When the going gets TOUGHimages.theivl.org/2016OFFERS/06JUN/HW086C/When-the... · intestinal flora consists of two classes of bacteria— Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes—and the amount

When the going gets

TOUGH

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B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y T H E I N S T I T U T E F O R V I B R A N T L I V I N G

When The Going Gets Tough…Your digestive system rarely gets the respect it deserves. In fact,

when many people think of digestion, they don’t think beyond

the bathroom.

The reality is your digestive system’s functions go way

beyond breaking down food, sending nutrients into

your bloodstream and eliminating waste products. Your

digestive health influences and is influenced by many

different body systems.

When your digestive function suffers, you open

the door to nutritional deficiencies, food and

environmental allergies, parasites, increased

absorption of toxins, poor immune function,

inflammation, fatigue, and all manner of chronic,

degenerative diseases.

Of these, three areas in particular are especially critical,

namely immune health, healthy weight, and detoxification.

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W H E N T H E G O I N G G E T S T O U G H

Digestion and Immunity

Believe it or not, your digestive tract is a critical part of your

immune system. A full 75 percent of your immune system is in

your gut, which means that all of health truly starts here.

Your immune system is composed of two arms—the

innate/non-specific immune system and the adaptive/

specific immune system.

The innate/non-specific immune system includes

systems that provide overall protection against

any pathogens. These include physical, chemical,

and biological defenses such as mucus, gastric

acids, and beneficial bacteria—all of which can

be found in the digestive system. Additionally,

the innate immune system features cells such as

macrophages and proteins, which attack pathogens.

While the innate immune system acts quickly as the

first line of defense, the adaptive system takes its time

figuring out the best way to protect your body. It is made

up of organisms such as B cells and T cells that target foreign

invaders, “remembering” them and determining the best way to

attack quickly and efficiently.



However, if these systems are compromised and you don’t have the

protection you need within your digestive system, you can get sick.

Sometimes very sick, which is just one reason to maintain healthy

digestion.

Another reason? Your weight.

Digestion and Weight Maintenance

Your intestines contain friendly bacteria (flora) that play a role

in controlling inflammation as well as body weight. More

specifically, these intestinal bacteria influence your

body’s ability to pull nutrients and energy from the

foods you eat, thus playing a big part in helping

control body weight.

Any disruption or imbalance of these bacteria

due to things like poor food choices or antibiotic

use can lead to low-grade inflammation and

weight gain. In fact, research is beginning to reveal

that the types of flora in the intestines determine

whether a person is lean or overweight.

Animal studies show that the majority of the

intestinal flora consists of two classes of bacteria—

Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes—and the amount of these

differs among lean and obese mice. Researcher found

that obese mice had a higher proportion of Firmicutes to

Bacteroidetes (50 percent greater) than the lean mice.

The same results were found in humans with a higher

than normal body mass index compared to lean subjects.



Even more interesting, when researchers colonized lean mice with the intestinal flora from obese

mice, it led to increased total body fat in the lean mice, despite a lack of change in diet.

Plus, gut flora can affect cell metabolism in the liver and fat tissues as well. This, in turn, plays a

role in how glucose and cholesterol levels are maintained, as well as inflammation—all of which

affect your weight.

But the digestion system’s reach doesn’t stop there. Healthy digestion also relies upon healthy

detoxification.

The Digestion-Detoxification Connection

Every day, you are exposed to hundreds (if not

thousands) of chemicals, many of which did not

even exist 100 years ago. These chemicals are

present in the air you breathe, the water you drink,

and the food you consume.

Fortunately, your body is equipped with a two-

phase system to deactivate and eliminate toxins.

» PHASE 1 DETOXIFICATION

Phase 1 breaks down the toxins into water-soluble intermediary substances. It is

carried out by 10 different families of enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase and

glutathione reductase. Not only do these enzymes help prevent the oxidation of fats,

they also help to break down toxins from car exhaust, smoke, drugs, radiation, and

other carcinogens.

There are several problems that can occur during, or because of, phase 1

detoxification. First, the phase 1 detoxification process can produce free radicals.

Free radicals are highly reactive forms of oxygen that are missing an electron.

When they come into contact with normal molecules, they try to steal an electron,



damaging the healthy cell and its DNA. It’s estimated every cell in your body takes

10,000 oxidative hits to its DNA daily!

