On Episode #147 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike and Ben are joined by Eric Withee, the Director of Ingredient Innovation at Freemen Nutra. The top of conversation is a new dietary supplement ingredient named Digexin, which is a combination of ashwagandha and okra extracts designed to support gut health.
Explore the first dietary supplement ingredient that works on the gut-brain axis, Digexin, with Freemen Nutra’s Eric Withee on the PricePlow Podcast Episode #147. The data is unlike anything we’ve ever seen!
Freemen Nutra is traditionally a distributor of commodity ingredients, but is now beginning to focus on branded, research-backed ingredients to stay ahead in the industry, and they’ve got a star in Digexin. This ingredient promotes peristalsis — contraction of smooth muscle in the gut, helping to facilitate the movement of food.
This ultimately leads to dramatically improved bowel movements, but as the data shows, so much more.
Digexin: The First Ingredient to Support the Gut-Brain Axis
The trio get into the gut-brain axis, an emerging field of research that we’re only beginning to understand, but hasn’t been properly targeted by the dietary supplement industry — until the development of Digexin.
This is an interesting ingredient that feels good, and has extraordinarily impressive data in the two randomized controlled trials that have been conducted so far. They’re both discussed below, as well as in our main Digexin article, so let’s dive in:
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https://blog.priceplow.com/podcast/eric-withee-freemen-nutra-digexin-147
Video: Digexin and the Gut Brain Axis with Freemen Nutra’s Eric Withee
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:52 — 48.4MB)
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0:00 – Introductions
On Episode #147 of the PricePlow Podcast, Mike interviews Eric Withee, the Director of Ingredient Innovation at Freemen Nutra, about a new dietary supplement ingredient called Digexin. Freemen Nutra, traditionally a distributor of commodity ingredients, is now focusing on branded, research-backed ingredients to stay ahead in the industry. Digexin, their latest innovation, is a proprietary blend of ashwagandha and okra extracts designed to promote peristalsis—the contractions of smooth muscle in the gut that facilitate the movement of food.
Digexin is the next major gut health ingredient. Developed by NXT and distributed by Freemen Nutra, this patented blend of ashwagandha and okra root extracts marks a significant advancement in addressing constipation and overall gut health.
The combination of these extracts shows a synergistic effect, requiring fewer units to induce peristalsis compared to each extract used alone. Eric explains that this healthy contraction is essential not only for preventing constipation but also for ensuring proper digestion and food movement through the small intestine, thereby preventing stagnation and associated digestive issues.
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4:15 – Digexin
Eric explains that Digexin, a blend of ashwagandha and okra, has shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies, primarily targeting constipation through enhanced peristalsis. However, the supplement also exhibits broader benefits for the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including relief from reflux, bloating, abdominal pain, and indigestion.
These effects suggest that Digexin not only aids physical gut functions but also impacts the gut-brain axis by reducing stress, anxiety, and improving sleep, which can influence GI health. This dual mechanism—enhancing both gut motility and mental relaxation—aligns with the updated guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association, which emphasize the importance of considering psychosocial factors in managing GI disorders.
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12:00 – The Gut-Brain Axis
Mike and Eric discuss the relationship between stress, bowel movements, and the gut-brain axis, focusing on whether improved bowel movements can reduce stress or if reduced stress can facilitate bowel movements. They describe this interaction as a positive feedback loop, where Digexin aids both gut health and stress reduction, enhancing overall digestive function.
Eric explains that Digexin’s dual action, promoting peristalsis and reducing stress, supports both immediate and long-term digestive health. He notes that the extraction process for the ashwagandha and okra in Digexin is unique, differentiating it from other products. The conversation also touches on the hormone gastrin, which prepares the digestive system for food, and discusses optimal bowel movement frequency, highlighting that while individual needs vary, an average of one per day is generally considered healthy.
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19:00 – The Uniqueness of Digexin
Eric discusses the uniqueness of Digexin in the realm of gut health supplements. Eric explains that Digexin is likely the first ingredient specifically researched to work from the brain to the gut, helping with both mental relaxation and gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Unlike common gut health supplements like fibers, prebiotics, and probiotics, which primarily affect the gut and have downstream effects on other body parts, Digexin addresses the gut-brain axis by promoting mental relaxation, which can help alleviate GI symptoms.
Eric emphasizes that while Digexin isn’t a replacement for fibers—important for overall GI wellness and heart health—it complements traditional gut health approaches by addressing psychological factors that often contribute to digestive problems. He notes that while fiber might be adequate for short-term dietary deficiencies, many GI issues are more complex and require a holistic approach that includes managing stress and mental health.
