Vol 5 | Issue 7 | Digestive Health (9/18/2012)

DIGESTIVE HEALTH | THE BODY’S OPERATING SYSTEM

Support for Your Body Naturally…


Is your stomach the only organ involved in the digestion of your food?

The answer is no. The human digestive system is a complex series of organs and glands that process food. In order to use the food we eat, our body has to break the food down into smaller molecules that it can process; it also has to excrete waste. 
Food provides us with fuel to live, energy to be active, and the raw materials to build new cells. All the different varieties of food we eat are broken down by our digestive system and transported to every part of our body by our circulatory system. 


How the Digestive System Works

Our digestive system is an approximately 30 foot long tube. The digestive process begins in the mouth, where the teeth and tongue break up the food after it has been softened with saliva. The food is then swallowed and travels down the esophagus to the stomach. 

While the food is in the stomach, it is mixed with a mild acid which breaks the food down into a paste similar to porridge, called Chyme. The food then passes, a little at a time, into the small intestine, which is roughly 18 feet long. Here the food is broken down even further until it is small enough to pass through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream. Food that cannot be digested passes into the large intestine, where the water and minerals are absorbed into the blood stream. The solid waste is then expelled from the body. The digestive tract also functions as an immune organ, serving as a protective barrier to ingested toxins, allergens, and pathogens (bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi) that could otherwise cause disease
 
Parts of the Digestive System

• The Mouth: The process of digestion begins with chewing. Chewing breaks up food into smaller pieces that can be swallowed without choking. The salivary glands secrete a mucous solution into the mouth that moistens and lubricates food particles. Saliva contains amylase, an enzyme that begins to digest carbohydrates. As food particles begin to dissolve, they react with the chemoreceptors in the mouth, giving rise to the sensation of taste.

• Esophagus: Once food is in the esophagus, involuntary muscle contractions called peristalsis push it toward the stomach. At the end of the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter lets the food into the stomach. It opens and then quickly closes to keep the food from escaping back into the esophagus. 

• Stomach: In the stomach, the food begins its preparation for the small intestine. Glands in the stomach secrete acid, enzymes and a mucous that coats and protects the stomach from its own acids and prevents ulcers. The stomach's smooth muscles contract about every 20 seconds, stirring up the acid and enzymes and turning your food into chyme. But some foods just can't be reduced to chyme and remain a pasty, solid substance that is released into the small intestine in a process that takes more than an hour. Some food, however, can be out of the stomach in a mere 20 minutes.

• Duodenum: Your now unidentifiable food squirts into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. The breakdown process continues with enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver. Again, peristalsis helps mix up these juices. The next small intestine section is the coiled jejunum, followed by the ileum, which leads straight to the large intestine. These two sections absorb nutrients and water more than they break down food.

• Small Intestine: The small intestine has a smaller circumference than the large intestine, but it's actually the longer of the two sections -- it has the surface area of a tennis court! You may wonder how all this fits into your body. The answer is simple: The surface of the small intestine has many tight folds that can absorb nutrients and water -- they greatly increase the surface area. These folds are covered with villi, or tiny projections that have even smaller microvilli on them. Villi and microvilli have affinities for specific nutrients. That means that several different kinds of villi will grab the nutrients, electrolytes and dietary molecules in your food (for example carbohydrates, protein, sodium, calcium, and vitamins.). The absorbed nutrients move through the wall of the intestines and into blood vessels that take them throughout the body.

• Large Intestine: Once all the nutrients are extracted from the food, the indigestible parts are transported into the large intestine. The large intestine absorbs extra fluid to produce solid waste. To move the waste, the colon uses the same involuntary muscular movements called peristalsis. Unlike the stomach and small intestines, though, whose movements take a matter of hours, it takes days for waste to move through the large intestine. The waste moves at a pace of about 1/3 of an inch per hour.  The large intestine is often referred to as the colon.

• Colon: Also known as the large intestines, the colon has four sections: ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoid. In the first two sections, salts and fluids are absorbed from the indigestible food. Billions of bacteria that normally live in the colon help to ferment and absorb substances like fiber. While these tracts absorb, they also produce mucus that helps the solid waste move easily through the descending colon and into the third part of the large intestine, through the sigmoid section and finally on to the rectum where the fecal matter is stored before it leaves the body.

