Larch Arabinogalactan Benefits
April 30, 2022
Arabinogalactan is a prebiotic fiber extracted from the larch tree. As a prebiotic, it supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and can play a positive role in improving overall gut health. In addition, it has significant immune-boosting properties. In this article, we are going to explore arabinogalactan in depth.
What Is Arabinogalactan?
Arabinogalactan is a starch-like chemical that is in many plants. However, the highest concentrations of this prebiotic are in Larch trees. Larch trees are deciduous conifers of the family Pinaceae. They are native to cooler, temperate climates in the northern hemisphere and can grow from 65 to 150 feet tall.
There are 14 species of larch trees, but most larch arabinogalactan found in supplements are from western larch (Larix occidentalis) or eastern larch trees (Larix laricina).
What are the Uses of Arabinogalactan?
Arabinogalactan is a prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut. It can help restore imbalances in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis). However, larch arabinogalactan also has powerful immune-supporting benefits. Arabinogalactan also may help treat infections from the common cold to more severe illnesses. Larch arabinogalactan benefits joint health and liver health and may also protect the liver from damage caused by radiation.
What Are the Benefits of Arabinogalactan?
There are several reported benefits of supplementing with arabinogalactan. Some of the top arabinogalactan benefits include:
Arabinogalactan Is a Beneficial Prebiotic That May Improve Gut Health
Prebiotics are food for beneficial bacteria that grow and colonize the gut. Without prebiotics, probiotics can't work effectively. Together, probiotics and prebiotics create a healthy environment in the gastrointestinal tract that supports digestion and fight off parasites, candida, and pathogenic bacteria.
Arabinogalactan, extracted from the larch tree, is one the most beneficial prebiotics for promoting the growth of both Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, the two most important probiotic strains.
Lactobacilli bacteria help increase the number of other beneficial bacteria in the gut. They also increase genes' expression in the intestines involved in the immune response.
Bifidobacteria helps regulate digestive health and helps with diarrhea, constipation, and other intestinal disorders.
Supplementing with prebiotics is a great way to improve gut health. It helps feed the good bacteria in the gut that play critical roles in digestion, immunity, mood, and numerous other body processes.
A lack of prebiotics in the diet can be detrimental to gut health and lead to dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome. Dysbiosis is at the root of many digestive issues, which can cause further health complications.
A bacterial imbalance can lead to:
- The growth of pathogenic bacteria
- Gut infections like candida
- Chronic digestive issues
- Impaired digestion
- Poor nutrient absorption
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Cramps
- Chronic fatigue
- Weakened immunity
- Mood disorders
And much more. Including prebiotic supplements like arabinogalactan, prebiotic foods, and probiotics in the diet can significantly restore gut health.
Arabinogalactan May Help Treat Leaky Gut Syndrome
One of the most significant issues with dysbiosis is that it allows unhealthy organisms to grow in the gut. The good bacteria in our guts help control numerous other microorganisms like pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and candida. However, when there are no longer enough beneficial bacteria in the stomach, it can allow these harmful organisms to grow out of control.
Candida, for example, is a yeast that can grow out of control when there are no beneficial bacteria to keep it in check. As candida grows up the intestinal wall, it can penetrate through the gut lining creating small openings that allow undigested foods and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This condition is called leaky gut syndrome and leads to intestinal permeability and a barrage of health issues.
Several arabinogalactan leaky gut benefits can help to protect you from this harmful condition. For one, arabinogalactan can act as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping to increase their numbers. Additionally, arabinogalactan may support your immune system, helping strengthen it, so it is better able to fight off a Candida infection.
Since the leaky gut syndrome is at the root of many other health conditions, this makes arabinogalactan an invaluable supplement for health.
Arabinogalactan May Benefit the Immune System
Arabinogalactan also appears to have a very beneficial effect on the immune system.
Research on arabinogalactan has found that larch arabinogalactan can stimulate natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity. This effect on NK cell activity may enhance other functional aspects of the immune system. It also enhances the production of macrophages, which are specialized immune cells that kill bacteria and other harmful organisms in the body.
Additionally, because of arabinogalactan's gut health benefits, it may also enhance immunity indirectly. Studies on the relationship between gut health and immunity have found that 70-80% of immune cells are present in the gut. This connection between gut health and immune cells points to an intricate interplay between gut bacteria, the intestinal epithelial layer, and the body's immune system.
Arabinogalactan May Benefit Joint Health
Arabinogalactan may also play a beneficial role in improving joint health. Studies on larch arabinogalactan show that it can help to regulate uric acid levels in the body. High uric acid levels are associated with gout, arthritis, and poor joint health. Eventually, high uric acid levels may also lead to kidney and heart issues.
Because arabinogalactan can regulate uric acid levels, it may be able to prevent gout, joint issues, and other health issues from developing.
Arabinogalactan May Protect the Liver and Support Liver Health
The liver is one of the most critical organs in the human body, and without it, the body cannot survive. The liver is our largest internal organ, and it performs over 500 different tasks for the body. It is vital to digestion, detoxification, immune health, and so much more.
Research on larch arabinogalactan has found that it may play a beneficial role in supporting liver health. For example, one study in mice found that arabinogalactan helped reduce the levels of toxins in the liver.
What Foods Contain Arabinogalactan?
The most significant amounts of arabinogalactan are in larch trees and larch arabinogalactan supplements. This fiber is also present in smaller amounts in many plant foods. Some of the top arabinogalactan foods include:
- Leeks
- Leek seeds
- Carrot
- Radish
- Pear
- Corn
- Wheat
- Tomato
Several herbs also contain arabinogalactan, including:
- Echinacea
- Turmeric
- Angelica
However, consuming foods and herbs alone does not provide the body with significant amounts of arabinogalactan. The best way to get a therapeutic dose of arabinogalactan is through supplementation. There are arabinogalactan supplements available that have been developed by extracting arabinogalactan from the Larch tree.
Our Zuma Nutrition Larch Arabinogalactan formula is a high-quality extract of larch arabinogalactan. It also contains no fillers, preservatives, pesticides, or harmful ingredients.
Taking a larch arabinogalactan extract provides this potent prebiotic nutrient in an easy to take capsule form.
Is Arabinogalactan Safe?
Larch arabinogalactan is very safe for human consumption. However, it may cause minor side effects for some groups, such as bloating and gas. Do not take arabinogalactan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there has not been enough research on this compound to verify its safety for these groups. Always consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
Summary
Arabinogalactan is a starch-like chemical in many plants. This prebiotic fiber is in the highest concentrations in Larch trees. Larch trees are deciduous conifers that grow in cooler, temperate climates in the northern hemisphere and can grow from 65 to 150 feet tall.
Arabinogalactan has potent prebiotic benefits, which may support the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut and help restore imbalances in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis). However, larch arabinogalactan also has powerful immune-supporting benefits. This fiber may treat infections from the common cold to more serious illnesses. In addition, larch arabinogalactan benefits joint health and liver health. It may also protect the liver from damage caused by radiation.
There are several reported benefits of supplementing with arabinogalactan. Some of the top arabinogalactan benefits include:
- Feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut
- Improving gut health
- Helping support intestinal permeability
- Supporting the immune system and enhancing immune function
- Improving joint health
- Improving liver health
- Protecting the liver from damage caused by radiation
While the most significant amounts of arabinogalactan are in larch trees and larch arabinogalactan supplements, it is also present in smaller amounts in many plant foods. However, the quantities of arabinogalactan found in food are typically not enough to provide meaningful benefits.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33803407/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10231609/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7533005/
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