Most likely, when you’re thinking about what you can do to gain more muscle, you’re not thinking about digestion. Yet, fully digesting your meals and supplements will help you get the maximum benefits. That means more muscle! In this edition of Supplement Spotlight, we’re looking at the very impressive 2-in-1 Digestive Defender by 5% Nutrition. Let’s get started!

What Is Digestive Defender?

5% Nutrition’s Digestive Defender contains two distinct formulas in one product. First, there’s Probio-75, a probiotic and prebiotic formula. Next, there’s Diges-TEN, a 7-blend digestive enzyme formula. Each product features an open label and well-dosed ingredients. Plus, there are several branded ingredients. You can use each formula separately, or together as one product.

See it here: 5% Nutrition Digestive Defender – I’ll Pump You Up (illpumpyouup.com)

Digestive Defender Ingredients

Formula # 1: PROBIO-75

This is a probiotic and prebiotic formula. Probiotics are living organisms that help restore healthy bacteria in the gut. In contrast, prebiotics support the growth of healthy bacteria. Both of these work together to enhance gut health.

SL14™ Probiotics Blend – 75 Billion CFU

The enhanced use of the nutrients you consume can have a significant effect on your results. Probiotics support digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and help prevent gastrointestinal problems.

SL14 is a clinically proven, branded ingredient consisting of 14 probiotic strains. They are: Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Prebiotic Blend

Nutraflora® FB P-95 Fructooligosaccharides – 400 mg – Also called FOS, this is a branded ingredient providing at least 95% of pure short-chain fructooligosaccharides. What are fructooligosaccharides? They are a form of carbohydrate called oligosaccharides, which are short fructose chains. These chains are a non-digestible prebiotic fiber that passes through the small intestine. From there, these chains support healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. (1)

PreticX® Xylooligosaccharide – 400mg – This is a clinically studied branded ingredient. Also called XOS, it’s a non-digestible xylooligosaccharide. PreticX increases bifidobacteria in the colon and helps intestinal regularity. This supports both normal metabolism and gut health. (2)

Gut Health Blend

These three natural ingredients have a powerful synergistic effect on digestive health.

Ginger Root Extract – 50mg – Ginger is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. The active ingredient is gingerol, which supports digestion, eases upset stomach, and aids indigestion. (3)

Licorice Root Extract 4:1 – 50mg – Licorice is one of the oldest remedies in traditional medicine. It’s used to help ease an upset stomach and treat heartburn. (4)

Peppermint Powder – 25mg – This is a popular ingredient with a long history of use treating digestive ailments. These ailments include gas, indigestion, and bloating. (5)

Formula # 2: Diges-TEN

This is a comprehensive digestive enzyme complex with full-disclosure labeling and effective dosing. The formula consists of 7 Blends. They are:

Dynamic Digestion Blend

Betaine Hydrochloride – 100mg – Betaine hydrochloride promotes normal protein digestion and normal gastric pH. Plus, it improves the absorption of vitamin B12 and several key minerals. These include iron and calcium. (6)

Ox Bile – 100mg – The liver produces bile, which is used to break down fats. Bile also supports the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. (7)

Protein Breakdown Blend

Digestive Defender contains four protein-digesting enzymes in one well-dosed complex. Make no mistake, digesting every last gram of protein you consume is critical. One of the reasons for this is that not every gram you ingest is used to support growth. The body demands protein in various forms for hundreds of basic functions.

Another reason is that the Branched Chain Amino Acid leucine stimulates protein synthesis. Plus, the other aminos aid this process. As we know, this is a direct muscle growth trigger. These two reasons alone make optimal protein digestion and absorption an absolute necessity.

Here are the enzymes:

Protease – 152mg – This is an enzyme group with the sole function of breaking down protein for easier digestion. (8)

Bromelain – 150mg – This is another enzyme group. Bromelain comes from the stem of pineapple fruit and helps the body digest protein. (9)

Pancreatin – 65mg – This enzyme supports the breakdown of all macronutrients, not just protein. (10)

Papain – 65mg – This is also known as papaya enzymes. It’s another enzyme that helps break protein down into smaller particles for easier digestion and absorption. (11)

Carbohydrate Breakdown

There’s more to a hardcore bodybuilding diet than just protein. As critically important as protein is, you also need high-quality carbohydrates and healthy fats. Slower-burning complex carbohydrates should make up the majority of your carb intake. Still, you’ll need simple carbs in the hours surrounding your workout. All of this means you need optimal digestion of these carbohydrates.

