Gut balance

Probiotic Action of Fresh Pollen

Entomophilous pollen is born from the encounter between bees and flowers. It contains a great number of nutrients that are beneficial to the body. Among these elements, we find a large portion of vitamins C, B, and E, antioxidants (carotenoids and polyphenols), fibers, enzymes, and lactic ferments specific to the bee.

Where do these lactic ferments come from?

The ferments are cultured by the bees on the nectar inside the hive. Before leaving to forage, they fill their honey stomach with nectar and regurgitate it to moisten the pollen pellets. The ferments contained in the nectar therefore inoculate the pellets. This practice, worthy of the food industry, has actually been mastered by bees for several million years. Cistus bee pollen features a large quantity of lactic ferments belonging to the lactobacilli family with a "probiotic effect", which are allies of a balanced intestinal flora.

By consuming fresh pollen, we introduce "good bacteria" to our microbiota. This helps prevent the risks of dysbiosis, which is responsible for intestinal conditions, severe fatigue, and an increased risk of infections. Numerous studies have also shown that improving the intestinal flora strengthens immunity, a large part of which (70%) is located around our intestines. Cistus pollen will boost our natural defenses, especially during seasonal changes. It also contributes to consolidating the intestinal mucosa to fight against intestinal permeability.

When the tight junctions of the intestinal epithelial cells pull apart, they allow large, unwanted molecules to pass into the body, risking numerous disorders: immune deregulation, osteoarticular problems, inflammation, and allergies. By providing vitamin E and carotenoids, cistus pollen helps consolidate these junctions, promoting a competent selective barrier and allowing us to better benefit from the valuable micronutrients in our diet.

When it comes to treating constipation, don’t forget about honey! Its mild laxative properties help restore healthy bowel movements. Thanks to its high sugar content, it draws water into the intestines. Opt for acacia honey, which is best known for this benefit: take two teaspoons of honey in one cup of cold water daily.

In the event of an intestinal infection, propolis can also be a valuable ally thanks to its anti-infectious and immunomodulatory properties. Choose capsules to ensure the active ingredients are released in the intestines, and opt for poplar propolis, which also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Dietary Fibers in Pollen

While it was once thought they had a purely mechanical function in intestinal transit, fibers play a much more complex role than believed until quite recently. An adequate dietary fiber intake helps maintain a diverse and healthy intestinal microbiota, which can prevent the development of allergies, as well as inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Soluble fiber

Soluble fiber forms a gel when mixed with water and can help lower blood cholesterol. In addition, it acts as a filter in the intestine to slow the absorption of carbohydrates. It is necessary to consume a very large amount of fiber every day to improve blood sugar control.

Insoluble Fiber

Insoluble fiber acts like small sponges in the gut: by absorbing water, it increases stool volume and helps regulate bowel function. Because it slows down digestion, it promotes satiety, which helps control appetite and weight.

The recommended daily intake of fiber is 25 to 30 g. Few people seem to reach these levels in their diet. Dietary fiber has health benefits regarding cardiovascular diseases, weight, satiety, transit, intestinal microbiota, as well as nutrient bioavailability and absorption.

The friendly bacteria of the microbiota also use these insoluble fibers as a nutrient substrate. Through their fermentation, they produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which include butyrate, propionate, and acetate. These beneficial substances promote a better ecology of the intestinal flora. Thanks to its role in intestinal permeability and its anti-inflammatory properties, butyrate is particularly interesting in preventing certain digestive pathologies such as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), diverticulitis, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Finally, butyrate controls the balance between the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of colonocytes, which may explain its preventive role against tumors.

These prebiotic fibers are poorly, if at all, assimilated by bad bacteria, meaning they cannot use them. Meanwhile, the good bacteria continue to grow and thrive, colonizing an increasingly vast territory.