Total Restore Reviews
Total Restore Review: Is it Effective?
Total Restore is a dietary supplement by Gundry MD aimed at individuals afflicted with a condition called “leaky gut" syndrome, which is believed to affect many people and cause a wide range of symptoms.
Below we examine the ingredients in this supplement, discuss how lectins affect the body, look at customer reviews, and let you know if this supplement is worth buying.
About Gundry MD
Gundry MD is headed by Dr. Steven Gundry, a pediatric heart surgeon and director of the International Heart & Lung Institute in Palm Springs, CA.
He states that, in his years working as a heart surgeon, he's come across unconventional yet effective knowledge on medicine and nutrition, which he implements in his products.
How Does it Work?
The basis of much of Dr. Gundry’s work rests on the belief that the modern diet is having detrimental effects on people’s health.
His popular book, The Plant Paradox, put forth the idea that a toxic protein (lectin) is the hidden culprit behind issues with weight gain, gut health, and overall well being.
In addition to advocating for a lectin free diet, much of GundryMD supplements, particularly Total Restore, are designed to heal the gut from lectin damage and provide nutrients to support healthy gut flora.
He claims that Total Restore can help with issues like:
- fatigue
- weight gain
- brain fog
- digestive discomfort
What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
As the name implies, this condition is characterized by a breakdown of the gut lining that allows toxins to pass through to the bloodstream.
More seriously referred to as "increased intestinal hyper-permeability", scientists discovered that this occurs when the proteins binding the intestinal epithelial cells break down. [1]
When this barrier functions correctly it only allows vital nutrients to pass through, but once it's degraded then toxins, antigens, and bacteria may enter the bloodstream. [2]
There is a lot of research being done regarding this condition, but it is still relatively new.
Leaky gut has been associated with conditions like:
- Gastric ulcers
- IBS
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- SIBO
- Autoimmune disorders
- Joint pain
- Skin issues
- Chronic fatigue
- Weight gain
- And more
Some of the causes for leaky gut may be:
- Genetics
- Poor diet
- Stress
- Toxins
- Infection
- Dysbiosis (gut bacteria imbalance)
At this time leaky gut is not a typical medical diagnosis and you may have to work with a functional/integrative medicine specialist to get diagnosed.
Do the ingredients in Total Restore help with leaky gut?
Below we highlight some of the key ingredients in Total Restore and go over the scientific support for their effects on gut permeability.
Total Restore is not a probiotic supplement, nor does it contain any probiotic strains.
While probiotics are designed to support digestive health by balancing the bacteria in your gut, Total Restore takes a completely different approach.
Total Restore features a specialized blend of powerful ingredients designed to soothe and nourish your gut lining.
And because it is designed to help support a healthy gut (where probiotics “live”) it may enhance the benefits of a probiotic formula you may already be taking.
L-Glutamine - 213mg
This amino acid is a key ingredient in many gut supplements. Research has shown that glutamine plays a key role in repairing the intestinal lining.
One study found that,
“glutamine has been reported to enhance intestinal and whole-body growth, to promote enterocyte proliferation and survival, and to regulate intestinal barrier function in injury, infection, weaning stress, and other catabolic conditions.”
Concluding that,
“As a functional amino acid with multiple key physiological roles, glutamine holds great promise in protecting the gut from atrophy and injury under various stress conditions in mammals and other animals.” [3]
Another study found that a low dose of glutamine (0.25g) had positive effects on reducing markers of GI permeability after strenuous exercise. [4]
Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - 54mg
Some research has shown that,
“Flavonoid-rich extract prepared from Glycyrrhiza glabra has been found to be beneficial in patients with functional dyspepsia (upset stomach) and was reported to possess some gut health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities.” [5]
Despite being one of the oldest herbal medicines, some researchers believe that its “nutritive value is overrated by many who consume significant amounts and are prone to complications.” [7]
N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine - 142mg
There are different types of Glucosamine used in various supplements, commonly targeting symptoms of osteoarthritis.
N-AcG is derived from shellfish and is used in gut health products because it may help protect the stomach lining and support microbiota.
One study found that, “4 weeks of NAG treatment significantly alleviated self-reported IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, passage of mucus, nausea, and rectal bleeding. [8]
It has also been shown to support the growth of the beneficial gut bacteria called bifidobacteria. [9]
PepZin GI
This trademarked formula is a combination of Zinc and L-Carnosine (ZnC).
