Tag: gut health

What Is Carrageenan and Is It Dangerous?

Posted on by AmyADMIN

If you’ve ever flipped over the ingredient list on your favorite almond milk or plant-based ice cream, you might have spotted an unfamiliar word: carrageenan. So, what is carrageenan? It’s a common food additive that shows up in everything from “healthy” dairy alternatives to shelf-stable sauces, and it’s a bigger deal for your health than most people realize.

In a recent episode of the Women Want Strong Men podcast, we sat down with Anna Griffith, DNP, to discuss gut health disruptors hiding in everyday foods. For deeper insights into why certain additives can be bad for your health, save the episode below to watch after reading. 

Today, we’re breaking down what carrageenan is, where it shows up, why it’s controversial, and the healthier swaps you can make to protect your gut and overall wellness. Let’s dive in.

What is Carrageenan?

Carrageenan is a thickener and stabilizer derived from red seaweed. Food manufacturers use it to improve texture, prevent separation, and give plant-based products a creamier, more appealing consistency. It’s especially common in dairy alternatives, processed meats, desserts, and packaged snacks.

While carrageenan comes from a natural source, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a safe ingredient once it’s been extracted and processed. In fact, the form that ends up in your food may still irritate the digestive tract, especially if you already have a sensitive gut.

Many people consume carrageenan daily without realizing it, because it’s often hidden in products marketed as healthy—like organic almond milk or dairy-free ice cream. That’s why label reading is essential, even if you feel confident about the rest of the ingredient list.

Top 10 Carrageenan Foods to Avoid

If you’re trying to cut carrageenan from your diet, watch for it in these common products:

  • Almond milk and other plant-based milks
  • Ice cream and frozen desserts
  • Flavored yogurts (dairy and non-dairy)
  • Whipped cream and whipped toppings
  • Processed deli meats (turkey, ham, roast beef)
  • Canned soups and broths
  • Nutritional shakes and meal replacements
  • Protein powders and bars
  • Coffee creamers (dairy and non-dairy)
  • Prepared puddings and custards

Is Carrageenan Bad For You?

While some industry experts argue that carrageenan is safe in small amounts, a growing body of research links it to gut irritation and inflammation—especially for those with sensitive digestion. 

At Victory Men’s Health, we’ve seen that for patients dealing with IBS, IBD, or any inflammatory gut condition, removing carrageenan can have a big impact. This additive has been shown to:

  • Increase intestinal permeability (leaky gut) — damaging the delicate gut lining and creating tiny gaps that allow unwanted substances to slip into your bloodstream.
  • Trigger inflammation — once the gut lining is compromised, the immune system goes into overdrive, which can cause digestive flare-ups and even systemic symptoms like fatigue or brain fog.
  • Exacerbate chronic conditions — people with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or autoimmune disorders may notice symptoms worsen when consuming foods with carrageenan.

Even if you don’t have a diagnosed digestive condition, regular exposure could be contributing to subtle but persistent issues like bloating, stomach cramps, or poor nutrient absorption.

Food-Grade vs. Degraded Carrageenan: What’s the Difference?

One of the biggest points of confusion around carrageenan is the difference between food-grade carrageenan and degraded carrageenan. Here’s a quick breakdown: 

  • Food-grade carrageenan is the type used in manufacturing—this is what’s added to your almond milk or deli meat. 
  • Degraded carrageenan is a byproduct created when carrageenan is processed under harsh conditions (like high heat or acidity). It’s not intentionally added to foods, but small amounts of degraded carrageenan can appear in products during manufacturing.

Degraded carrageenan is linked to intestinal ulcerations, severe inflammation, and even cancer in animal studies. While there’s debate over how much degraded carrageenan ends up in our food supply, the risk has fueled ongoing concerns about the overall safety of carrageenan.

And the kicker? Our bodies may break down food-grade carrageenan into degraded carrageenan during digestion, meaning the line between the two may not be as clear as manufacturers suggest.

Other Food Additives to Avoid

Carrageenan isn’t the only ingredient worth keeping an eye on. Many processed foods contain additives that may irritate the gut, trigger inflammation, or disrupt the microbiome. Like carrageenan, these food additives often hide in “better-for-you” packaged products:

  • Guar gum and xanthan gum — plant-based thickeners that can cause bloating and discomfort in sensitive individuals.
  • Polysorbates — emulsifiers that can disrupt gut microbiome balance.
  • Artificial sweeteners — linked to changes in gut bacteria and glucose regulation.

