Grapefruit seed extract, or GSE, is a liquid derived from the seeds, pulp and connective tissue of grapefruits. Its components are known to contain flavonoids, ascorbic acid, citrus acid and other compounds that have strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, some well-marketed GSE products have been contaminated with benzethonium chloride or have shown no antimicrobial effects in studies. Buying or making all-natural GSE may ensure its purity and be helpful for a variety of colon infections. Consult with your doctor before taking GSE supplements.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
GSE is more than just seeds, as it contains everything inside the fruit, minus most of the juice. Naturally produced GSE is made without solvents or synthetic agents and is prepared by grinding grapefruit seeds, juiceless pulp and connective membranes together and adding glycerin. According to "Nutrition Concepts & Controversies," investigations of some brands of GSE in 2001 concluded that they were contaminated with synthetic preservatives and additives such as benzethonium chloride, which provided most of the supplement's antimicrobial activity. Be that as it may, the natural components of grapefruit do contain a variety of compounds that can help discourage infections within your gastrointestinal tract.
Properties
Despite some poorly made brands, there is evidence that natural GSE displays antioxidant properties and contains compounds that have proven antimicrobial abilities on their own, such as limonoids, flavonoids, sterols, citric acid, vitamin E and ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, according to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine." Citric acid, for example, is a common natural food preservative because of its wide-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants able to eliminate free radicals, and they display mild antimicrobial abilities. If these compounds can destroy microorganisms on their own, then there is good reason to assume they can do so in natural and ethically made GSE. Research the various GSE products and consult with your primary care physician before you start taking any supplements.
Colon Infections
Infections of the large intestine, or colon, have a variety of causes, including bacteria, viruses, parasites and certain types of fungi, such as Candida albican yeast. In general, intestinal infections are usually a consequence of a weakened immune system because many of the infective agents already live inside your intestines, but are kept in check by friendly flora and fauna, healthy pH and an efficient immune response, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Inappropriate use of antibiotics, excessive stress and dietary deficiencies all contribute to colon infections, in addition to the more straightforward cause of eating infected food. Untreated colon infections can lead to chronic diarrhea, "leaky gut" syndrome, ulcerative colitis and even cancer.
GSE for Infections
Despite the controversy and the lack of human research, there are plenty of anecdotal reports over many decades that GSE displays antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic and antifungal properties, as explained by Catherine Ulbricht, author of "Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews." Such claimed antimicrobial activity and safe track record might make GSE a very good natural remedy to experiment with for colon infections, especially under the supervision of your doctor. Grapefruit products can increase the absorption and potency of certain drugs, especially blood thinners such as Coumadin, so exercise caution with GSE.
References
- "Nutrition Concepts & Controversies: 12th Edition"; Frances S. Sizer et al; 2011
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; M. Murray and J. Pizzorno; 2008
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2010
- "Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews"; Catherine E. Ulbricht et al; 2005
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