Digestive Disorders
The digestive system is an intricate system that can be disrupted by disease, diet, and emotional stress. Digestive problems can include gas pains, bloating, heartburn, indigestion, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, protein metabolism, and poor appetite. Common digestive problems such as heartburn/GERD, IBD, and IBS cause millions of Americans to suffer daily and limit quality of life. 

1. Indigestion
Also known as dyspepsia, indigestion is marked by a feeling of abdominal discomfort after a meal. Key symptoms include pain or a burning sensation in the upper abdomen.

2. Causes of Indigestion
Indigestion is often caused by overeating, eating too quickly, or consuming an excess of greasy or spicy foods. Certain emotional issues, such as stress or anxiety, can also trigger indigestion.

Indigestion may be particularly common among individuals with the following conditions: gastro esophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcers, abnormality of the pancreas or bile ducts, gastritis, pancreatitis, gallstones, and people taking antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

3. Symptoms of Indigestion
While abdominal discomfort following a meal is the hallmark of indigestion, other symptoms may include: mild to severe pain or burning in the epigastric area (located between the lower end of the chest bone and the navel), bloating, nausea and belching.

4. Heartburn
Ever had heartburn? This occurs when this sphincter isn't working properly and stomach acid manages to splash into the esophagus. If this happens chronically, you might have Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD

5. Leaky Gut Syndrome
The lining of the intestines is a barrier that normally only allows properly digested fats, proteins, and starches to pass through and enter the bloodstream. It allows substances to pass in several ways. 

Chloride, potassium, magnesium, sodium and free fatty acids diffuse through intestinal cells. Amino acids, fatty acids, glucose, minerals, and vitamins also cross through cells, but they do it by another mechanism called active transport. 

There's a third way substances can pass through. The spaces in between the cells that line the intestines are normally sealed. These tight junctions are called desmosomes. When the intestinal lining becomes irritated, the junctions loosen and allow unwanted larger molecules in the intestines to pass through into the blood. These unwanted substances are seen by the immune system as foreign (because they aren't normally present in blood). This triggers an antibody reaction.

When the intestinal lining becomes further damaged, even larger substances, such as disease-causing bacteria, undigested food particles, and toxins, pass directly through the damaged cells. Again, the immune system is alarmed and antibodies and substances called cytokines are released. Cytokines alert white blood cells to fight the particles. This fight produces oxidants, which cause irritation and inflammation throughout the body.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut Syndrome / Intestinal Permeability

Symptoms include: abdominal pain, asthma, chronic joint pain, chronic muscle pain, confusion, fuzzy or foggy thinking, gas, indigestion, mood swings, nervousness, poor immunity, recurrent vaginal infections, skin rashes, diarrhea, recurrent bladder infections, poor memory, shortness of breath, constipation, bloating, anxiety, fatigue, and feeling toxic.

Leaky gut syndrome is associated with the following conditions: autoimmune disease, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, hives, acne, allergies, inflammatory joint disease / arthritis, intestinal infections, pancreatic insufficiency, ulcerative colitis, giardia, chronic fatigue syndrome, eczema, psoriasis, liver dysfunction, food allergies and sensitivities, rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome.

NATURAL DIGESTIVE SUPPORT PRODUCTS

a.     LEAKY GUT

Supports the body’s ability to repair the gastrointestinal tract, cools inflamed tissue and promotes the tissue-repair process. Unhealthy tissues allow for food and other particles to enter the system and are common in creating allergies, commonly known as “Leaky Gut”. Repairing the gut wall is essential for good health and proper digestion and assimilation.

N-Acetyl Glucosamine: Supports the extracellular tissue surrounding intestinal epithelial cells, decreases the binding of some lectins and prevents damage to the intestinal lining.

L-Glutamine: Glutamine is the transporter form which is converted to Glutamic Acid 'as needed' by the body. It is the main fuel that the intestinal cells need for maintenance and repair. It enhances the barrier function's ability to combat invaders.

Vitamin C (Sago Palm): Vitamin C helps tissue rebuilding and is an antioxidant which protects the lining from free radical damage.

Vitamin E Succinate (natural): Vitamin E is an antioxidant and thus helps protect the intestinal wall from oxidation. It also maintains the integrity of all lipid cell membranes. This substance is also an antioxidant.

Lactobacillus Acidophillus: These are friendly bacteria that restore the establishment of colonies to offset bad bacteria and Candida which can inflame the intestinal lining.

Zinc Chelate (elemental): Zinc is essential for proper immune system function. Zinc also helps in the repair of damaged tissue.