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23:45 – The World of Gut Problems
Ben and Eric discuss the complexity of gut health and the challenge of creating a single supplement that addresses diverse gut issues. They highlight the broad spectrum of gut health concerns, from microbiome composition to gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like constipation, bloating, and acid reflux. Eric points out that while many supplements target specific aspects of gut health, Digexin is unique in addressing the gut-brain axis, helping alleviate both physical GI symptoms and stress-related issues.
Eric outlines two main consumer profiles for Digexin: individuals with chronic gut issues exacerbated by stress, and high-stress individuals whose GI problems stem from their mental state. For each, a tailored approach combining Digexin with other supplements like anti-inflammatory agents or calming minerals could be effective.
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31:45 – Digexin’s Versatility and Impressive Data
Mike and Eric discuss the potential versatility of Digexin, highlighting its impressive results in clinical studies for improving gut health, sleep quality, and overall well-being.[1] Mike notes the significant improvements in symptoms like abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and reflux, emphasizing that Digexin provides a balanced effect rather than simply addressing one issue at the expense of another.[2]
They also explore the potential of Digexin as an ingredient in various types of supplements beyond gut health, such as sleep aids, due to its positive impact on sleep metrics like reducing time to fall asleep and improving sleep quality. The conversation underscores Digexin’s potential as a holistic supplement, beneficial for both physical and psychological health, and the strategy of incorporating it into various formulations to maximize its reach and effectiveness.
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37:45 – Constipation
Mike, Eric, and Ben discuss the importance of addressing constipation and other gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, emphasizing that these conditions significantly impact quality of life. Mike highlights that conventional treatments, like irritant laxatives, work by aggressively stimulating the gut, which is not a sustainable solution. Eric notes that functional GI disorders, including conditions like IBS,[3] affect a significant portion of the U.S. population and often result in a quality of life worse than that of individuals with severe illnesses such as end-stage renal disease or diabetes.
The segment underscores the need for better awareness and open discussion about bowel health, as managing waste removal from the body is crucial for overall well-being. They suggest that society should normalize conversations about digestive health, as it is a fundamental aspect of maintaining good health and managing toxicity.
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42:00 – First Digexin Supplement: Health Thru Nutrition’s Mindful GI
The first Digexin-based supplement, see it in our main Digexin page
The group highlights the first commercial product incorporating Digexin, Mindful GI by Health Through Nutrition, which combines Digexin with other gut-supportive ingredients like magnesium bisglycinate and glutamine. They discuss the product’s formulation strategy, emphasizing its potential in addressing constipation and promoting overall digestive health.
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46:00 – Other Freemen Nutra Branded Ingredients: MemoQ and TamaFlex
Eric shares insights into Freemen Nutra’s approach to identifying and developing branded ingredients, focusing on finding partners with strong scientific backgrounds to commercialize innovative products. He mentions other ingredients like MemoQ, a nootropic, and Tamaflex, a joint health product, illustrating Freemen Nutra’s diverse portfolio. The conversation also touches on the market’s need for effective, well-researched ingredients, especially in niche categories like women’s health.
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48:00 – Sourcing Ingredients
Mike and Eric discuss Freemen Nutra’s current approach to sourcing new ingredients. Eric explains that they are in a “pull” mode, focusing on consolidating their existing portfolio and ensuring internal readiness rather than actively seeking new ingredients. He emphasizes the importance of internal training and system setup to support their current offerings. They also touch on the challenges and strategies in marketing ingredients for specific demographics, such as women’s health.
Eric suggests that conducting targeted research studies, like those focusing on women, could allow companies to make specific health claims and differentiate their products. They agree that while diet and nutrition are fundamental to health, supplements can play a supporting role, provided they are marketed and utilized correctly.
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52:15 – Goodbyes
Thank you to Eric and Freemen Nutra for joining us! Sign up for PricePlow’s Freemen Nutra alerts below.
Mike expresses his appreciation for the insightful discussion, stating that he gained more ideas than anticipated, especially regarding Digexin and its potential uses. Both Mike and Ben praise Eric Withee for sharing his expertise, with Ben mentioning his positive experience using a product containing Digexin. They discuss how listeners can learn more or get in touch, directing them to Freemen Nutra’s LinkedIn page and providing an email address for inquiries. The conversation wraps up with mutual thanks and enthusiasm for the knowledge shared during the podcast.
Thank you to Eric for joining us, and to everyone for listening and following along!
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