One review of its benefits concluded that,
“Evidence supports the safety and efficacy of ZnC for the maintenance, prevention, and treatment of the mucosal lining and other epithelial tissues. The research supports its use for gastric ulcers (approved in Japan) and conditions of the upper GI…” [10]
Another small study on patients with Crohn's disease found that,
”zinc supplementation can resolve permeability alterations in patients with Crohn's disease in remission. Improving intestinal barrier function may contribute to reducing the risk of relapse in Crohn's disease. [11]
Ingredients Summary
There is a good amount of scientific support for the key ingredients in Total Restore.
However, the doses are generally much lower than those used in the studies demonstrating their efficacy, as well as in many competing products.
Total Restore is generally considered safe and has shown to have few side effects, except for the aforementioned shellfish allergy.
However, if you are taking other medications then it's important to consult with your physician to ensure there are no potential negative interactions.
Customer Reviews & Complaints
Gundry MD and several of their products, including Total Restore, generally receive positive to mixed reviews.
On their own website, Total Restore has a rating of 4.2/5 from 840 reviews.
Positive reviews mentioned:
- more consistent and regular bowel movements
- calming of the digestive system
- more energy
- increased regularity
Negative reviews mentioned:
- stomach problems
- no noticeable changes
- constipation
- gas and bloating
- no weight loss
Here on Reviewopedia the supplement has a score 4/5 from 425 reviews with a similar customer response.
Some additional complaints mentioned order and billing issues that resulted in customers receiving and getting charged for more product than they intended to purchase.
Others complained about being inundated with offers to buy additional GundryMD products without explanation of why they’re needed in addition to Total Restore.
Finally, a number of individuals who gave the company bad reviews complained about how the product was extremely ineffective and called Gundry MD “a scam.”
On Amazon the product has a rating of 4/5 from around 9k reviews. It’s notable that an alarming 13% of reviews on there are 1 star ratings.
Gundry MD is accredited with the BBB and holds an A+ rating with them. On the BBB platform, the company has a 3.96/5 rating from 4,032 customer reviews.
On a positive note, representatives from Gundry MD are highly responsive to customer complaints, often providing suggestions for product use and offering refunds to dissatisfied customers.
Customer Service
Gundry MD offers a 90-day 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If the you are unsatisfied with their products you can submit a request for a refund via their website at https://gundrymd.com/return-merchandise-authorization.
You can also contact support:
- Phone number - (800) 852-0477
- Email - [email protected]
- Or live chat
Cost & Price Plans
1 bottle of Total Restore costs $69.95
The company offers a variety of savings options such as buying in bulk or creating a “My Health Account” and unlocking a subscribe and save option.
Keep in mind if you choose that option you will be billed and sent more product on a regular basis, unless you contact Gundry MD to cancel the auto-ship.
Where to buy?
You can purchase Total Restore on the Gundry MD website or on Amazon.
Competitors and Alternatives
Gut issues are often perplexing and difficult to diagnose, leaving sufferers with many different treatment options.
If you are pursuing the supplement route, below are a few well-reviewed leaky gut formulas that share the science-backed ingredients of Total Restore, but at much higher concentrations.
Amy Meyers MD Leaky Gut Revive
Dr. Meyers claims this formula can help with symptoms like Constipation, IBS, Diarrhea, Bloating, Heartburn.
It shares key main ingredients like L-Glutamine, Licorice Root Powder, and Marshmallow root powder. The key difference is the dose of L-Glutamine in Leaky Gut Revive is 3,000 mg, almost 15 times the amount in total restore.
While it doesn’t contain Zinc, it includes Aloe, another known gut soother. It has good reviews on Amazon 4.2 out of 5 from 1176 ratings.
Doctor Danielle Gut Assist
Has similar ingredients to leaky gut revive with the addition of Arabinogalactan, a substance that may help increase intestinal bacteria.
Key Ingredients:
- L-Glutamine 3,000mg
- Arabinogalactan 2,000mg
- Licorice Extract 500mg
- Aloe Vera 100mg
This supplement has a rating of 4.3/5 from over 7,000 customer reviews on Amazon.
Ancient Nutrition Leaky Gut
Ingredients feature
- a gut integrity blend with L-glutamine, Licorice root, Astragalus, and marshmallow root.
- a mushroom and probiotic blend
- and a much higher dose of Zinc than Total Restore
It has good reviews on Amazon at 4.5/5 from 734 ratings. It’s also one of the cheaper options for a gut health supplement.