Secondly, it can create reactive oxygen intermediates (free radicals again) that are

actually more toxic than the original substance. Some of the toxic intermediate

metabolites include: teratogens (which cause malformations in the fetus), mutagens

(which mutate cells), and carcinogens (which cause cancer). This can be dangerous

because free radical damage is involved in inflammation, and hence, heart disease,

cancer, and aging.

Thirdly, certain substances may also stimulate phase 1 enzymes, causing an

overload in the phase 2 system. The most prevalent enzymes in the phase 1 system

are the P450 enzymes. The more P450 enzymes induced in the liver, the more toxic

intermediates will be present in the body. P450 enzymes are induced by caffeine,

alcohol, dioxin, high protein diets, oranges and tangerines, paint fumes, steroid

hormones, organophosphorus pesticides, and many drugs, including sleeping pills,

contraceptive pills, and cortisone.

Fortunately, by supplementing with antioxidants, you can help offset the damage

caused during phase 1 detoxification. Nutrients that help protect the body include:

carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, coenzyme

Q10, and silymarin.

» PHASE 2 DETOXIFICATION

Of course, it is very important for the intermediate metabolites created in phase 1

detoxification to undergo phase 2 as quickly as possible. There is growing scientific

evidence suggesting that certain diseases are the direct result of damage to the

body from poor phase 2 detoxification. Some of the diseases that may be caused

by toxic intermediate metabolites and free radicals include cancer, Parkinson’s

disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, lupus, and immune dysfunction.



In phase 2, various enzymes act directly on the toxic substances by binding

them with protective compounds, thereby either inactivating or neutralizing the

toxins, or making them more readily eliminated from your body. This function is

called conjugation; and one of its key processes requires the presence of the

enzyme glutathione-S-transferase. Other conjugates include amino acids, sugars,

methionine, and sulfur (found in garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables like

broccoli and cabbage).

Just as there are substances that induce phase 1 enzymes, there are also

substances that increase activity of phase 2 detoxification enzymes. Flavonoids,

found in fruits, vegetables and many herbs, help induce detoxification. Ellagic acid,

found in red grape skin, induces several phase 2 enzymes while decreasing phase

1 activity. Other substances that can induce phase 2 enzyme activity include garlic,

rosemary, soy, and cabbage.

Once the substance has been transformed in phase 2 detoxification, it has to

be eliminated from the body through the bile or the urine. Bile is stored in the

gallbladder and released into the intestine to aid in fat digestion and absorption. It

carries many end products of detoxification (including hormones) into the intestines,

where they can be excreted.

Organs of Elimination

In the same way that there are two phases for detoxification, there are also multiple roles that your

organs play in the elimination process. Operating like the well-oiled machine that it is, your body

doesn’t have just one method of elimination, so when one channel cannot handle all the waste in

your body, then another body system will take up the slack.

The main systems involved in keeping you healthy and toxin free are the intestines, liver, and

kidneys.



» INTRODUCING YOUR INTESTINES

Remember how we said that your digestive health plays a

big role in immunity? Well, in his book, Food Is Your Best

Medicine, Dr. Henry G. Bieler describes how toxins in your

colon eventually produce symptoms of disease in other

parts of your body. He calls the lining of the digestive tract

your first line of immune defense. The mucous membranes

that line your intestines are not only designed to absorb

nutrients, but to reject poisonous substances and waste.

They act as a type of selective filter.

When these membranes are overloaded with toxic

material, they become irritated and inflamed. They

no longer are able to process nutrients correctly and

absorb them properly. This gives rise to colitis and other

inflammatory bowel disorders, including Crohn’s disease,

celiac disease, and ulcerative colitis. All of these diseases involve a breakdown of the

intestinal mucosa due to inflammatory processes.

Inflammation and swelling in your intestines also lead to an increased absorption of

toxic materials into the blood and lymph streams, a condition known as leaky gut

syndrome. This gut leakage creates a cascade of negative reactions that adversely

affect every system of your body.