Slippery Elm Bark (Ulmus Fulva): Slippery Elm is a soothing demulcent which cools inflamed mucous membranes and stimulates mucus secretions. GINGKO (Gingko biloba): Gingko is known for its effect on improving circulation which is essential to tissue repair.

Deglycyrrhized Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Uralensis): Licorice stimulates circulation promoting healing. It is believed to increase the life of the intestinal cells and coordinates protective substances and other herbs in this formula.

Ion Min Clay: Antiseptic clay that cools and soothes the smooth muscle in the intestines.

Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthemum Tuberosus), Cat's Claw (Dolichos Filiformis) & Gingko Extract: are herbs to promote circulation and support the formula’s intended action. More…

b.    FLORA NORM

A powerful 12-strain probiotic formula that helps restore and support normal bacterial flora in the intestinal tract. Probiotics are needed to support the growth and restoration of normal flora in the intestinal tract. Commonly needed when a person has undergone any antibiotic therapy.

Contains a 12 Strain Probiotic Mix 5BUG/gm: Lactobacillus Plantrium, Lactobacillus Rhamnosusand, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilius, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Helveticus, Lactobacillus Salivarius, Pediococcus Acidilactici & Streptococcus Thermophilus. Plus Apple Pectin & Rice powder. More…

Non-milk (non-diary) based probiotic. Supports the re-establishment of normal bacterial flora in the intestines, or more specifically the colon. This source is carrot based and is lactose free.

Proprietary blend of a non-milk (no-dairy) based probiotics 4 bug/gm, Acidophilus (carrot source), and Apple Pectin. More…

d.    VEGIE ZYMES

Designed to support proper digestion and support the body to relieve the pain of ulcers and aid the symptoms of indigestion, especially when accompanied by acidic/sulfur burps or heartburn.

100% vegetable-based blend of enzymes supporting the digestive process. 

The enzymes found naturally in raw foods are easily destroyed by heat and are not available from cooked or processed food which composes over 90% of our diets. Enzymes are also destroyed by chemicals such as caffeine, alcohol, and drugs (prescription and OTC).  Many doctors, therefore, consider enzyme deficiency to be our #1 nutritional problem. This formula provides an acid-stable balanced mixture of enzymes from a controlled ferment of selected plants for optimum activity in human digestion; it contains no chemicals, preservatives, or milk products. 

Enzymes are the indispensable catalysts of all metabolism and they are the most difficult of all metabolic factors to obtain from our food. We live as long as our body generates enough enzymes to operate its metabolic machine therefore we need outside enzyme sources from foods and supplements to keep our internal reserve intact to protect our continued health and longevity. Our selection of quality vegetable enzymes for this product include consideration to (1) temperature of maximum activity level (2) variety of foods acted upon (3) measured activity level and (4) effective pH range. The enzymes in this product are of 100% vegetable source and have an effective pH range of 2.4 to 9.8.

Amylase: a group of proteins found in saliva, pancreatic juices and parts of plants; helps to convert starch to sugar.

Protease: an enzyme that conducts proteolysis, i.e., it begins the breakdown of food proteins. It is involved in a multitude of physiological reactions.

Lipase: is the main enzyme responsible for breaking down fats in the human digestive system.

Cellulase: is not produced in the body and is needed to optimize the energy contained in plant material.

PLUS, varying amounts of maltase, oxidase, peroxidase, invertase & phosphatase as naturally associated with the above enzymes. Hypoallergenic - contains no chemicals, preservatives, or milk products.  
More… | and click here to see a 2-stage digestive enzyme formula, Di-Aide Enzymes

e.    Digest Ease

Supports stimulation of digestive organs. Activates and enhances digestive secretions and helps to tone the gastrointestinal tract. Also, supports a general reprogramming of the GI tract.

Gentian Root (Gentiana Lutea): An herb broadly used for digestion. Gentian is bitter to taste, because the body responds to a bitter taste, its first response is increased saliva secretion, then neurological receptors respond through the brain to organs of digestion causing a reflex secretion of fluids in the stomach lining, pancreas and liver. This activity reaches the stomach for digestion and enhances digestive properties. Gentian is considered effective for dyspepsia, tonic conditions of the digestive tract and anorexia. It is an aid after prolonged illness, especially when fever and infection were present, to speed recovery though better digestion and assimilation. It is useful in gastritis and intestinal catarrh. If acute irritability and inflammation is present, Gentian may control gastric juices. Gentian also tends to increase circulation to the gastric system and promotes the appetite.

