This article is a MUST to read, concerning a healthy gut. Otherwise, many problems can occur when we take digestion for granted and problems occur.
Last Updated 10/21/16
This time of year we tend to focus more attention on holiday
entertaining and indulging in calorie-dense foods and beverages and less
on healthy eating and exercise.
Have you ever given much thought to how your body digests food? Do you have a well-functioning digestive system?
With the holidays fast approaching, this may be a good time to assess your digestive health so you can maintain a
healthy gut.
Here are the basics—the food you eat is a diverse mixture of
carbohydrates, proteins, and fats as well as vitamins, minerals, and
other phytonutrients. The function of your digestive system is to break
down this diverse combination so the nutrients can provide nourishment
and energy throughout your body.
Since you need a variety of nutrients, your digestive system takes
these whole foods and breaks them down into small molecules, using a
variety of mechanical methods and enzyme-containing digestive juices.
You absorb these molecules through the walls of your small intestine and
into the bloodstream where they are transported throughout your body to
be used for energy, growth, and tissue repair.
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Unfortunately,
as we age, the digestive process may become less efficient, leading to
potential nutrient deficiencies. Maintaining health depends in part on a
well-functioning digestive system.
5 Tips to Help Support Healthy Digestion
1: Chew your food thoroughly. Saliva
moistens food particles and provides enzymes to start the process of
starch and fat digestion. Chewing also signals the production of stomach
acid and sets the pancreas and other support organs in motion to
prepare to secrete enzymes into the small intestine.
2: An adequate amount of stomach acid is required to break down
proteins. A decrease in stomach acid production can become more common
as we age, and a variety of diseases and certain medications may also
inhibit sufficient stomach acid production, including the overuse of
antacids. Use antacids as directed and only when needed.
3: Some studies have shown that the production of pancreatic enzymes
may decrease as you get older. Fortunately there are comprehensive
enzyme supplements available to help with an age-related decline.
However, do not kid yourself—supplementing with digestive enzymes will
not make up for overindulging in unhealthy foods. Try starting your meal
with fresh fruit or a salad, as fiber is also important for digestive
health.
4:
Eliminate foods you are allergic or sensitive to. Allergens can cause
an immune response that triggers inflammation in the intestinal tract,
which may interrupt the digestive process. Getting rid of these foods
will help maintain a healthy environment in your GI tract.
5: And finally, especially during this time of year, commit to
managing stress effectively. Research has shown that the intestines
respond negatively to stress, which may impact the digestive process.
Participating in regular exercise and eating meals at regular times in a
relaxed environment may help decrease stress levels.
Understanding causes of digestive issues, how to reduce symptoms, and
supplementing with a comprehensive digestive enzyme product as
appropriate, will help most people enjoy this wonderful holiday season.
These statements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
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