#1: Lowers stress levels

How stressed are you?

Like most adults juggling work, family, and social obligations, the chances are very. And that’s bad news for your gut health.

Research shows that stress can increase gut barrier permeability, potentially leading to what’s known colloquially as “leaky gut syndrome”.

Instead of only allowing digested nutrients (e.g., amino acids and fatty acids) to get absorbed into the bloodstream, a leaky gut may also let partially digested food, toxins, and bugs through, triggering inflammation and changes in gut microbiota composition.

In fact, many studies have shown an association between psychological stress and an altered microbiome.

#2: Regulates gut microbiota

In general, there are two types of bacteria in your gut. You have the “good” gut bacteria. And you have the “bad” gut bacteria.

Interestingly, research shows that ginseng could help maintain an optimal balance between the two, promoting gut health.

More specifically, a 2017 animal study published in Scientific Reports found that ginsenoside Rb3 and Rd (both ginsenosides found in North American ginseng) helped promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and decrease the concentrations of “bad” bacteria.

The result: improved gut mucosal integrity and immunity.

#3: Inhibits inflammation

As mentioned earlier, gut inflammation is a recipe for poor gut health.

It’s linked to a leaky gut which allows things it shouldn’t (from undigested food to toxins) into the bloodstream.

You might think, “Well, I’m not stressed, so my gut isn’t inflamed, right?”

Wrong. Stress isn’t the only inflammatory thing in your life. Many foods you eat can contribute to inflammation.

Examples include fried foods (e.g., French fries and doughnuts), refined carbohydrates (e.g., white bread and pastries), alcohol, and meats cooked at high temperatures.

Uh-oh. Does this mean you cannot eat any of those foods anymore?

Not exactly. It’s a good idea to limit your consumption but eliminating them from your diet is neither realistic nor sustainable.

So, here’s a better suggestion: make use of ginseng’s antioxidant properties to lower inflammation in the gut whenever you indulge in those foods.

#4: Increases dietary fiber intake

A diverse microbiome (i.e., one that contains many different species of gut bacteria) is considered healthy.

And, as it turns out, research shows that individuals consuming diets low in fiber tend to have reduced microbial diversity. Takeaway? Eating enough dietary fiber is crucial for optimal gut health.

Now, guess what’s rich in dietary fiber? Mm-hmm. Ginseng. What a coincidence.

Your search for high-quality ginseng ends with Grace Mountain

But, of course, how you take ginseng matters.

For example, if you take ginseng in hopes of upping your dietary fiber intake, anything less than actual ginseng (e.g., our classic ginseng and ginseng slices) probably won’t cut it.

And if you don’t need help on the fiber front because you already eat lots of fruits and veggies?

To get the most gut health benefits out of ginseng, you’d still want to get ginseng that’s as high quality as possible — this way, you know it contains the beneficial ginsenosides needed to lower stress, regulate gut microbiota, and inhibit inflammation.

Psst: we carry some of the best, nutrient-packed 5-year North American ginseng. Shop here.