The Bottom Line
An estimated 60 to 70 million people in America report experiencing gut issues, which explains why the market for treatments is so vast.
While supplements like Total Restore and the others mentioned above can play a role in a treatment plan, they are not stand-alone cures.
Many experts recommend an approach that starts with:
1. Eliminating harmful foods that may be causing or exacerbating gut issues like: refined grains, added sugars, GMOs, gluten, refined oils, chemical additives, conventional dairy products, etc.
2. Following an anti-inflammatory diet high in:
- probiotic/fermented foods
- broths
- vegetables
- wild caught fatty fish
- healing herbs
- grass-fed meat
- fruits
- apple cider vinegar
- and other superfoods
3. Repairing the gut - this step can include supplements for leaky gut and probiotics to rebalance the gut microbiome.
You may be able to do this on your own, or you might have to consult with a naturopath, dietitian, or other healthcare professional.
Overall, Total Restore contains many ingredients that show promise in supporting gut flora and repairing leaky gut.
However, many competing products feature similar ingredients at much higher doses.
Finally, without implementing diet and lifestyle changes, curing leaky gut or other digestive disorders will be an impossible endeavor.
If you have any experience with Total Restore, please leave your reviews below.
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Total Restore Customer Reviews
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Sort Reviews By:
It worked
I was experiencing bowel problems. After taking this for a few weeks I am back to normal.. very thankful for the results. I will continue to use it.
More Energy
Real improvemets after a couple of weeks
excellent product!
Total Restore quick effect
Poopin' like a Champ Again
Surprisingly Pleased
I took a chance and ordered 3 bottles. However, I knew it would be another “snake oil” advertisement but one can hope. After using the 1st Bottle I was surprisingly amazed at how much better I was feeling.
A little history—I developed a gallbladder issue which required the removal of my organ which which the procedure was not up to par causing me a midline surgical hernia. I no longer trust doctors to have this repaired but it actually allows me to hear and feel my intestines activity better than most.
Also, the surgery left me with occasional IBS. But low and behold “Total Restore” cleared the issue. More over I went off the “Total Restore” for a week or 2 and only started having hints of the IBS again so went back on them which halted my symptoms. I recommend this product!
The truth
Hi, My wife has Systemic Scleroderma and we believe it may have been caused by "leaky gut". She was originally told that she would probably only get 5 years. This was 8 years ago and a lot of research, operations and drugs. We both attribute her resilience to a strong constitution and protecting her gut from leaking gluten and other toxic food from "leaky gut" We have put a lot of faith in your product and can only say thank you for your efforts in research, information and product. The whole world needs to take a good look at their diet and we need to resolve the issues where government and big organizations are only worried about their food product and not the health of those who consume it.
We have been slapped in the face with health issues that were not from knowingly consuming a cocktail of toxic food but being led astray by the marketing and false information inflicted upon society by big organizations and poor government.
Keep up the good work and thanks again.
Chris
Life Changing for me
Total Restore works even on vacation.
Thus far, my experience exceeds my expectations with Total Restore
As far back as age 16, I’ve had ibs,pcos, mthfr, various female surgeries and more. I’ve kept my bmi in normal range as well as exercise regularly. In my sixth decade I follow a fairly strict diet. I am a CHC ( IIN ) and CPT (AFAA ,Nasm, more…) I know my numerous food sensitivities, so many ! And ya ya I stay away from many fruits with seeds, unless cooked. ( ie, tomatoes)
I’m educated about leaky gut, as Dr. Speaks about frequently in one of his health “blasts”. I don’t think I have “lg” , but I decided to try Total Restore and stay true on my diet anyway. First, I started on TR while on vacation. I always get backed up and need to bring laxatives. Not this trip! By day 2 and almost every morning for the last month, and without taking magnesium daily. I say out loud as I’m seated on the Queens throne, using much less toilet paper …
“ Thank you Dr Gundry “.
Incredible turn around
I have found my digestive issues have subsided an incredible amount and my energy levels are increased since I have been taking Total Restore and following your dietary advice.
Easy to add to daily regime
Magic in a Bottle!
Its working
After one month, I have notice less indigestion, and better and better bowel movements
Restore Works
Fibromyalgia
Arthritic pain gone.
Exactly what chemical additives are in our foods ?
who would have thought!
i did not expect anything. i used to have nausea a lot,
for the last ...50 years??? i just ate what i know makes me feel bad, ..and it did not!
placebo my foot, it seems to really work.
nice!
m