Your body lets you know that it is unwell and, more often than not, we get the message loud and clear. Sometimes, just to mess with us, the body sends out mixed signals and that is the sign of much deeper and severe trouble. The normal human tendency is to ignore a problem for as long as one can. We all do it – no shame. But certain matters should not be ignored and the gut is one of them. Let’s do a quick symptom check:
- You are either constipated or suffer from diarrhea.
- You have nutritional deficiencies.
- You have gas and/or feel bloated.
- You are tired all the time and sleep has been avoiding you.
- Headaches, brain fog, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
- Skin problems – simple outbreaks of eczema or acne.
- Inflammation is widespread.
In addition to these symptoms have you been diagnosed with PCOS – polycystic ovary syndrome, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, or a chronic illness like liver disease or diabetes?
Chances are that you have Leaky Gut Syndrome. Even though, this has not yet been classified as a disease but rather as a condition that affects the lining of the intestines. In leaky gut syndrome, the gaps between the intestinal cells grow larger, allowing toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances into the bloodstream. This is not a good thing as the condition can lead to a lot of medical conditions. A leaky gut is also known as intestinal permeability as the intestinal lining is what is affected.
The intestines are also home to a large number of microbes collectively known as the gut microbiota or the gut microbiome. These gut microbes have a lot of responsibilities like aiding digestion, protecting the gut’s mucosal lining, and helping the immune system. There are good gut bacteria that do this and bad ones that cause disease. A healthy gut is where the balance between the two is maintained. Gut health is compromised when the balance is disturbed and the healthy bacteria are outnumbered by the bad ones.
It is at times like these that one has to turn to supplements for the gut. The causes of a faulty gut lining are still not clear but it is generally believed that the leaky gut is caused by unhealthy diets, lack of sleep or exercise, stress, and lack of prebiotic and probiotic intake. To improve gut health, you may need to change to a healthy lifestyle and take some supplemental help. So, this is where Gundry MD Total Restore comes into play. It is a product designed to uphold a healthy gut lining. Total Restore uses 16 vital ingredients along with a proprietary blend to create a formula that can aid your gut health and save you a lot of woes.
Before we move on to a Total Restore review, you need to adjust your lifestyle a bit because, without these adjustments, a supplement isn’t going to help much.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Taking a supplement like Total Restore is, of course, the easy way out. But for quicker and more competent results a few adjustments to your way of life could help.
- Watch what you eat: A healthy gut lining is what you want so, eat accordingly. Eat a high fiber diet – raw fruits and vegetables. The fiber in them acts as food for the gut bacteria and keeps them sated and nourished. Add fermented foods like kefir or sauerkraut to your diet. They contain good bacteria to a certain degree and will replenish the healthy gut bacteria numbers. Stick to healthy foods for a bit.
- Kick the alcohol habit: Consuming large amounts of alcohol can hurt the digestive system. So, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, keep your alcohol intake to a minimum. If possible, keep away from it altogether.
- Don’t stress much. Use exercise or meditation to keep a cap on stress. The more stressed you are the more your gut bacteria are affected. This also affects your sleep cycles which further hurt the gut lining.
- Start supplementing: Add supplements to your daily diets as they are easy and quick-acting. Along with the right diet and exercise, you will be able to regain gut health easily.
The Human Genome Project was completed in April 2003 and a major discovery was that decoding the genome wasn’t enough to understand human biology. This was because of the vast number of microorganisms that live within the human body that influence a great number of functions; from immunity to skin health.
The Human Microbiome Project is now the new research focus for scientists as it is now understood that the human body cannot be understood in isolation from gut microbes. As a result, the supplement industry has boomed with products that claim gut potential health benefits. The FDA has not yet approved the use or manufacture of gut or any other dietary supplements. This is because the research that surrounds such supplements varies in situation and strain. However, brands do conduct tests on the products themselves (sometimes third-party testing agencies are involved) to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Gundry MD Total Restore is one such supplement. From a brand that has quite a few dietary supplements and a good reputation under its belt, let’s find out if this particular supplement shows a lot of promise. Whether it is effective or otherwise still needs to be determined.
