebiotics. It can be extracted from fresh roots or dry crushed ones, which are kept for a certain time in hot, but not boiling water. Extraction can be carried out in several stages to extract larger amounts of polysaccharides.

Subsequently, the resulting solution (or juice) is purified, filtered and crystallized. After this, the resulting product is purified again, using a different technology. Then the mixture is crystallized again, dried, and ground to a concentrated powder.

They also use the cold-press method, which preserves all the beneficial ingredients.

For children

Newborns are often prescribed prebiotic complexes. This is due to the immaturity of the digestive tract, a possible allergic reaction to breast milk, etc. Inulin helps form the correct microflora in the intestines and ensures the colonization of beneficial bacteria.

In infants, taking the supplement helps relieve colic that occurs in the first few months of life. Dietary supplements are also prescribed to older children if they suffer from digestive disorders. We are talking about constipation, disorders, increased gas formation and bloating.

Baby food with inulin

Today, the polysaccharide is used not only separately, but also added to infant formula or cereals to improve digestion. If the baby is not breastfed, he may not have enough prebiotics. This is where mixtures containing it come to the rescue.

If children have stomach or intestinal disorders caused by microflora disorders, then porridges containing inulin will help. It is enough to use them once a day for a visible effect. They improve digestion, help strengthen the musculoskeletal system, and replenish the deficiency of useful components, facilitating their absorption.

Pediatricians recommend including such cereals or mixtures in a child’s diet if the baby complains of pain or discomfort in the abdomen. The additive very rarely provokes specific reactions, therefore it is included in hypoallergenic products.

Use for weight loss

The dietary supplement is recommended for people who suffer from excess weight. It directly affects the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. The component binds dangerous compounds and promotes their effective removal. Liver fermentation also increases, which helps improve fat metabolism.

The fewer dangerous compounds in the body, the higher the absorption of vitamins, minerals, etc. The sugar level gradually decreases, and with this the attacks of hunger disappear and weight decreases. However, you should not count on instant results. It may take several months for the body to adjust to its normal operating mode. If you simultaneously adhere to proper nutrition and increase physical activity, weight loss will go faster.

When consuming dietary supplements, the feeling of hunger decreases, and satiety after eating remains for a long time. It coats the intestinal walls, allowing you to reduce the amount of food you eat.

Can it be used during pregnancy?

Prebiotic complexes are not contraindicated for pregnant women. However, manufacturers are trying to play it safe and recommend first consulting with your doctor. Using the supplement during pregnancy helps cope with the hormonal load on the body. In the first trimester, dietary supplements reduce irritability and mood swings.

The important thing is that inulin has a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system. During pregnancy, the load on bones and joints increases, since a lot of calcium and phosphorus are spent on the construction of the bone frame of the embryo.

The activity of the digestive tract improves, which is also important when bearing a child. At this time, constipation may occur due to hormonal changes and enlargement of the abdominal organs. The dietary supplement copes with these unpleasant symptoms and improves intestinal activity.

In the last trimester, many women experience edema due to pressure on blood vessels by the uterus. The polysaccharide enhances urine excretion and prevents the occurrence of dropsy in pregnancy.

In some cases, taking inulin is also indicated after childbirth. But it should be used with caution if you are breastfeeding. The fact is that breast milk contains a sufficient amount of prebiotics. If an increased dose gets into it, it can provoke allergic reactions in the newborn. Therefore, after childbirth, dietary supplements can be used only after consultation with your doctor.

Mandatory allergy tests

The instructions for using inulin usually name only one contraindication - allergies. Most often the patient neglects this point, but it is dangerous. If you have not taken such medications before (it doesn’t matter, externally or internally), be sure to do an allergy test. They do this as follows:

Table 1. How allergy tests are performed.

Interesting! There are myths that chicory supplements have their own contraindications: age under 12 years, varicose veins, and so on. According to doctors, this is a misconception.

Are there any analogues?

As such, there are no analogues of herbal dietary supplements. This is a prebiotic of natural origin, so only similar herbal preparations can replace it. Inulin is not only produced in its pure form, but is also included in numerous pharmacy supplements.

Some manufacturers include it in dietary supplements that are fortified with vegetables and fruits or medicinal plants. Thanks to this, the beneficial components are better absorbed and have a positive effect on the body. But usually such preparations do not contain enough polysaccharide content, so its effectiveness may be much lower than when used in its pure form.

Is it possible for animals?

The probiotic is used in veterinary medicine. In particular, it is prescribed to cats to regurgitate hairballs and to improve the functioning of the urinary system. Veterinarians recommend the following courses of treatment:

Table 6. Rules for use in veterinary medicine

This is what inulin powder from Now Foods looks like

Side effect from use

In most cases, the natural drug has no side effects. But at the beginning of the recovery course, patients may encounter the following manifestations:

• flatulence;
• intestinal disorder;
• nausea;
• colic.

Usually these symptoms are not severe and disappear within a few days. They indicate that the product has begun to act and restores the correct microflora. If the symptoms do not go away for a long time, and the condition worsens, you should stop taking it and consult a specialist.

Do you really need it?

I could go on and on about how beneficial this natural probiotic polysaccharide is. But if you have no indication for its use, it will harm you. Be sure to check for at least one of the following:

• Slagging of the body;
• Increased blood sugar;
• Lack of magnesium, calcium, vitamins;
• Digestive problems (constipation);
• Weakened immunity;
• Lipid metabolism disorders.

The best thing to do is to take a blood test first to see if there is any indication.

The best options for Inulin with Iherb

Possible contraindications

Since it is a natural prebiotic, it has no contraindications. The only exceptions are cases of individual intolerance to such drugs. In this case, it cannot be used in any form.

Women who are pregnant should consult their doctor before starting use.

Polysaccharides are necessary for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, and, therefore, the entire body. Inulin has a positive effect on health and helps remove dangerous compounds. It restores microflora and protects the body from the negative effects of the environment.

Indications for the use of inulin

The list of indications will be quite long, as will the list of properties of the polysaccharide: • the risk of developing diabetes mellitus or its presence; • hepatitis, cholecystitis and other liver diseases; • disruption of digestive processes; • excess weight; • weak immunity; • skin or hair problems; • high blood cholesterol levels; • atherosclerosis; • chronic colitis; • for cancer prevention; • lack of calcium in the body, low bone density; • disorders of the nervous or cardiovascular system. Inulin is useful for the nervous system by improving the absorption of magnesium, which plays an important role for it. To achieve the desired effect, simply combine polysaccharide-containing supplements with magnesium supplements. As for contraindications, the following categories of people will not be able to buy supplements containing polysaccharide as the main active ingredient: • children under 12 years of age; • persons with individual intolerance; • people suffering from hemorrhoids or varicose veins. For children over 6 months of age, you can only buy special food with polysaccharides, because it was developed specifically for them and is completely safe. As for compatibility with medications, there are no restrictions, as indicated in the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. But there is unconfirmed evidence that inulin can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics. It’s hard to say how true this is, but it’s better not to risk it. If you need to purchase an antibacterial drug and undergo therapy, wait to take the polysaccharide.