» LEAN ON YOUR LIVER

Your liver is the back-up system to the

intestines. All of the blood coming out of your

intestinal tract passes through the liver before

being carried to other parts of the body. Just as

your intestines are the primary external organ



of elimination (meaning the primary way toxins are pushed out of the body), the liver

is the most important internal organ of detoxification. Its primary job is to neutralize

toxins that get into your system.

In essence, your liver is your second line of defense. When the first line of defense—

your intestines—has been compromised, your liver acts as a backup defensive to

keep toxic substances out of your blood. It is able to do this thanks to hundreds of

enzyme systems that both break down toxins and process nutrients.

In today’s world, your liver has a tough go of it. Not only does it have to process

toxins generated by poorly digested nutrients and leaky gut syndrome, it also has

to process food additives and environmental toxins. With the average person in

America consuming several pounds of these chemicals each year, the liver has its

job cut out for it.

If your liver is burdened with an excessive load of toxins, over time it will begin to

weaken. As the liver gets weaker, it becomes less efficient in filtering toxins, and

your body’s second line of defense starts to crumble. This gives rise to frequent

headaches, sluggishness, lethargy, skin problems (i.e. acne and eczema), weight

gain, bloating, high or low cholesterol, thyroid problems, and PMS symptoms in

women.

» THE KIDNEY CONNECTION

While your liver’s primary job is to prevent

toxins from the gastrointestinal tract from

entering your blood, the primary job of the

kidneys is to filter these wastes out if (and

when) they are in the blood. So, when the

first and second lines of defense have been

breached, your kidneys now take a hit from the

excessive load of toxins.

When the urinary passages are overwhelmed



with irritants, they will become inflamed. This can give rise to various inflammatory

disorders of the urinary tract, and problems like burning urination, irritable bladder,

and frequent kidney and bladder infections. Skin eruptive diseases, swollen

lymph nodes, fluid retention and reproductive problems can also be linked to an

overburdened urinary system.

Acid is the primary waste material that your kidneys filter out of the blood. However,

as your kidneys weaken from nutritional deficiency and an overload of toxins, they

become less efficient at removing acid waste. When they can no longer handle the

acid load, your body has to adopt other measures to neutralize the acid.

To do this, it “borrows” potassium and magnesium from muscles and calcium you’re

your bones to buffer the acid. This results in a breakdown of structural systems

in your body, causing muscle tension and pain, headaches, back pain, leg pain,

osteoporosis, and (arthritis. The calcium used to buffer these acids can also result in

kidney stones and calcification of tissues.

Digestive Conditions and Diseases

Clearly your body’s systems do NOT operate in isolation!

There is an intricate interconnectedness that can spell

health or havoc, depending on your ability to absorb

nutrients from your diet. This means that, even with the

best of intentions, you may be unwittingly undermining

even the most proactive attempt to take care of your

health.

While you may not be able to readily identify things like systemic inflammation, the balance

between Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, or how well your body is detoxing, you can take note

of common digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, gas and bloating, irritable bowel

syndrome (IBS), heartburn, ulcers, and acid reflux.



» CONSTIPATION

Constipation is one of the most common digestive health concerns. In fact, in the

United States, constipation accounts for seven million physician visits per year.

Chronic constipation affects almost one in six adults. Annually, it costs an average of

$3,000 per patient to do all the tests necessary to diagnose chronic constipation and

another $4,500 per person to provide treatment.

Constipation can be triggered by a myriad of factors. One of the most common is

traveling or any change in daily schedule that interferes with your usual bathroom

habits.

Certain medications also can cause constipation. These include antidepressants

(excluding the SSRIs), calcium channel

blockers, pain medications, diuretics,

antihistamines, antispasmodics,

anticonvulsants, anti-Parkinson drugs,

and aluminum antacids.

Chronic constipation is also a hallmark

of many health conditions, including

stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s

disease, diabetes, pelvic floor

dysfunction, and hypothyroidism…just to

name a few.

On the emotional side, stress can

cause things to become plugged up.

In a study of male college students

published in 2010, researchers

discovered that life stress was

significantly higher in the constipated

college students compared to the

control group. A similar study of children

The Problem With Laxatives

Laxatives are often the first choice to resolve constipation, however, they are not ideal because of their potentially adverse side effects.

