What is IBD and how does it affect pets?
IBD is a chronic condition characterized by persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which can involve any segment from the stomach to the colon. This inflammatory state is triggered by an exaggerated immune response to gut components, such as bacteria, food, or environmental antigens.
At the clinical level, IBD manifests with:
- Chronic diarrhea: Often explosive and with mucus or blood.
- Recurrent vomiting: Especially in cats, where vomiting may be a predominant symptom.
- Weight loss: Despite a seemingly normal or fluctuating appetite.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Due to malabsorption of essential nutrients.
- General malaise: Fatigue, changes in coat and weakness.
One of the key features of IBD is an imbalance in the gut microbiota, or dysbiosis , which perpetuates the cycle of inflammation. This imbalance can reduce the gut's ability to perform critical processes such as bacterial fermentation and the production of essential metabolites, further complicating disease management.
What are postbiotics and why are they important?
Postbiotics are metabolites produced by live bacteria during fermentation. Unlike probiotics, which require live bacteria to colonize and function in the gut, postbiotics do not require this process, making them ideal for pets with serious gastrointestinal issues like IBD.
When the gut is inflamed, beneficial bacteria cannot carry out proper fermentation or produce the compounds needed to regulate intestinal health. In this context, postbiotics offer a unique advantage: their active molecules are ready to be absorbed and act directly, without depending on a functioning gut.
Among the most notable postbiotics is butyrate , a short-chain fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and restorative properties.
The Role of Butyrate in Gut Health What is the role of butyrate in the gut?
Butyrate is one of the most studied postbiotics for its positive impact on the gut. Its unique properties make it a key ally in managing IBD in pets:
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Reduction of inflammation: Butyrate acts directly on intestinal epithelial cells, modulating the immune response and decreasing the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNFα and IL-6. This helps relieve symptoms such as chronic diarrhea and intestinal irritation.
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Intestinal pH balance: Butyrate acidifies the intestinal environment, creating favorable conditions for the growth of beneficial bacteria and hindering the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
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Intestinal barrier repair: Stimulates epithelial cell regeneration, promoting a healthy intestinal mucosa and reducing permeability. This is crucial in IBD, where the "broken intestinal barrier" allows the entry of toxins and antigens that exacerbate inflammation.
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Immune system modulation: Butyrate promotes the activity of regulatory T cells and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, helping to rebalance the immune response in the gut.
Benefits of postbiotics in the management of IBD
The use of postbiotics in IBD represents an innovative approach that addresses the root of the problem: microbiota imbalance and chronic inflammation. Our postbiotics, developed with advanced technology, offer the following benefits:
- Direct absorption: Since they do not depend on live bacteria, postbiotics can be absorbed and utilized by the body immediately, even in conditions of severe intestinal inflammation.
- Immediate anti-inflammatory action: Helps reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and general malaise.
- Support for intestinal regeneration: They promote the repair of the intestinal mucosa, improving digestive function and nutrient absorption.
- Safe and side effect-free: By not containing live bacteria, they eliminate the risk of bacterial overgrowth or adverse effects, making them ideal for animals with compromised intestines.
Tips for using our postbiotics in pets with IBD
Our products are designed to be easy to administer. We recommend a dosage of 1 drop per kilogram of body weight, once or twice a day . Even if you accidentally exceed the dosage, the product is completely safe and has no side effects.
For best results, our postbiotics can be used as a complement to the diet and prescribed veterinary treatment, ensuring a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life of pets with IBD.