Amylase – 108mg – This is an enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates for complete digestion and absorption. (12)

Fat Breakdown

Healthy fats have numerous roles in the body. While it’s true, you should avoid some fats, you also want to consume healthy fats. These healthy fats include nuts, cheese, and fatty fish.

Lipase – 70mg – This is an enzyme that improves fat digestion. Lipase breaks fats down into more water-soluble compounds. This, in turn, helps the body use fats more effectively. (8)

Fiber Breakdown

There’s no doubt that fiber is important to your health. Fiber helps lower blood sugar levels and high cholesterol levels in the body. Fiber helps you lose unwanted body fat by helping to control levels of blood sugar. Not to mention, high-fiber foods are more filling. This helps keep you satisfied longer.

Cellulase – 26mg – This ingredient is an enzyme that’s actually a complex carbohydrate. Cellulase helps break down the plant fiber we eat into polysaccharides. The body then uses or expels it. (13)

Milk Sugar (Lactose) Breakdown

Many people like dairy products but just can’t digest lactose. That’s the sugar commonly found in dairy foods like milk or yogurt. This means a lot of people avoid dairy products. That’s a shame because they have a high protein content.

Lactase – 43mg – This is an enzyme that breaks down lactose into simpler compounds the body can digest. By taking lactase, you can enjoy dairy foods and get the benefits of quality dairy foods and supplements. (14)

Digest Best Blend – 190mg

Finally, this is a blend of digestive ingredients that work together to ease digestive issues and improve digestion. This blend consists of Ginger Root, Turmeric Powder, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Cayenne Pepper Fruit Extract, and Artichoke Leaf Powder.

How Do I Use 5% Nutrition Digestive Defender?

Both Probio-75 and Diges-TEN are used as follows: Take 2 capsules with 6-8 ounces of water once a day. Take with your biggest meal of the day. For best results, refrigerate after opening.

What Can I Stack It With?

In terms of 5% Nutrition products, Digestive Defender works well with Shake Time, Egg White Crystals, Snack Time, Real Carbs + Protein, Real Carbs Rice, Real Carbs, KTCO Bars, and KTCO Cookies.

In terms of other brands, stack Digestive Defender with any protein powder, any protein bar or snack, any MRP, and any carbohydrate powder.

Digestive Stack

Of course, you can add Digestive Defender to your supplement program. This should include a pre-workout, creatine, a multivitamin/mineral, and an amino powder.

Protein Powder – Digestive Defender will help you get the most out of any protein powder. Right now, there are a number of protein powders that advertise optimal protein benefits. Some of these brands rely on digestive enzymes. With Digestive Defender, you don’t have to be limited in your choices.

MRP/Gainers – Are you using a lean gainer? Or maybe an MRP? Add Digestive Defender for optimal results.

See Protein here: Protein – I’ll Pump You Up (illpumpyouup.com)

Find Gainers here: Weight Gainers – I’ll Pump You Up (illpumpyouup.com)

Check out MRPs here: Meal Replacements – I’ll Pump You Up (illpumpyouup.com)

Protein Bars – No matter what your favorite bars are, add Digestive Defender for max protein and nutrient absorption.

Take a look at our protein bar selection: You searched for Bars – I’ll Pump You Up (illpumpyouup.com)

Of course, take Digestive Defender as directed with your meals!

Summary

If you want to maximize your results, you’ll need to maximize the digestion and absorption of your food and nutrients. There’s no better digestive formula than 5% Nutrition Digestive Defender. Get yours today!

Find all your supplements right here: Bodybuilding Supplements Store | I’ll Pump You Up (illpumpyouup.com)

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Supplement Spotlight: 5% Nutrition Digestive Defender