Digestive Malabsorption
Malabsorption is a general term for poor digestion, microbial contamination,
and abnormalities in gut mucosa.
Poor digestion can result from a lack of digestive enzymes, an organ dysfunction,
an illness or as a response to stress. Stress can have profound effect on digestion
and the absorption of nutrients. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is in charge
of governing each stage of digestion. The ENS, or "gut brain," uses
many of the same hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters that the central
nervous system does. These hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters determine
which and how much of each enzyme will be needed, based on what the meal in
question included.
The sensory organs of smell, sight and taste contribute a lot of information
- please chew your food carefully and savor every bite. Enjoying your food is
also an excellent way to alleviate stress. Once food arrives in the stomach
and intestines, sensory receptors pick up additional information that has been
relayed to accessory glands. This triggers the release of enzymes and other
substances that make up the digestive terrain. Sensory receptors are also involved
in releasing protective mucus secreted by stomach glands to protect it from
digestive acids.
Normally, there is a balance between sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic
(relaxed) nervous response. During times of stress, sympathetic response dominates,
and its effects on the gastrointestinal tract can result in the slow movement
of food through the system, as well as a reduction in digestive secretions.
Sphincters that separate the individual compartments of the digestive system
tighten, further impeding the flow of food through the digestive system.
People react to stress in two ways: one may be compelled to eat more, while
another will not want to eat at all. Continued stress will lead to a serious
illness.
Products effective in helping with for poor digestion are Digestive Enzymes,
salt brine, acid supplementation (Betaine HCl, Apple Cider Vinegar, lemon juice),
and food combining.
Microbial Contamination
Hydrochloric acid is extremely strong, killing most of the bacteria that enters
the stomach. Hypochlorhydria refers to low levels of stomach acid, and has been
implicated in gastric ulcers - particularly those that occur in the higher region
of the stomach. Many species of bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori, can
cover the gastric lining and infiltrate deeper layers of tissue, causing mechanical
and biochemical damage. Using antacids makes this situation worse.
Yeast (Candida albicans) organisms are normally found in the colon along with
several species of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. Most of these
organisms are kept in check by the body's reserve of probiotics (friendly bacteria).
However, when the microflora environment is out of balance, caused by use of
antibiotics, chlorinated water, mercury poisoning or chemical drugs, candida
albicans can quickly take over. Early symptoms include excess gas, bloating
and discomfort. Yeast can also colonize other parts of the body as candida mycelia
are transported by the bloodstream. The biggest problem with candida overgrowth
occurs when it grows into the mucosa (mucous membrane). When this happens, holes
are formed that allow undigested particles, toxins, and bacteria to easily enter
the bloodstream causing allergic reactions. Pathogenic bacteria can also putrefy
materials in the colon, producing deadly by-products, noxious gases, and toxins.
Products effective to counteract microbial contamination include probiotics,
digestive enzymes, systemic enzymes, and superfoods.
Abnormalities in Gut Mucosa include "leaky gut," which describes
the condition of having large pores in the intestinal mucosa. The conditions
that are attributable to leaky gut syndrome are many, and include neurological
symptoms (mood swings, anxiety, nervousness, nail biting, finger or cheek chewing,
brain fogginess), chronic joint and muscle pain, gastro-intestinal disturbances
(diarrhea, constipation, indigestion), bladder infections, migraines, poor immunity,
and skin rashes.
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Probiotic microflora helps maintain the delicate balance between the immune
system and the gastrointestinal tract. When this balance is disrupted, disease
and inflammation can result. Immune receptors line the entire gastrointestinal
tract (GIT) to form a protective shield against pathogens, toxins, and other
potentially harmful substances. Your mouth, throat, stomach and intestines are
constantly exposed to a wide variety of microbes and toxic metabolites from
what you eat, drink and breathe. Without active immune agents in your digestive
tract you simply wouldn't survive.
A gastrointestinal tract with adequate mucus production, balanced secretions
of hydrochloric acid (HCl), ample digestive enzymes, proper bicarbonate secretion
from your pancreas, efficient gut motility, and a balance in microflora species
is the basis of good health. Many chronic and degenerative diseases have been
linked to alterations in intestinal microflora. Included are irritable bowel
syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, which in turn encompass celiac, Crohn's,
and ulcerative colitis. Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
and ankylosing spondylitis, have also been linked to disturbances in intestinal
microflora. Restoring healthy intestinal balance in not terribly complicated.
Products for healthy gut mucosa include probiotics, mineral supplements, superfoods,
enzymes, digestive supplements.
Summary
Digestive system support will have direct and immediate effect on your
health. Even if the rest of your body were in perfect shape, it wouldn't
take long before it started failing, if your digestive system was compromised.
You can take simple measures that ensure your digestive system stays
in top shape: eat raw foods, drink lots of energized water and supplement
with probiotics and digestive enzymes.
In the long run, this can ultimately mean the difference between living well,
and barely hanging on.
References
1 Drisko, JA; et al; Probiotics in Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention
Alt Med Rev 2003;8:143-155
2 Head, KA; Jurenka, JS: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Part I:Ulcerative Colitis
- Pathophysiology and Conventional and Alternative Treatment Options Alt Med
Rev 2003;8:247-283
3 Head, KA; Jurenka, JS: Inflammatory Bowel Disease Part II Crohn's Disease
Alt Med Rev 2004;9:360-401
4 Hawrelak, JA; Myers, SP; The Causes of Intestinal Dysbiosis: A Review Alt
Med Rev 2004;9:180-197
5 Helms, S; Celiac Disease and Gluten-Associated Diseases Alt Med Rev 2005;10:172-192
6 Tso, P; Crissinger, K; Overview of Digestion and Absorption. Stipanuk, MH,
ed; Biochemical and Physiological Aspects of Human Nutrition. Philadelphia WB
Saunders Company 2000 pp. 75-90
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