Digestive Malabsorption
Summary
Malabsorption is a general term for poor digestion, microbial contamination,
and abnormalities in gut mucosa.
Digestive system support will have direct and immediate effect on your
health.
If your digestive system is compromised, it won't be long before your
general health fails.
You can take simple measures to ensure your digestive system stays in
top shape:
- eat raw foods
- drink lots of energized water
- supplement with probiotics and digestive enzymes.
This can ultimately mean the difference between living well, and barely
hanging on.
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 byproducts, 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, gastrointestinal
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.
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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