Many of our patients focus on eliminating gluten or dairy, yet keep consuming these additives without realizing they’re undermining their gut health. If your goal is to heal inflammation or improve digestion, these hidden ingredients are just as important to avoid.

Healthier Alternatives to Look For

Avoiding carrageenan doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite foods, just choosing versions that use different stabilizers or skip them altogether. Thankfully, more brands are catching on and removing carrageenan from their products due to consumer demand.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • Choose carrageenan-free products — many brands now advertise “no carrageenan” on the label, making it easier to spot.
  • Look for minimal ingredients — the fewer stabilizers, gums, and preservatives, the better.
  • Make it yourself — homemade almond milk or coconut yogurt puts you in control of every ingredient. If you’re not sensitive to dairy products, stick to organic Greek yogurt or other milk products.
  • Switch to brands using safe alternatives — like locust bean gum or agar-agar (also seaweed-derived but less inflammatory).

When in doubt, scan the ingredient list. If you see carrageenan (or any additive you can’t pronounce), consider finding a cleaner option.

Common Questions About Carrageenan

Does Carrageenan Cause Cancer?

Animal studies have linked degraded carrageenan (not used in food) to cancer, but food-grade carrageenan is chemically different. Still, some research suggests it may trigger inflammation, which is why many health experts recommend avoiding it when possible.

Is Carrageenan Dangerous?

For some people, especially those with gut issues, carrageenan can increase inflammation and contribute to leaky gut symptoms. Even if you don’t notice immediate effects, long-term exposure may impact your gut health in the long run. 

What Foods Contain Carrageenan?

Common sources include plant-based milks, ice cream, yogurt, processed deli meats, and even some protein powders. Always read labels, even on products marketed as “healthy” or “natural.”

Is Carrageenan Safe in Small Amounts?

Some people tolerate small amounts just fine, but if you have digestive concerns, autoimmune conditions, or chronic inflammation, it’s a good idea to avoid it altogether. Removing it from your diet is a simple way to reduce unnecessary gut irritation.

What’s the Difference Between Food-Grade and Degraded Carrageenan?

Food-grade carrageenan is used in the food industry, while degraded carrageenan (poligeenan) is not approved for food and has been linked to cancer in animal studies. The main concern is that food-grade carrageenan may degrade in the digestive tract, creating similar risks.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Health

While research is still evolving, there’s enough evidence linking carrageenan to inflammation, leaky gut, and even cancer risk in animal studies to make us cautious. If you’re already battling digestive issues or chronic inflammation, the potential downsides outweigh any benefit it brings to your food’s texture.

At Victory Men’s Health, we take a whole-body approach to wellness, which means looking beyond the obvious culprits to find the root cause. Carrageenan may be “just” a thickener, but if it’s irritating your gut every single day, it’s worth removing to see how your body responds.

If you want a clearer picture of how your diet might be affecting your health or you’re dealing with stubborn gut symptoms, our team can help. Book a consultation today to start building a nutrition plan that works for your body.

Akkermansia for Gut Health: Skip or Try?

Posted on by AmyADMIN

Most men don’t think much about their gut until it starts acting up, but it plays a key role in everything from your metabolism to your testosterone levels. If your gut bacteria are out of whack, taking Akkermansia for gut health can be a powerful way to get them back on track. 

Before you add it to your shopping cart, you need to start by understanding what exactly Akkermansia is, how it works, and whether it’s a good fit for you. So, is this stuff legit, or is it just another overhyped supplement? Let’s get into it.

What Is Akkermansia and Why Should You Care?

Akkermansia muciniphila, or Akkermansia for short, is a good bacteria that lives in your gut and helps keep your gut lining strong, inflammation down, and metabolism running smoothly. Think of it like the tough-but-fair bouncer at an upscale club. Akkermansia controls what gets in, keeps out the bad stuff, and makes sure everything inside runs the way it should.

Studies show that individuals with obesity, insulin resistance, and gut issues tend to have lower levels of Akkermansia. When you boost your Akkermansia levels, research suggests it can:

  • Strengthen your gut lining, preventing inflammation and “leaky gut.”
  • Improve blood sugar control, making it easier to manage insulin levels.
  • Help your body burn fat more efficiently instead of storing it.
  • Support weight loss and a healthier metabolism when paired with a good lifestyle.

If you’ve been dealing with stubborn weight, digestive issues, or blood sugar swings, this might be a gut bacteria worth paying attention to.

Can Akkermansia Help With Fat Loss?