First, laxatives interfere with helpful intestinal bacteria and cause constipation to become chronic. Second, they can cause cathartic colon, structural damage to the colon associated with stimulant laxatives.



and adolescents found that constipation occurred significantly more frequently in

children exposed to stressful life events.

Finally, lack of exercise and inadequate fluid intake can also lead to constipation.

» DIARRHEA

Diarrhea is technically defined as loose, watery bowel movements. It often involves

gas and abdominal cramping and can frequently involve multiple trips to the

bathroom.

Diarrhea occurs when the food and drinks you consume are either digested too

quickly or ingested in too large an amount (or both) through the colon. While your

colon normally absorbs liquids from the food you eat, leaving a somewhat solid

stool, if the liquids from the foods aren’t properly absorbed, the result is a watery

bowel movement.

Most often, diarrhea is fairly common and not very serious. In fact, the average

person will experience diarrhea a couple of times a year. However, for some people,

diarrhea can last for weeks. In these cases, diarrhea can be a sign of a serious

disorder, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) or other chronic diseases of

the large intestine.

Diarrhea is most commonly caused by a virus that infects the gut and lasts a couple

of days. Viruses that can cause diarrhea include Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus and

viral hepatitis. Rotavirus is a common cause of childhood diarrhea.

Bacteria and parasites such as Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium can also cause

diarrhea. Common bacterial causes of diarrhea include campylobacter, salmonella,

shigella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). This type of diarrhea is frequently referred to as

travelers’ diarrhea.

Many medications can cause diarrhea, the most common being antibiotics.

Antibiotics (literally anti-bacteria) don’t different good from bad bacteria and destroy



them both, which can disturb the natural balance of flora in your intestines. This

disturbance sometimes leads to an infection with bacteria called Clostridium difficile,

which also can cause diarrhea.

Several foods can cause diarrhea, including gluten, lactose, and artificial sweeteners.

Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, namely wheat. Many people cannot

digest gluten, and therefore experience gas, bloating or diarrhea after eating such

products.

Similarly, lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Many people

have difficulty digesting lactose and can get diarrhea after eating these types of

products.

Artificial sweeteners such as maltitol, sorbitol, and mannitol are frequently found in

chewing gum and other sugar-free products. They can frequently cause diarrhea,

especially when consumed in large quantities.

Finally, conditions such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes can also cause diarrhea.

If diarrhea is chronic rather than sporadic, it may be a symptom of other digestion

issues, namely Crohn’s disease, colitis, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

» IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is often marked by gas, cramping, and diarrhea, which

can be cause by a proliferation of unhealthy gut bacteria, improper or incomplete

digestion, anxiety, and damaged and irritated intestinal mucosa lining.

In addition, stomach acid normally provides a barrier against bacteria, fungi, and

other organisms that are present in food and water. People with inadequate stomach

acidity may therefore be at risk of having “unfriendly” microorganisms colonize their

intestinal tract. Some of these organisms produce toxic substances that can be

absorbed by the body.



» GAS AND BLOATING

Both gas and bloating can occur when the foods or beverages you consume

negatively impact your digestive system. See, all injuries—whether due to trauma,

bacterial or viral infections, toxins or allergens—are characterized by an inflammatory

response.

No matter where the injury occurs, the physical manifestations are the same—

redness, pain, stiffness and a reduced range of motion. Other consequences of

inflammation are bloating and swelling, which excess fluid retention in our tissues. For

example, when injury occurs in the intestinal tract, the abdomen and midriff can swell…

or bloat as it were.

When it comes to gas, there are only two sources: swallowed air (which is rare) or

intestinal bacteria. When you ingest certain foods—usually sugars or non-digestible

starches or cellulose—if they are not digested properly when they pass through the

small intestines, the bacteria involved in the digestion process produce gas.

» ULCERS

When you are talking ulcers, it is nearly impossible to not discuss H. pylori.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can withstand the

highly acidic environment of the stomach. It can adhere to the lining of the stomach

and cause damage, although it may not always cause symptoms in affected

individuals.

It is well established that H. pylori causes more than 90 percent of duodenal ulcers

and more than 80 percent of stomach ulcers. H. pylori also causes gastritis, an

inflammation of the stomach lining, which can lead to chronic inflammation or loss of

function of the cells (atrophic gastritis).

