Staying Healthy on the Go: How Grapefruit Seed Extract Can Support Travelers
As exciting as traveling can be, it can also be a breeding ground for illnesses. Traveler’s diarrhea, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and weakened immunity are just a few of the common health issues that can ruin an otherwise amazing trip. However, there is a natural remedy that can help support your health while exploring new destinations: Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE).
Boosting our immune system and supporting digestive health before, during and after our trip can help mitigate some of the most common health issues from tummy troubles, urinary tract infections, coughs and colds.
There are many natural ways to boost our defences such as probiotics and grapefruit seed extract (GSE) which is often referred to as Citricidal.
What is Grapefruit Seed Extract?
Grapefruit Seed Extract is a natural compound derived from the seeds and pulp of grapefruits. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various health issues, including digestive problems and infections. GSE is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, limonoids, and furanocoumarins, which contribute to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Antimicrobial & Anti-fungal.
GSE is a powerful naturally derived antibacterial agent that has demonstrated powerful effects against MRSA and other bacteria that have become drug resistant.[i]
The many potent compounds can kill more than 60 types of bacteria and yeasts.
In vitro studies have shown that it can even be as effective as some commonly prescribed topical antifungal and antibacterial medications, such as nystatin. This makes GSE an excellent supplement for travelers who may be exposed to new and unfamiliar pathogens.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are another common health issue that can affect travellers, particularly women. GSE has been found to exhibit antibacterial activity against E. coli, which is responsible for most UTIs. The antimicrobial properties of GSE can help prevent the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of UTIs.
The extract’s antibacterial activity can be attributed to it’s ability to damage cell membranes and inhibit the growth of microorganism such as Escherichia Coli (E.coli) which is accountable for 75% of uncomplicated UTI cases. [ii]
E.Coli is part of commensal intestinal bacteria and the most common gram -negative bacteria in the human gastrointestinal. However, when found outside of the intestinal tract, E.Coli can cause urinary tract infections, pneumonia and other infections. [iii]
The E. Coli “stick” to the inner walls of the bladder and even work their way upward in some case reaching as far as the kidneys. The cell walls of E. Coli are covered in tiny finger-like projections, the tips of which are an amino-sugar complex, known as a ‘glycoprotein’ but also referred to as a ‘lectin’. E. Coli lectins have the capacity of sticking the bacteria to the inside walls of our bladders and urinary tracts so they can’t be rinsed out by urination.
Fortunately for us, but unfortunately for the E. Coli, D-Mannose sticks to the E. Coli lectins even better than E. Coli lectins “stick” to human cells. When you take D-Mannose, almost all of it spills into your urine through your kidneys, literally coating any E. Coli present so they can no longer “stick” to the inside walls of your bladder and urinary tract. The E. Coli are literally rinsed away with normal urination.
The combination of GSE and D-Mannose powder offers an effective approach to supporting urinary tract health and combating UTI’s especially when travelling.
Immune support
The bioactive compounds in GSE such as polyphenols, flavonoids and limonoids have shown to exhibit immunomodulatory properties[iv]. Travelling can be a significant stressor on the immune system, particularly due to changes in environment, sleep patterns, water and food. GSE has been found to have inti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, GSE may also help to reduce the severity of immune responses to travel-related stressors such as jet lag and the environmental changes.
When your next trip comes around, don’t forget to pack your natural travel companions.
Han HW, Kwak JH, Jang TS, Knowles JC, Kim HW, Lee HH, Lee JH. Grapefruit Seed Extract as a Natural Derived Antibacterial Substance against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel). 2021 Jan 18;10(1):85. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics10010085. PMID: 33477436; PMCID: PMC7830962.
[ii] Zhou Y, Zhou Z, Zheng L, Gong Z, Li Y, Jin Y, Huang Y, Chi M. Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli: Mechanisms of Infection and Treatment Options. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jun 23;24(13):10537. doi: 10.3390/ijms241310537. PMID: 37445714; PMCID: PMC10341809.
[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564298/
[iv] Ferreira C, Vieira P, Sá H, Malva J, Castelo-Branco M, Reis F, Viana S. Polyphenols: immunonutrients tipping the balance of immunometabolism in chronic diseases. Front Immunol. 2024 Mar 15;15:1360065. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360065. PMID: 38558823; PMCID: PMC10978763.
