ADA, Mich., June 27, 2024 – When it comes to living well, trust your gut. It’s a gateway to achieving optimal health, and a new scientific review article co-authored by Amway scientists supports that paving the way starts with priming the gut.
The narrative review article was recently published in Foods, an international peer-reviewed food science journal. “Gut health is at the forefront of nutritional science,” says Anouchah Sanei, Ph.D., Amway Chief Innovation and Science Officer. “This scientific review adds a new layer of insight into how a combination of gut-supporting ingredients may help prime the gut for optimal function. We’re excited to share the article as we continue to design and formulate products in the increasingly complex nutritional landscape.”
Entitled Local and Systemic Effects of Bioactive Food Ingredients: Is There a Role for Functional Foods to Prime the Gut for Resilience? the paper was funded by Amway and co-authored by Nikky Contractor and Elena Nekarasov, both scientists on the Amway Nutrition Innovation & Science team.
Priming the Gut, Promoting Optimal Health
While gut health is widely studied, this scientific review focuses on the concept of priming, or preparing, the gut and specifically the gut microbiome with various food ingredients. The article surveys the scientific research that has explored the role different functional foods play in priming the gut and in promoting a balanced gut microbiome – a hallmark of health and wellbeing.
“Like a finely tuned engine, a healthy gut microbiome works in harmony with our bodies to ensure they run effectively and efficiently,” says Paul Seehra, Ph.D., Amway Vice President of Nutrition Innovation & Science. “This review of emerging science provides conclusions on how diverse food ingredients notably can contribute to priming our gut and gut microbiome to promote balance and withstand repeat external stressors like unhealthy diet and lifestyle.”
A balanced, resilient gut is paramount to health and wellbeing. Beyond digestion, nutrient absorption, and elimination, the gut is home to 70% of immune system cells and gut microorganisms that can impact other organs and systems functioning. A healthy gut also supports metabolism, nutrient absorption, mood, stress response, and cognitive function, among other body functions.
“A balanced gut microbiome also helps build gut microbiome resilience, which in turn shapes the gut microbiome’s ability to respond and adapt to the stressors of a modern lifestyle that can throw off the gut’s delicate balance,” adds Seehra. “Gut priming sets the entire body up for success and involves long-term, daily consumption of functional foods like fermented greens, herbs, fruits, and vegetables, as well as foods and dietary supplements that provide digestive enzymes, dietary fiber, and prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. Diversity and regular consumption make all the difference.”
The article also discusses exciting opportunities for product development of targeted functional foods and nutritional supplements. “This review of new and emerging science will enrich the design of future Amway products that promote gut health,” notes Seehra. “Gut microbiome balance and resilience are pivotal, especially with age. We continue to discover new ways to prime the gut to build that resilience and support overall health and wellbeing.”
About Amway
Amway is an entrepreneur-led health and wellbeing company based in Ada, Michigan, U.S. It is committed to helping people live better, healthier lives across more than 100 countries and territories worldwide. According to Forbes magazine, it is among the Top 100 privately held companies in the United States. Top-selling brands for Amway are Nutrilite™, Artistry™ and XS™ energy drinks – all sold exclusively by entrepreneurs who are known as Amway Business Owners. Amway is the No. 1 direct selling business in the world, according to the 2023 Direct Selling News Global 100 list. For company news, visit: https://www.amwayglobal.com/newsroom.
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