So first, let’s look at the Total Restore ingredients and how the supplement claims to work for your gut health.
How Does Gundry MD Total Restore Work?
The Total Restore promise is that it begins to re-establish digestive health from the get-go. All you have to do is consume three capsules a day with your biggest meal and you are all set. Elevated energy levels, reduced food cravings, and a clear mind are almost immediately felt. All these thanks to a powerful set of ingredients that work in cohesion to restore gut health.
Here are the Total Restore ingredients in detail.
- L-Glutamine:
L-glutamine is an amino acid that helps synthesize protein in the body for nutrition. Naturally found in plant and animal protein-rich foods, they give the body to gain more nutrients from the food that you consume. It is a non-essential amino acid as it is produced in the body to meet its needs. L-glutamine can help with digestive health and especially irritable bowel syndrome. The tissues in the intestines use this amino acid as fuel to function and it has been found to maintain intestinal integrity. It is often believed that those who suffer from IBS have an L-glutamine deficiency. A recent study has established that L-glutamine can reduce leaky gut symptoms by improving intestinal permeability.
- N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine:
N-acetyl D-glucosamine is a chemical derived from the shells of crustaceans. Recent research proposes that this chemical can possibly protect the gut lining and stomach. It may also block lectins – proteins that plants use as a defense mechanism that is harmful for human consumption in large amounts, in high lectin foods. It has shown efficacy in relieving joint pain and restoring joint health.
Because n-acetyl d-glucosamine protects the intestinal wall, it stops toxins and harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream reducing leaky gut symptoms and reducing inflammation. It is supplemented for those that suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis as well.
- Licorice Root Extract:
Licorice root extract is one of the oldest herbal remedies for distress related to the digestive system. Native to Western Asia and Southern Europe, it is still used today in medication and to flavor candy. Licorice root is used as a remedy for heartburn, acid reflux, and bacterial and viral infections. Licorice root tea is also used to soothe sore throats and treat eczema. With regard to gut health, licorice root extract has shown promise to treat stomach pain and peptic ulcers that occur in the stomach, lower esophagus, and small intestine that are caused by the bacteria H.pylori. This bacterium, in most cases, is an escapee from the intestine.
Other medical properties of the licorice root include anti-cancer properties, easing respiratory issues, tooth decay protection, easing symptoms of menopause, and can help you lose weight.
- Magnesium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate:
Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a chemical manufactured in the body. It is a ketone body – a water-soluble molecule that is produced during the metabolism of fat cells. They boost energy levels and are used by the body when carbohydrate intake is not enough. They are storehouses of energy and are key to promoting healthy body weight. As for effects on gut health, there are none.
- Grape Seed Extract:
The grape seed extract is made by drying and pounding the seeds in grapes and it has been used in dietary supplements for a while now. Grape seed oil is rich in antioxidants and is one of the best sources of proanthocyanidin complexes – a potent polyphenol. Because of its high antioxidant level, it reduces inflammation and prevents oxidative damage caused by stress.
Several health benefits can be gained from grape seeds like high blood pressure control, increased blood flow, better bone strength, brain preservation from age-related damage, optimum kidney function, and anti-cancer properties. With regard to gut health, grape seed can help restore the gut lining and can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses in the gut.
- Wormwood:
Wormwood is an herb that is naturally found in Europe. Wormwood’s most prized compound is thujone – which excites the brain by blocking certain neurotransmitters that have a calming effect on the brain. Wormwood is a recognized pain-relieving agent and had anti-inflammatory properties.
Its addition to Total Restore could be because of this and the fact that it can alleviate joint pain. A strong antioxidant as well, wormwood can also help fight parasitic infection but this benefit still needs to be thoroughly tested.