Although H. pylori infects the stomach, it has been shown to play a role in the

development of numerous non-gastrointestinal diseases. Research suggests that

H. pylori can cause systemic inflammation as well as decrease the absorption of



nutrients, thereby increasing the risk of several diseases, including cardiovascular

disease.

Approximately two-thirds of the world’s population is infected with H. pylori. In the

United States, it is estimated that 20 percent of people under 40 years old and half

of those over 60 years are infected.

» ACID REFLUX AND GERD

Acid reflux occurs when the gastric contents of the stomach, including digestive

hydrochloric acid, “backs up” into the esophagus. The result is chest pain, heartburn,

and a burned or ulcerated esophageal lining. This tissue damage can cause

hoarseness, constriction, and difficulty swallowing.

Several factors can cause or contribute to acid reflux, including:

• Hiatal hernia

• Excess weight

• Lying down immediately following a meal

• Eating less than two hours before bed

• Spicy, fatty, or acidic foods

• Alcohol or caffeine

• Smoking

• Certain medications, such as NSAIDs, blood pressure meds, and some muscle

relaxants

When acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, it is often characterized as

gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

GERD can be uncomfortable at best, painful at worse, and even downright

dangerous in extreme cases. And the treatments for this condition follow similar

lines.

While some lifestyle modifications such as losing weight or sleeping with your head

slightly elevated have been shown to help, most GERD sufferers have to rely on

medications (usually proton pump inhibitors) or even undergo surgery. However,



long-term intake of PPIs has been raising concerns as of late, and any form of

surgery is a risky endeavor.

Safe and Effective Solutions for Digestive Health

Like nearly every other health condition, diet

plays a critical role in optimal digestion. The

first thing to do is eliminate the foods that put a

strain on your GI tract and throw off the delicate

balance of bacteria in your intestines. These

include spicy foods like chili peppers and any

products that contain refined sugar, refined

carbohydrates (like white flour) and trans fats.

Once these foods are out of your system,

you will likely notice positive changes pretty

quickly. You can accelerate these benefits

by certain foods into your diet—namely fiber,

water, and two very special fruits.

» FABULOUS FIBER

Fiber is a digestion superfood! It not only

helps ease constipation but can bulk up

fecal matter to help alleviate diarrhea.

Ideally, want to aim for 25–35 grams of

fiber per day, preferably from food. . But

most Americans consume way less than

this.

Fill Up On Fiber

INSOLUBLE FIBER:

* FRUITS

* VEGETABLES

* WHEAT BRAN

* SEEDS

* POPCORN

* BROWN RICE

* WHOLE-GRAIN PRODUCTS

(such as breads, cereals and pasta)

SOLUBLE FIBER:

* APPLES

* ORANGES

* PEARS

* PEACHES

* GRAPES

* PRUNES

* VEGETABLES

* SEEDS

* OAT BRAN

* DRIED BEANS

* OATMEAL

* BARLEY

* RYE



There are two kinds of fiber—soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber attracts water and

forms a gel-like substance, which slows digestion and helps you feel fuller longer.

Insoluble fiber adds bulk and helps to keep waste materials moving through the

intestines. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, so it passes through the GI tract

relatively intact.

Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, flaxseed, apples, nuts, beans, cucumbers,

celery and carrots. Insoluble fibers are found in oatmeal, oat bran, seeds, darak leafy

vegetables, nuts, fruit, and dried beans.

If you’d like an extra fiber boost, you can also use fiber supplements. Look for

products that contain ingredients such as barley, alfalfa, flaxseed, and oat bran.

Just remember to hydrate adequately as you increase your fiber intake. If you up

your fiber but don’t take in enough fluids to keep that bulk on the move, you can

actually contribute to constipation. (Think of a beaver dam…you get the idea!)

Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. One great trick for doing this is to sip

on water throughout the day, since downing a big glass all at once may make you

urinate more without helping you pass stool.

» POWERFUL PINEAPPLE AND PAPAYA

Great digestion goes tropical with papaya

and pineapple. Not only are these fruits

rich in both fiber and antioxidants, but they

are a great source of digestive enzymes.

Specifically, pineapple contains the enzyme

bromelain, while papaya is rich in papain.

