Gelsectan

Sorry for bumping this, but i was wondering if any of the veterans on here (Jan, Scott F, CTBarrister etc) could tell me if they think this product is safe to take for someone with a pouch before i order some?

it’s plant derived and it’s method of action is to coat the intestinal barrier to make it less permeable and hopefully reduce the chance of GI related illness, i’m wondering if it could help prevent pouchitis?

I only understand this stuff on a basic level but i do feel like i’m susceptible to intestinal barrier dysfunction with some of the symtpoms i get.

Regards

Although Gelsectan probably hasn’t been tested with J-pouches I don’t see anything that seems worrisome about it. If I were having IPS symptoms I’d be willing to give it a try. I tend to be quite skeptical of leaky gut explanations for symptoms, but if your symptoms are caused (or exacerbated) by mucosal injury then this stuff could theoretically help, and is unlikely to do any lasting harm. Obviously if it makes you feel worse you should stop using it. Here’s another study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6794699/

From what I can determine from reports Gelsectan is primarily for treatment of symptoms, particularly diarrhea, due to IBS. Studies are small, but promising. It seems safe for pretty much anyone, unless you have intolerance to any of the ingredients.

In regard to using it for treatment of diarrhea due to having a j-pouch, there is nothing in it that would replace the function of a colon, which is primarily to absorb water. The small intestine will adapt, but this takes time and there is nothing to speed that process.

However, if you have IPS it s reasonable to think this might be useful. Certainly, it would not hurt to try it. Go for it!

Jan

Aw thanks for the replies Jan and Scott! That’s great reassurance and i will give it a shot and see how i get on.

That’s another insteresting study Scott, and i’ll report back if i find it somehow improves pouch function or at least makes me feel less bloated and in pain.

Thanks again 👍🏻

I hadn't heard of it before reading this post, but it sounded good. I ordered a small package and tried it for 14 days, one capsule with breakfast and one with supper. I cannot tell it made a difference for me. Just started the next antibiotics course as things got a bit too runny.