- Cinnamon Bark Powder:
Cinnamon is a powerful spice used in Indian cooking and medicine. Loaded with antioxidants, cinnamon is an adaptogen that creates a comfortable environment in the digestive tract for the gut bacteria to thrive. It is also capable of thwarting bacterial and fungal infections by retarding the microbes’ ability to replicate. It has been used since time immemorial to relieve gastrointestinal discomforts stemming from digestion. It can help with flatulence as well.
Cinnamon has some prebiotic properties when consumed with meals. However, the prebiotic content is minute so you will have to put away quite a bit to make a difference to a leaky gut. Cinnamon can also help with blood sugar control.
- Maitake Mushroom:
Maitake mushrooms have been a part of Japanese medicine for a long time and concerning the gut, it is most beneficial. These mushrooms are nutrient-rich in copper, potassium, amino acids, minerals, fiber, vitamins B & C, antioxidants, and beta-glucans. A recent study revealed that edible mushrooms have the potential to alter the diversity of the gut flora positively affecting intestinal permeability. The mushroom has healing properties too which would be the reason why it can be used for lesions or ulcers.
- Organic Strawberry, Organic Blueberry, Organic Raspberry, Organic Tart Cherry Fruit, Organic Elderberry, Organic Cranberry (VitaBerry):
Vitaberry is a proprietary fruit blend that is high in polyphenols, anthocyanins, ellagic acid, and quinic acid. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and has a certain amount of fiber. Now used in several supplements for skin, hair, and weight loss, Vitaberry is also used as a chemo-preventive as it seems to help with colon cancer symptoms.
- Cloves:
Cloves have been used in traditional medicine since time immemorial. It has been used for liver function and for stabilizing blood sugar. But cloves are a lot more versatile than that. Recent research has highlighted cloves to have antioxidative properties and to have anti-cancer benefits as well. For Total Restore, cloves are capable of killing off bad bacteria that can cause damage and infection.
It can also help with peptic ulcers that develop in the stomach lining or esophagus. They can increase the production of digestive enzymes so that flatulence, dyspepsia, and nausea are a thing of the past. Cloves contribute to bone and joint health, making them more resistant to wear and tear.
- Marshmallow Root Powder:
Marshmallow root can help with a number of stomach-related discomforts like heartburn, reflux, and constipation. The mucilage coats the gut lining protecting it and preventing the burning sensation caused by certain foods or anxiety. It is sometimes used to relieve stomach inflammation in holistic medicine. The root extract can soothe the symptoms of leaky gut, IBS, and autoimmune disorders. Other benefits include cough relief, alleviating skin trouble, healing wounds, and avoiding dry mouth.
- Grapefruit:
Grapefruit is more than just a diet of breakfast food. Studies have shown that the grapefruit has some gut health benefits as it contains polyphenols like naringin that can enhance the production of SCFA – short-chain fatty acids, that can inhibit the growth of bad bacteria in the gut. Vitamin C can revitalize the body and helps the immune system too. When consuming this fruit, the fiber can also improve digestive health by cleaning out the colon and the digestive tract.
- Zinc L-Carnosine (PepZin GI):
A trademarked ingredient, zinc l-carnosine is a nutritional supplement whose main job is to stabilize and protect the gut mucosal lining and may also be effective for digestive discomfort like nausea, bloating, and heartburn. There are also claims that it facilitates the gut microbiome balance but more research is needed in that context. If there are any lesions or tears in the digestive tract, zinc l-carnosine can help heal them.
- Berberine:
Berberine is a bitter herb that has been used in traditional medicine for digestive issues. It supports gut flora to reduce gas and bloating – signs of leaky gut and promotes better digestion and absorption of nutrients. Berberine can also influence the mucosal lining in the gut.
Now that you have had an in-depth look at the Total Restore ingredients, you may now be able to understand how the supplement can work for you. However, Gundry MD missed out on a vital component – probiotics. That is quite a neglect for Total Restore. The premise of a leaky gut supplement is to help replenish the good bacteria that were destroyed in the gut. There is no provision for that in this product. The ingredients are all-natural and safe, yes but they only relieve the symptoms, not the underlying cause.
