Eggs are full of minerals and have enough energy to help us keep going all day. According to some new research, eggs also help with gut health. All thanks to peptides derived from egg whites. These peptides are bioactive compounds that can reduce inflammation and strengthen the intestinal barrier.
Digestive health has become the main concern for many and they are searching for foods to protect the gut. Learn about how the peptides from egg whites impact the gut. In this article.
Gut Inflammation – Causes and Symptoms
Gut inflammation is a condition where our immune system responds to dangerous pathogens, toxins, and allergens in the gut. Acute inflammation isn’t that much of a problem. The real problem is chronic inflammation as it usually leads to severe gut issues like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and leaky gut syndrome.
Causes of Gut Inflammation
Processed foods as well as foods with high sugar content leads to gut inflammation. This is also backed by research from Nature Reviews Gastroenterology. Any imbalance between gut bacteria also causes gut inflammation.
Research at Frontiers in Microbiology found that any imbalance in gut bacteria will increase your chances of getting gut inflammation by 50%. Lack of sleep and stress also cause inflammation. Exposure to harmful pathogens, viruses, and bacteria can cause gut inflammation.
Symptoms of Gut Inflammation
Abdominal pain and cramping followed by bloating and gas are the first symptoms of gut inflammation. Sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods is an advanced symptom of gut inflammation. Some also experience constipation or diarrhea due to inflammation. Symptoms can vary from person to person, so consult a physician if any symptoms appear.
What are Egg White-Derived Peptides?
Egg whites are made up of large molecules of proteins. These proteins are broken down to derive peptides. Peptides are beneficial thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are very small in size which makes it easy for our bodies to absorb them. Here are all the components of egg whites.
- Ovalbumin – This is the primary protein of egg whites. It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ovotransferrin – This protein reduces harmful bacteria from the gut due to its microbial properties.
- Lysozyme – It helps in regulating the immune system of the gut.
Read More: Can I Replace Eggs in All Recipes?
How do Egg White-Derived Peptides help with Gut Inflammation?
Gut inflammation is quite hard to deal with but not any more thanks to peptides derived from egg whites. Inflammation in the gut happens due to the cytokines but these peptides reduce the production of these cytokines. Chronic inflammation can be avoided with these peptides even when there are harmful stimuli in the body. Here are more details about the working of these peptides.
- Reducing Inflammatory Cytokines – Cytokines are small proteins that regulate how our immune system responds to harmful stimuli. Gut inflammation is one of the first signs when this protein detects something harmful. Peptides reduce cytokine production to some extent resulting in less inflammation.
- Modulating Immune Cells – Some important cells of our immune system like T-cells and macrophages can be modulated thanks to peptides.
- Antimicrobial Properties – Harmful bacteria also cause inflammation but peptides can help you get rid of them. This way, you can avoid infections and toxins which lead to gut inflammation.
Intestinal Barrier Function and Egg White Peptides
The internal lining of the gut is a layer of cells. This layer is called the intestinal barrier. All the harmful substances are blocked from entering our bloodstream by this barrier. When this barrier is damaged, a condition called leaky gut happens where harmful substances are well as food particles enter the bloodstream. Peptides from egg whites strengthen this barrier and help us maintain our gut health. Here are more details about how these peptides support the intestinal barrier.
- Promoting Tight Junction Integrity – Cells that line the intestine are connected with tight junctions. Egg-white peptides promote the integrity of these junctions. This is also backed by a study from Food & Function.
- Enhancing Mucin Production – The gut lining is also protected by a layer of protective mucus called the Mucin. Peptides from egg whites stimulate the production of mucin to protect the gut from pathogens.
- Reducing Oxidative Stress – Oxidative stress badly affects the intestinal barrier and leads to inflammation. Peptides are also antioxidants in nature. By consuming egg whites, you can reduce the oxidative stress and enjoy a healthy gut.
Why take Egg White-Derived Peptides?
If you experience leaky gut or gut inflammation, consume egg white peptides. Here are all the benefits of taking egg white peptides.
- Symptom Relief for IBS and IBD – Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases are the result of poor intestinal barrier. Peptides can reduce symptoms of IBD and IBS. A study in Gut Microbes found that IBS patients who consumed egg white peptides reported less pain and discomfort.
- Support for Digestive Health – The intestinal barrier is strengthened by these peptides and this leads to less inflammation. You’ll feel less discomfort even when the symptoms aren’t fully gone.
- Prevention of Chronic Conditions – Many chronic issues like autoimmune diseases are also linked with gut inflammation. Egg whites can help you prevent these chronic conditions. Research by Clinical and Experimental Immunology also backs this fact.
Risks of Consuming Egg White-Derived Peptides
Some people are sensitive or allergic to eggs so consuming egg white peptides can lead to more problems. In such cases, they can contact their healthcare professional. If you are allergic to eggs, avoid eggs and add bioactive peptides to your diet instead. These peptides are easily available in the market. Fish and milk are alternative sources of peptides.
How to add Egg White Peptides to your diet?
If consuming whole eggs is a problem for you, you can take peptide supplements instead. Some peptides are available in powder form that you can add to shakes, meals, and smoothies. Other supplements are available in capsule form that you can consume as a whole.
If you aren’t allergic to eggs, you can take egg white snacks to include peptides in your diet. The recommended dosage for peptides differs from person to person according to their health, age, and gender. The best option is to consult a doctor for better guidance.