You can be doing everything “right” and still struggle with fat loss. Sometimes, it’s not just about diet and exercise—it’s about your gut bacteria too. Akkermansia has been gaining traction in the weight loss world because it affects how your body processes fat and regulates appetite. 

In multiple studies like the one published in the National Library of Medicine, people with higher levels of Akkermansia:

  • Had better gut health, meaning less inflammation and a more efficient metabolism.
  • Lowered their A1C and improved blood sugar control, which helps prevent fat storage.
  • Saw better results from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, since a healthy gut microbiome improves how these drugs work.
  • Burned fat more efficiently, making it easier to lose weight and keep it off.

At Victory Men’s Health, we’ve seen similar trends in our patients. While Akkermansia isn’t a magic weight loss pill, it could be an important piece of the puzzle if you’re looking to optimize your metabolism.

How to Boost Akkermansia Naturally

Before jumping into a new supplement, you might be wondering if you can get more Akkermansia through diet and lifestyle. The answer is yes, but you have to give it the right fuel. 

Here’s how you can support Akkermansia growth naturally:

  • Eat more polyphenol-rich foods – Berries, dark chocolate, pomegranates, and green tea are great choices.
  • Increase prebiotic fiber – Foods like onions, leeks, asparagus, and flaxseeds feed good gut bacteria.
  • Eat fermented foods – While Akkermansia itself isn’t in fermented foods, eating sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir can help create the right environment for it to thrive.
  • Cut back on processed foods and alcohol – Sugar, artificial ingredients, and excessive booze can lower Akkermansia levels.
  • Avoid antibiotics when possible – If you have to take antibiotics, we recommend taking probiotics afterward to reintroduce the good bacteria that’s been killed off with the bad bacteria. 

These strategies can help create the right conditions for a healthy gut, but if you already have low Akkermansia levels, adding a supplement may give you a bigger boost.

Akkermansia for Gut Health: Skip or Try?

So, is this the real deal or just another gut health trend? Based on our experience with real patients, we think it’s worth trying—if you’re serious about optimizing your gut and metabolism. 

At Victory Men’s Health, we’ve seen incredible results from patients using Pendulum probiotics featuring Akkermansia, particularly Pendulum Glucose Control—their most potent formula, backed by clinical research. Patients have reported better digestion, reduced bloating, improved energy levels, and noticeable weight loss when paired with a structured health plan.

Akkermansia for Gut Health | Real Patient Outcomes with Pendulum

Some of our patients with insulin resistance have also seen a drop in their A1C levels, showing how much of an impact gut health can have on blood sugar control. You may want to consult with your provider about Akkermansia if any of these apply to you:

  • Digestive issues – Bloating, IBS, or frequent gut discomfort could mean your gut lining needs support.
  • Insulin resistance or blood sugar problems – Akkermansia has been linked to better glucose control and insulin function.
  • Struggling with weight loss – If diet and exercise aren’t moving the needle, your gut bacteria could be part of the issue.
  • Chronic inflammation or metabolic concerns – If you have high inflammation levels, boosting your Akkermansia levels with a supplement might help.
  • Enhancing GLP-1 medications – If you’re taking Semaglutide or a branded version like Ozempic or Mounjaro, pairing it with Akkermansia could help to enhance the effects.

How Victory Men’s Health Uses Akkermansia

Knowing that the gut affects everything from our metabolism to testosterone levels, we take gut health seriously. At the A4M conference, we had the chance to talk with Pendulum founder Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe about Akkermansia’s real-world applications. 

Shortly after, we brought Dr. Cutcliffe onto the Women Want Strong Men podcast to chat in-depth about the gut microbiome. Have a listen below, then read on for more. 

We’ve seen the impact this gut bacteria can have on our patients, whether their goal is to improve digestion, lower A1C levels, or lose weight. This isn’t just a fad—it’s something we’re actively using in clinical practice to help men get real, lasting results.

We often recommend Akkermansia alongside:

  • GLP-1 medications – To help improve gut bacteria balance and enhance fat loss.
  • Testosterone therapy – Since gut health plays a role in hormone metabolism and energy levels.
  • Metabolic optimization plans – Because a strong gut foundation supports better digestion, lower inflammation, and better body composition.

Take Control of Your Gut Health Today

At Victory Men’s Health, we don’t believe in quick fixes. We focus on building a strategy that works for your body. Whether it’s gut health, hormone balancing, or weight management, we help men take a science-backed, data-driven approach to optimizing their health.
Curious if Akkermansia is right for you? Let’s figure it out together. Schedule a consultation today and let’s talk about your gut health, metabolism, and the right strategy for you.