Another miss is the lack of prebiotic content. A leaky gut supplement ideally must include some form of nutrition for the good bacteria in the gut. There is almost none here. Some of the ingredients do have some fiber content in their original forms but when added to Total Restore as an extract or powder, the fiber content is as good as lost. Prebiotic value nil. Also read: Biotics 8 Gut Health Supplement: Bye-bye bloat, hello energy!
Gut After Gundry MD Total Restore
As much as you may want to like this supplement, things aren’t looking so good for it. It isn’t fair to dock it all together. It does have its benefits.
- Total Restore does have the capacity to relieve gas and bloating.
- It includes n-acetyl d-glucosamine which can be advantageous to gut and joint health.
- There are energy boosts to look forward to.
- May combat food cravings.
- Total Restore can be stacked along with other Gundry MD products.
- Even though not FDA approved, it was made using Good Manufacturing Practices.
- No questions asked 90-day money-back guarantee.
And that is about all that this supplement has going for it. There are some rave reviews out there from Total Restore users but they are probably a result of the fact that Total Restore can placate the symptoms of leaky gut. It is a possibility that the absence or mollifying of symptoms is being mistaken for product efficiency. Also refer: The Best Remedy: Lectin Shield vs. Total Restore vs. Gut+ vs. Biotics 8!
Give Gundry MD Total Restore A Miss
When compared to other leaky gut supplements on the market Total Restore doesn’t quite make the cut. And the biggest oversight on Gundry MD’s part was not adding any probiotic or prebiotic content. The chances of a supplement fixing leaky gut or any gut-related discomfort without addressing the gut microbiota are slight to nothing. Total Restore cannot address a leaky gut without adding any probiotic content to correct the gut imbalance.
Some of the ingredients in Total Restore can help alleviate the symptoms of leaky gut but they might have some adverse reactions.
- Let’s start with L-glutamine. Cancer cells feed on this amino acid for fuel to replicate. So, if you have a family history of cancer, speak to a licensed healthcare provider before you engage in any product that uses l-glutamine as an ingredient.
- N-acetyl d-glucosamine is derived from shellfish which is a chief allergen worldwide. If you are allergic to crabs, this product is not for you.
- Licorice root is traditional medicine; however, it has shown the capacity to influence prescription medication for arrhythmia, blood pressure, and muscle atrophy. Too much licorice root can increase cortisol – a stress hormone release.
- There is a chance that a large number of ingredients could trigger an allergic reaction. You must read the label carefully to check if all the ingredients suit you. Speak to a healthcare provider if you must.
- Gundry MD Total Restore is on the pricier side of things. It does promise a lot but the actual efficacy of the supplement, for the price of $69.95, is a maybe.
- The promise of joint pain alleviation is nothing more than a byproduct of two of the ingredients in the product. There have been no additions or extra adjustments made to ensure that joint health is a definite benefit provided by Total Restore.
- Most gut supplements support overall health as they can replenish the good bacteria numbers in the gut. Total Restore can make no such promises as there is no probiotic content that would lead to a fully recovered gut which can provide overall health to the user.
Gundry MD Total Restore Review Summary
So, Total Restore claims that it can promote a healthy gut lining, can curb unhealthy food cravings for junk food, alleviate joint pain and boost energy. The best this product can do for you is maybe help you with the aches and symptoms of gastric distress but the probability of Total Restore actually solving the leaky gut issue is rather bleak.
Should you still wish to engage in Total Restore and not find it to your liking, Gundry MD does provide a 90-day money-back guarantee on your purchase, the product does have positive effects on digestive issues and maybe weight loss but its efficacy on the leaky gut is a no-go. If you are looking for a supplement to resolve leaky gut issues, it is strongly recommended that you give Gundry MD Total Restore a miss. Better products are out there for you and all you have to do is compare. Learn more about the top 10 best leaky gut supplements, and know-why its better than Total Restore.