As I delved into the world of a new ingredient, Odilia, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the saying, “What is useless to one can be useful to another”. The seemingly insignificant prickly pear cactus cladodes (leaves), once discarded as low-value biomass, have now emerged as a potent source of health benefits. A recent study has unveiled the transformative potential of what was once considered useless.
After a comprehensive 30-minute educational session, I am now a staunch advocate of Odilia. The wealth of scientific research supporting its multiple health benefits is truly impressive, and I am confident that as more studies are conducted, the list will only expand. Here’s a brief overview of what I’ve learned:
ODILIA Improves Gut Homeostasis
An imbalance of microscopic organisms (harmful versus good) in the small and large intestines (the gut) is often referred to as gut dysbiosis. The body will fight to fix this imbalance and get gut health into balance (also called homeostasis). Regretfully, this process doesn’t always work well, and we must supplement it with ingredients to support it naturally. The recent research with Odilia showed Odilia could improve the F/B ratio by about 33% after four weeks and 40% after eight weeks of supplementation. This is a widely accepted measure of normal intestinal homeostasis for those unfamiliar with the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio.
ODILIA Improves Microbial Structure and Composition
Odilia changed the microbial makeup by decreasing potentially pathogenic bacteria while increasing the number of beneficial bacteria by the end of the 8-week study.
Odilia increased microorganisms which:
- Produce the neurotransmitter GABA. (Supporting Neuroplasticity)
- Produce Short Chain Fatty Acids that may influence gut-brain communication and cognitive function.
- Impact negative immune responses which impact the intestinal barrier.
- Stimulate serotonin production linked to the gut-brain axis.
Odilia decreased microorganisms which:
- Increase cholesterol.
- Increase gut permeability by reducing the formation of tight-junction proteins.
- Increase pro-inflammatory chemical messengers.
- Increase intestinal discomfort.
Odilia Improved Gastrointestinal Symptoms.
Participants observed through answering two questionnaires (GIQLI and GSAS) the following improvements:
- Early satiety reduction
- Decrease in heartburn symptoms.
- Decreased abdominal pain.
- Decreased problems swallowing.
- Decreased abdominal noises.
Unrelated to Gastrointestinal Health:
- Decrease in Fatigue
- Improvements in Coping with Stress
Lastly, Odilia may provide benefits in a relatively new area known as the brain-gut-muscle axis, i.e., overall health. Gut homeostasis plays a crucial role in overall health by supporting a positive interaction between the gut microbiome, central nervous system, and muscle energy metabolism. Odilia’s proven impact on gut symptoms, microorganisms, stress, and fatigue shows this unique connection to this new axis. Odilia gives a three-pronged benefit as a prebiotic, supporting the gut lining and health and supporting overall health through the brain-gut-muscle axis.