Gut Cleanse 101: How to Improve Nutrient Absorption

Last updated: March 30, 2026

Micronutrient malnutrition, also known as ‘hidden hunger’, is a significant global health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deficiencies in the critical micronutrients: calciferol, retinol, iron, iodine, and zinc are becoming more common. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. This epidemic of micro-malnutrition was formerly associated with poverty and food insecurity, but it is increasingly being seen in higher income groups who are making poor dietary decisions. 

Reduced Nutrient Absorption

Most nutrients are absorbed in the gut, some are even made there. Digestion breaks down food into tiny pieces using a variety of enzymes, and it relies on the support of your good bacteria. When the guts ecosystem is out of balance, it reduces nutrient availability, leading to nutrient deficiencies and a host of other health problems.

One of the main causes of poor gut health is the build-up of toxins and harmful bacteria. This is typically the result of poor diet, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins. Accumulated toxins and harmful bacteria damage the gut lining and interfere with absorption.

Excess Inflammation 

Endotoxins from bad bacteria, ammonia from stagnant waste, chemicals and heavy metals all trigger inflammation. This state of ‘immune panic’ restricts the energy and time dedicated to accessing all the amazing nutrients you are trying to consume!

Imagine your body is a beautiful palatial home. But, it’s full of trash and bursting at the seams with junk and broken appliances. What would be the point of decorating it a beautiful ‘Chlorophyll Green’ before clearing out the crap? You wouldn’t consider revamping the house until all the trash has been removed.

Cleansing the bowels is a critical first step to maximizing nutrient absorption from your food, herbs and supplements. Clearing out intestinal mucus expels the trapped inflammatory substances, allowing your immune system to focus on building healthy new cells.

Bacterial Balance

Good bacteria play an important role in nutrient absorption. They help to break down food, produce bioactive compounds, protect the gut lining and enhance the absorption of multiple minerals. 

The gut microbiome (meaning the living bacteria occupying this small natural habitat) metabolize specific nutrients to produce uber-healthful secondary metabolites, like short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Your hardworking good bacteria produce these magnificent metabolites.

Short Chain Fatty Acids

Bacterially derived SCFAs (like acetate, propionate, and butyrate) enhance gut health in several ways. They increase cellular integrity (preventing a leaky gut by creating a stronger barrier between the intestinal lining and your blood). They support healthy intestinal lubrication, and they protect endothelial cells lining the gut against inflammation. A lack of SCFAs is associated with allergies, auto-immunity, IBS, IBD, and other increasingly common inflammatory conditions. [1]

SCFAs act as food for the cells lining the gut, regulate blood sugar levels, enhance fat metabolism, and reduce inflammation. They are also involved in neuro-immune regulation (mediating the ‘conversation’ between the ‘main brain’ and the brain in your gut). A lack of SCFAs is associated with neurological conditions like anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.[2] 

Missing Nutrition

There are a number of nutrients that are only absorbed in the gut, and they play a crucial role in maintaining good health. Surprisingly this bacterially induced micro-malnutrition manifests as both obesity and extreme fatigue. [3].  Some of the most important nutrients absorbed in the gut include:

• Magnesium: Essential for energy production, stress regulation, and immune function.
• Iron: Essential for the transport of oxygen around the body and energy production.
• Calcium: Critical for strong bones and teeth, plus blood pressure regulation.
• Calciferol: Essential for the absorption of calcium and proper immune function.
• Cobalamin: Supports red blood cell formation and a healthy nervous system.
• Folate: Essential for red blood cell formation and a healthy nervous system.
• Retinol: Promotes night vision and helps maintain healthy skin and soft tissues.
• Phylloquinone: Supports blood clotting, building healthy bones, and metabolism.
• Menaquinone: Biosynthetic role and carries electrons needed for energy production.
• Tocopherols: Powerful antioxidant preventing cellular fats becoming rancid.
• Tocotrienols: Enhance natural cardio-protective and neuro-protective mechanisms. 

Cleansing and Detoxifying the Gut

Removing inflammatory gut toxins, compacted waste, decomposing mucus and harmful intestinal bacteria will dramatically enhance the health of your gut. This significantly increases the absorption of nutrients, boosts production of secondary metabolic nutrients, and seriously reduces inflammation.

When substances can’t move freely through the gut, for example if you are constipated, or if endothelial cells are inflamed, it prevents nutrients reaching their intended destination. Without the correct nutrition, the body cannot function: this is why people feel more alive, energized, and happy with a post-cleanse glow when they commit to cleansing their bowels.

Get it all out!

There are a number of ways to enhance your gut’s ability to cleanse naturally, including:

• Eating more fiber.
• Eating more approved greens.
• Eating less processed food.
• Drinking more water.
• Drinking cleansing smoothies.
• Taking herbs that cleanse the gut.

Dr. Sebi taught us the critical importance of good gut health. Our ancestors have been sharing the same message for thousands of years, maybe it’s time we listened? 

Decades of research and refinement have developed the ultimate gut support products that can rapidly resolve gut problems and enhance gut health.  Do you want help Committing to the Cleanse?

Gut Health Benefits

Our toxic and stressful lifestyles mean we need more nutrition, not less. Stress depletes critical nutrients, like magnesium, needed for over 300 reactions in the body. Depleted soils and damaged ecosystems are reducing the nutrients we can access from our food, so we really need to maximize absorption. 

When you cleanse the gut and clear out the bowels, you can anticipate:

• Improved overall health and well-being.
• Reduced risk of nutrient deficiencies.
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases.
• Improved mental health.
• Reduced inflammation.
• Improved digestion.
• Boosted immunity.
• Balanced moods.
• Increased libido.
• Less anxiety.
• Better sleep.
• More energy.

What are you waiting for? Start Cleansing Today! 

Citations

[1] Parada Venegas D, De la Fuente MK, Landskron G, et al. Short chain fatty acids (Scfas)-mediated gut epithelial and immune regulation and its relevance for inflammatory bowel diseases. Front Immunol. 2019;10.

[2] Silva YP, Bernardi A, Frozza RL. The role of short-chain fatty acids from gut microbiota in gut-brain communication. Front Endocrinol. 2020;11:25.

[3] Krajmalnik-Brown R, Ilhan ZE, Kang DW, DiBaise JK. Effects of gut microbes on nutrient absorption and energy regulation. Nutr Clin Pract. 2012;27(2):201-214.