Bitter Orange Peel (Aurantium Amara Cortex): Again, the bitter flavor enhances the flow of digestive juices. This herb is also slightly pungent and has an aromatic quality that encourages increased circulation to the digestive tract. It also helps relieve cramping by relaxing the intestinal tract.

Cardamom Seed (Elettaria Cardamomum): Quite a bitter, but tasty herb with a very pungent taste similar to Orange Peel. Slightly diuretic, because of its aromatic oils, it is known as a carminative and aids flatulence and colic.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Cassia): Aromatic oils and carminative qualities make Cinnamon a plus in digestive formulas and tannic acid in it reacts as an astringent. It also helps cleanse the mucus sludge from the intestinal tract.

Cloves (Caryophyllus Aromaticus): A carminative due to its aromatic oils. Cloves is a good flavoring agent, is slightly laxative, warming, and helps sweeten the digestive tract.  More… 

f.   LIPOZYMES

Dandelion contains high levels of potassium, is a rich source of iron and vitamins, and, ounce for ounce, and contains more carotene than carrots. Dandelion leaves are a powerful diuretic. The roots act as a blood purifier that helps both the kidneys and the liver to remove toxins and poisons from the blood. The roots have been used for centuries to treat jaundice. Dandelion also acts as a mild laxative and improves appetite and digestion. Dandelion stimulates bile which is needed to digest fats.  

Vitamin C: Helps break down fats in the liver.

Niacin: Aids in the metabolism and breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and in the production of hydrochloric acid. Niacin lowers cholesterol, and other fats in the body including those in the liver.

Biotin: Aids in cell growth, in fatty acid production, and in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Choline Bitartrate: A lipotropic* agent which is needed for nerve transmission, gallbladder regulation and liver function. It minimizes excess fat in the liver, aids in hormone production and is necessary in fat and cholesterol metabolism.

Methionine: A sulphur-bearing amino acid used therapeutically as a dietary supplement with lipotropic* action.

Inositol: A lipotropic* agent which is vital for fat and cholesterol metabolism. It also helps remove fats from the liver.

Dandelion Root: Dandelion stimulates bile which is needed to digest fats.

Betaine HCL: A lipotropic* agent and a substitute for hydrochloric acid (HCL).

Red Clover: Red Clover has many benefits for digestion and is commonly used for constipation and sluggish appetite. Red Clover tea stimulates liver and gallbladder activity to aid in digestion. More…

g.  INDIGEST

Designed to support proper digestion and support the body to relieve the pain of ulcers and aid the symptoms of indigestion, especially when accompanied by acidic/sulfur burps or heartburn. Supports a return to healthy digestion regardless of whether symptoms are caused by a heavy protein meal, dysentery, milk poisoning or severe food poisoning. 

Fennel Seed (Anethium Foeniculum): Fennel fits well here due to its aromatic quality. It helps sweeten the intestinal tract. Its aromatic oils help increase circulation in the stomach and the intestinal tract, thereby serving to relax the muscles in that area and relieve cramping. Digestion is also aided by increasing healthy secretions in the intestinal tract and gall bladder.

Slippery Elm Bark (Ulma Fulva): Slippery Elm is a famous American folk herb used in the treatment of intestinal and stomach irritation by American pioneers and Native Americans. It is also very nutritive. It has been used for inflamed stomach and bowels. It has been used for treating diarrhea and also to soothe the pain of an ulcer. It is also used to stop prolonged vomiting.

Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea Villosa): Wild Yam is included because it’s an antispasmodic in the intestinal tract. It’s an antispasmodic to the gall bladder and the ileocecal valve. It’s included because it relieves spasmodic cramping in the stomach and down the intestinal tract. It also supports the adrenal glands due to plant steroids it contains.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra): Licorice Root is soothing as it is somewhat mucilaginous. Evidence indicates that licorice is very healing for ulcers and it is a tonic to the adrenal glands. It helps calm people who lead a stressful life. Many times this is a symptom and cause of ulcers.

Ion Mineral Clay: Has the ability to absorb a large amount of toxic gases and acids. It is also mucilaginous and therefore soothing to the stomach lining and intestinal tract. It is antiseptic and it also aids in the removal of undesirable material from the digestive tract. More…

  

Click Here to View All Natural Digestive Support Products