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Writer's pictureDr. Tom Rogers

What Is Chitosan?

Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what's on our minds when it comes to your health. 


As you all know by now, I am a big believer in GUT health, which is why I’m a big fan of DigestShield. DigestShield is a digestive aid containing Enzymes, Probiotics and Prebiotics, in just the right amounts, all in one capsule. But what really sets DigestShield apart from other Pre and Probiotics is the “secret sauce” chitosan. 


Steve Nice, founder and co-creator of DigestShield, has been researching chitosan since the making of DigestShield and has discovered it has more superpower than he imagined. As my guest on this week’s podcast, Steve uncovers the science behind chitosan and its potential to become a staple in health regimens around the world. His newest product, Pure Chitosan 3000, is now on the market as a weight management tool and detoxification agent. 


You don’t want to miss this episode! Chitosan can be a game-changer for your health! 


PODCAST NOTES 


  • Chitosan is derived from chitin, a naturally occurring biopolymer. Chitin contributes to the hard exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, and also supports fungal structure like mushrooms. Steve mentioned in the podcast chitosan being sourced from oyster mushrooms for its purity and efficacy. 


  • One of chitosan’s unique properties is its positive charge, making it distinct among biopolymers. This positive charge allows it to bind electrostatically to negatively charged pathogens such as harmful bacteria and fungus, aiding in their neutralization and destruction. 


  • Chitosan’s ability to attach to and kill pathogens is a major benefit. It helps rupture their cell walls and interferes with their RNA synthesis, leading to cell death. This property enables chitosan to act as a potential replacement for toxic bactericidal and fungicidal products.  


  • Chitosan has the ability to bind to dietary fats, triglycerides, and cholesterol, as well as heavy metals present in the body. When consumed with meals, it can facilitate the excretion of these substances through bowel movements, contributing to detoxification and potentially aiding in weight management. 


  • Another fascinating insight shared by Steve is that chitosan can significantly decrease appetite. People who take chitosan can experience a reduced hunger sensation and feel full more quickly, potentially due to its role in activating GLP-1 hormones and satiety hormones like leptin and ghrelin. This makes chitosan an attractive option for those looking to manage their weight. 


  • Chitosan also exhibits antioxidant properties, which are beneficial in reducing oxidative stress within the body. This can contribute to overall health and wellness by neutralizing harmful free radicals. 


  • In the podcast episode, we talked about the differences between mushroom derived chitosan and shellfish derived chitosan. Mushroom-derived chitosan is considered superior due to its cleanliness, lack of allergens, and lower likelihood of containing heavy metals compared to shellfish-derived chitosan, which is often a byproduct of the seafood industry. 


  • Chitosan is in DigestShield, so it plays a critical role in enhancing gut health. It helps attract and neutralize wheat lectins and manages the microbiome by counteracting the overgrowth of harmful pathogens. This makes it an essential component in maintaining a healthy gut environment. 


The potential of chitosan is fascinating, particularly its applications in digestive health and beyond. Steve’s insights reveal that this natural biopolymer, which is positively charged, can effectively neutralize harmful pathogens, assist in weight management by reducing appetite, act as an antioxidant, and bind heavy metals for detoxification. 


While its predominant use has been within the highly acclaimed DigestShield product, chitosan’s standalone benefits are now being harnessed through new formulations like Pure Chitosan 3000. As research continues and public awareness grows, it’s exciting to envision the expanding role chitosan can play in promoting health. 


Stay educated. Stay healthy. 


Till next week. 

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About the Author

Dr. Tom Rogers is an experienced family doctor with 38 years of practice, and is board-certified in family, sports, and integrative medicine.

 

Since 1986, he has been dedicated to delivering personalized, patient-centered care, and for over 18 years, he has managed his own private practice.

Dr. Rogers founded Performance Medicine to prioritize patient care over insurance constraints, ensuring each patient receives individualized attention. He is well-known for his expertise in hormone balance and his commitment to guiding patients on their unique health journeys, making Performance Medicine a leader in integrative health care.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Rogers enjoys playing guitar, biking, pickleball, and reading, which help him maintain a holistic approach to health and wellness.

 

Performance Medicine serves the East Tennessee region, with clinics in Kingsport, Johnson City, Bristol, North Knoxville, and West Knoxville.

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