These enzymes work in harmony with your

digestive system to break down protein-rich

foods like meat, poultry and dairy so that their

nutrients are better absorbed by the body. Plus,

both of these enzymes have anti-inflammatory



properties, making them helpful in relieving stomach upset and ulcers.

Just watch your intake careful. Too much can leave you feeling gassy and bloated.

Superior Supplementation

While a healthy diet is the foundation of great digestion, there are several supplements you can

use to support your body’s detoxification efforts and boost your GI health.

On the detox front, these include green foods, milk thistle, and oil of oregano. For digestion, be

sure to include probiotics, digestive enzymes, aloe vera, amino acids, licorice, and betaine.

Green Foods

While there are foods that are green

(and quite healthy)—things like spinach,

broccoli, lettuce, and peppers—when we

say green foods, we mean something a bit

different. This moniker is most often used

to refer to a category of nutrients that work

to detoxify the body. These include:

• Spirulina

• Chlorella

• Alfalfa

• Barley grass

• Watercress

» PARSLEY

Spirulina detoxifies the kidneys

and liver, inhibiting the growth

of fungi, bacteria, and yeasts.



Because spirulina is so easily digested, it yields quick energy. It is also strongly anti-

inflammatory.

Chlorella is a well-known algae that is an especially effective detoxifier and anti-

inflammatory agent, thanks to its high chlorophyll content, which stimulates these

processes. Because of chlorella’s growth factor, this algae also promotes growth and

repair of all kinds of tissue, including those in the digestive tract.

Alfalfa is grass that contains a rich store of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and

potassium in a balanced ratio that promotes absorption. Barley grass is an excellent

source of all the amino acids, calcium, and iron.

Watercress is a natural blood, kidney, and liver purifier. Plus, it acts as a mild diuretic

and laxative to keep you regular.

Parsley is not only a natural detoxifier, it is also a powerful antioxidant, rich in

carotenoids and vitamins A and C. Plus, parsley boasts a number of critical minerals,

including calcium and iron.

» MILK THISTLE

Milk thistle is a great source of silymarin, a group of flavonoids proven effective

against liver disease in more than 300 studies. Silymarin acts as an antioxidant

and inhibits depletion of glutathione. It also accelerates regeneration of damaged

cells and prevents the reabsorption of toxins that have been passed into the

gastrointestinal tract.

» OIL OF OREGANO

The ancient Greeks recognized oregano for its potent antiviral, antibacterial, and

antifungal properties. Nineteenth-century physicians recommended oregano as a

general tonic.



Today, oil of oregano is used for a myriad of health benefits, including reducing

inflammation, promoting immune health, enhancing lung function, and supporting

optimal digestive health.

» PROBIOTICS

You cannot turn on the TV or open a

magazine without someone touting

the digestive health benefits of

probiotics. And with good reason!

These microscopic “good” bacteria

can wipe out most intestinal

problems, from basic irregularity and

constipation to chronic diarrhea and

IBS, and even gas, bloating, and acid

reflux.

But not all probiotics are created

equal. First of all, many products only

contain one, two, or three strains of

bacteria. Ideally, you’ll want to find

a product that contains a great mix

of both Lactobacilus strains and

Bifidobacterium (often found in the

colon and vagina) strains, including:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus—can survive the acid and bile of the stomach and

intestine

• Lactobacillus casei—can survive a wide pH and temperature range; also

complements the growth of L. acidophilus

• Lactobacillus acidophilus—Latin for “acid-loving milk bacterium;” ferments

sugars into lactic acid



• Lactobacillus plantarum—found in saliva; can liquefy gelatin Lactobacillus

bulgaricus—also known as L. delbrueckii; feeds on lactose to produce lactic acid

• Lactobacillus salivarius—can digest protein quickly; can liquefy gelatin

• Lactobacillus reuteri—secretes reuterin, a substance that has antibiotic and

antimicrobial properties

• Bifidobacterium bifidum—helps synthesis B vitamins and vitamin K in the

intestines

• Bifidobacterium longum—synthesizes 19 different amino acids; digests the sugars

in breast milk

• Bifidobacterium breve—breaks down a wide variety of food, including “non-

digestible” plant fibers; ferments sugars

• Bifidobacterium lactis—often used interchangeably with B. animalis; produces

acids that reduce pH

• Streptococcus thermophilus—helps lactose-intolerant people to digest dairy

Next, you want to make sure these miraculous organisms are able to pass through

the murderous hydrochloric acid of the stomach—ALIVE! Not an easy task! One

great way is to look for a product that offers “delayed-release” capsules that deliver

the living probiotics necessary to balance your gut’s microflora and help fix any

digestive problem quickly.

» DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

Another simple yet powerful solution is the use of digestive enzymes. Your body

needs digestive enzymes to break down the food you eat—whether it’s fat, protein

or carbohydrates—into accessible nutrients to sustain your body.

Digestive enzymes are also your body’s most important anti-inflammatory

substances. They work within your bloodstream to boost your body’s repair process

and keep the inflammatory response under control. This is particularly important

when it comes to digestive issues such as diarrhea, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBS.

In addition to bromelain (from pineapples) and papain (from papayas), which we

discussed earlier, there are several pancreatic enzymes to look for. These include:



• Protease—breaks down protein

• Cellulose—breaks down fiber

• Amylase—breaks down carbohydrates

• Lipase—breaks down fat

» ALOE VERA

Aloe vera gel has been used for centuries as a digestive tonic. It contains

polysaccharides, essential fatty acids, salicylates (aspirin-like substances), and 34

amino acids to help promote optimum bowel health.

Aloe increases the bioavailability of both water- and fat-soluble vitamins, and

has been credited with improving the digestion and assimilation of dietary

protein. Additionally, aloe promotes a natural and gentle laxative effect to help

with occasional constipation, and has been shown to be remarkably effective in

combating harmful bacteria, yeast and viruses, especially against H. pylori.

» AMINO ACIDS

The key to the amino acids’ benefits lies in their ability to neutralize. The liver

must immediately neutralize anything that produces ammonia in the body. The

two biggest ammonia producers are animal protein and over-the-counter drugs

including pain relievers, sedatives, and diuretics. No wonder America has so many

health concerns!

Within the amino acid family, four are particularly powerful when it comes to

detoxification and digestion: cysteine, methionine, glutathione, and taurine.

Cysteine may help to detoxify heavy metals such as mercury, lead, and cadmium.

Its use orally may reduce alcoholic liver damage and even protect against

environmental pollutants including carbon monoxide, chloroform, and certain

herbicides.



Methionine is a natural chelating agent and may help the liver detoxify heavy metals

absorbed through the skin. It also helps neutralize ammonia and creates ammonia-

free urine, which reduces the occurrence of bladder irritation and infections. It is also

thought to help repair and protect irritated or ulcerated esophageal tissue.

Glutathione is primarily synthesized in the liver. It is involved in DNA synthesis and

repair, protein and prostaglandin synthesis, amino acid transport, and metabolism

of toxins and carcinogens. Glutathione deficiency is associated with aging, diabetes,

and gastrointestinal disease, as well as several neurodegenerative disorders affected

by a poorly functioning liver.

Lastly, taurine helps to stimulate the bile synthesis necessary for proper metabolism.

Plus, it has great antioxidant properties.

» LICORICE

No, we aren’t talking about those amazing ropes of red and black deliciousness.

Instead, we are referring to deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL).

While most of the research on DGL has been focused on upper GI health, including

ulcer healing, its use clinically finds that it helps to reduce intestinal irritation.

Additionally, a form of DGL—glycyrrhetic acid—has been used outside the U.S. for

treating gastric and duodenal ulcer disease.

w

» B E T A I N E

This natural compound helps increase digestive activity and helps prevent the loss

of potassium that often results from digestive complaints. It also helps to produce

the hydrochloric acid your stomach need to properly digest food. Plus, research

shows that betaine can help lower homocysteine levels by up to 75 percent.



Digestive Health Equals Optimum Health

Maintaining healthy digestive function is

foundational to all other health pursuits. Even

those fortunate enough not to suffer from

digestive dysfunction should take steps to protect

healthy GI function, which is critical for sustained

healthy aging.

Clinical practice and testing clearly demonstrate

it is the rare individual who has a totally pristine

digestive tract. Optimal absorption of nutrients

from foods and supplements consumed depend

upon optimal digestive health.

Use of specific nutrients to protect, soothe and

support the colon is the first step toward health

optimization for the entire body.

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