Inulin is major constituent of some of the most famous of the "old-standby" herbs, such as burdock root, dandelion root, elecampane root, chicory root, and the Chinese herb codonopsis. Botanically, inulin is a storage food in the plants of the Composite family. Inulin when injected interacts with complement system, which has resulted in rumors in herbal circles that it is immunostimulant. It is not digested or absorbed, however, (except perhaps in micro-amounts) and such effects are not observed with oral use. Inulin is recommended sometimes for diabetics; it has a mildly sweet taste, and is filling like starchy foods, but because it is not absorbed, it does not affect blood sugar levels. Despite the similarity of its name to insulin, inulin has no connection with that hormone either chemically or through physiological activity. Inulin is soluble in hot water, but only slightly soluble in cold water or alcohol, so is not present to any significant extent in tinctures. All the above herbs have traditionally been taken in decoctions, and in this form may deliver significant amounts of inulin.
Recent research has shown an important physiological action for inulin (Gibson, Roberfroid). Like some pectins and fructooligosaccharides, inulin is a preferred food for the lactobacilli in the intestine and can improve the balance of friendly bacteria in the bowel. Subjects in one trial were give 15 grams of inulin a day for fifteen days. Lactobacillus bifidobacteria increased by about 10% during that period. Gram-positive bacteria associated with disease declined. Bifidobacteria digest inulin to produce short chain fatty-acids, such as acetic, propionic, and butyric acids. The first two may be used by the liver for energy production, while butyric acid has cancer-preventing properties within the intestine (Spiller, 1994). Recent animal research also shows that inulin prevents precancerous changes in the colon (Reddy, 1997).
Inulin has been found to be desirable as a food or a food additive for the following principal reasons:
Inulin strengthens the immune system.
Inulin supports a healthy circulatory (blood) system in that it lowers total cholesterol in the blood, lowers low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and lowers triglycerides, while raising high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
Inulin, as shown by research in the Ukraine, shrank cancerous tumors and healed blood diseases caused by the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Inulin and other dietary fibers have established their efficacy in decreasing cancers of the colon.
Inulin does not require insulin for digestion and therefore does not produce an energy depression before or after digestion as sucrose and glucose do.
Inulin is an excellent food for the person with diabetes since it does not require insulin for its digestion.
Inulin is an excellent food for all who want to avoid diabetes since inulin makes no demand on the pancreas to produce surges of insulin.
Inulin eliminates hyperglycemia if taken to replace the natural conventional sugars because inulin does not give spikes of blood-glucose to the body.
Inulin will prevent hypoglycemia because inulin provides steady blood-glucose to the mind and muscles over sustained periods of time.
Inulin is not broken down by the weak acid in the saliva and the bacteria in the mouth and does not, therefore, cause dental carries or cavities.
Inulin curbs appetite since it is not digested in the stomach or small intestine but gives a feeling of fullness in both places.
Inulin, as it passes through the small intestine, increases the absorption of vitamins and minerals from other foods (through the mucosa lining of the intestine into the blood stream) by at least seventeen percent (17%).
Inulin, as a dietary fiber, feeds the beneficial bifidobacteria in the large intestine. Thus inulin, by definition, is a “prebiotic.” A low pH is developed in the large intestine which kills bad bacteria such as e-coli and salmonella.
Inulin, digested by the many strains of bifidobacteria in the gut, is turned into volatile fatty acids [VFA] which are absorbed through the mucosa lining of the large intestine, go to the liver and are there converted to blood glucose. Any VFA not used for energy are eliminated from the body and not turned into body fat as are other unused calories from energy-giving carbohydrates.
Inulin decreases the tendency for diarrhea. Inulin overcomes lactose intolerance.
Inulin eliminates constipation.
Inulin on a gram-for-gram basis has sixty-two and one-half percent (62.5%) fewer calories than other carbohydrates such as starches, fructose, glucose, and sucrose.
Inulin does not have a taste of its own but enhances the flavor of the food with which it is mixed or blended.
Inulin, in its granulated form, has the “mouth feel” of sugar (sucrose).
Inulin serves as a preservative when mixed with other foods (such as muffins or breads).
Inulin, in its pure form, has a long shelf life.
Inulin provides steady energy up to four hours or up to twelve hours, depending on the blend and the metabolism of the individual.
You may have heard of the many benefits of inulin, but what do you know about inulin side effects? Any time you decide to try new diet products and aids, it is always important to learn about side effects or other concerns ahead of time, and inulin is no exception. While most people tolerate this product well, being aware of potential side effects and how to prevent them will make your experience with inulin a much more agreeable one.
By far, the most commonly reported side effect of inulin ingestion is intestinal discomfort. As a prebiotic, inulin feeds the bacteria that live in your digestive system. This is one of the benefits of inulin and is a commonly cited reason for inulin use. However, as your intestinal flora digest the carbohydrate, they release metabolic gases as a product of digestion.
According to the Journal of Nutrition, you may experience the effects of bacterial metabolism in a number of ways, including:
Flatulence
Bloating
Stomach noises
Belching
Cramping
Whether these symptoms are severe enough to warrant discontinuation of the product depends on a variety of factors. Some individuals seem to simply be more sensitive to the effects of inulin. In the book Inulin-type Fructans, author M.B. Roberfroid notes that while the majority of individuals using inulin experience no significant side effects at high doses, roughly one to four percent of test subjects experience bothersome symptoms even at very low doses of the product. This may be due to individual morphology, biochemistry, or the existing populations of microflora in the gut. Additionally, personal aesthetic factors will determine what level of symptoms can be described as bothersome. An acceptable amount of intestinal gas for one person might be unacceptable by another's standards, which makes it difficult for researchers to accurately quantify these types of inulin side effects.
Inulin is classified as a dietary fiber. Like any dietary fiber, inulin encourages transport of water into the intestines. Inulin has a relatively small particle size compared to other fiber types, such as wheat bran or oat bran. The small particle size tends to exaggerate this water-drawing property. Most people will not encounter serious diarrhea when taking inulin at low doses, but caution is required to be sure you do not accidentally initiate an unpleasant reaction.
As a prebiotic, inulin is intended to encourage the development of good bacteria in your digestive system. It accomplishes this by feeding existing populations of bifidobacteria and lactobacillus, allowing these friendly bacteria to crowd out disease-causing microorganisms and create an inhospitable environment for pathogens. However, some would argue that providing food specifically for gut flora could create more problems than it solves. If the existing populations of bacteria contain certain harmful bacteria, there is no guarantee these organisms will not take advantage of the ready food source in the same way good bacteria do.
There has been one reported case of anaphylactic allergic reaction to inulin. The product has been used for decades to assess kidney filtration rate in individuals with certain kinds of kidney disease. In 2007, and 11-year-old boy was undergoing such a test using inulin, and experienced severe allergic reaction and relapse of kidney disease. While this is an extremely rare occurrence, it is important to be aware the risk is there.
When you first start using inulin, it is recommended you begin with a very small amount to assess how your body reacts to the substance. If you tolerate the substance well, increase the dosage gradually until you are able to use the amount you require. By gradually introducing inulin to your system, you will be able to accurately gauge your personal tolerance of the product and prevent any severe side effects that may otherwise occur.
Most effective product for candida June 10, 2008, From South Carolina
This is the only candida fighting product that has ever worked for me. I take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day in the middle of my meal and with 10-12 ounces of water. If you take it outside a meal or without adequate water you may experience some intestinal discomfort as I did. Give it a month to see the effect.
Feel better, Feel Full, Lose weight & Cure Candida! October 28, 2009, From Minnesota
This really makes a difference if you are taking probiotics. Inulin is a prebiotic that feeds the "good bacteria" It will make acidophilus more effective. Your intestinal health will improve without any gas. It will keep you regular. Also, I had recurring yeast infections and took probiotics for a year without any results. Started the Inulin and noticed a difference within days. And, inulin absorbs toxins, so it gives you energy. It mixes in food nicely and is good tasting (slightly sweet) Because it adds fiber to your diet, a nice plus was I lost 15 lbs without even trying! I add 1 tablespoon daily to a non-dairy smoothie. It brings down the glycemic index and holds off hunger for hours. ... So, I do think the adding inulin really aids weight loss. I always thought a prebiotic wasn't necessary, but I the results speak for themselves.
Helps keep my candida under control March 24, 2010, From California
... I get a rash easily when candida gets out of balance and this helps to control it. I also notice less brain fog when using it. It does not disolve easily in water though it can be blended with other things easily. I put mine in water in a shaker glass on top of another product (like green powder) and shake immediately.