Risk and Rewards of Digestion

Our gastro intestinal tract is a complex system that digests food and absorbs nutrients to feed our cells; it is also where 90% or more of our immune system works. The third component of this system is that it is where we find a high concentration of toxins. In addition to this, there are many nerve endings in the intestines so emotional stress affects the system. No wonder so many people complain about digestive issues.

One must remember that digestion starts in the mouth as one chews, since saliva contains enzymes that begin to break down carbohydrates. Once food reaches the stomach, hydrochloric acid and pepsin begin the digestion of proteins and fats. As this “mush” moves into the small intestine, pancreatic enzymes mix continue this process. There is also enzymatic activity at the level of the villi of the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed thru the intestinal wall into the blood stream. This is an amazing process!

One of the most interesting facts is the population of the intestines. There are over 500 different species of bacteria in human intestines. It is a highly complex and genetically diverse population that interact with one’s entire body as somewhere between 40% and 80% of the immune system resides. This bacterial community is called the microbiota and can be greatly affected by stress that increases the level of inflammation in ones body.

In a study published in Brain Behavior Immunology 2011, mice were exposed to a social stressor and the findings stated, “Stressor exposure significantly changed the community structure of the microbiota, particularly when the microbiota were assessed immediately after stressor exposure.”  The Bacteroides (common to mammalian intestinal flora) were decreased and the Clostridiums (about 100 species of which 5 are responsible for diseases in humans) were increased. This certainly indicates that stress weakens the innate immune system of the intestines and causes changes in this balance.

As inflammation increases, so do diseases such as cancer, auto-immune diseases (Sjogren’s, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis) and the specific auto-immune diseases of the large intestine (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Inflammatory Bowel Disorder) as well as cardiovascular disease.

While many diseases are treated with medication, the side effects often affect the large intestine with either diarrhea or constipation. Many disrupt the microbiota, leaving the digestive tract further susceptible to inflammation and infection. The use of antibiotics destroys much or all of the microbiota leaving the body at risk.

As patient complaints rise, one might look at simple and effective ways to bring healthy balance back to the microbiota. There is evidence that the quality and quantity of bacteria in the intestines contributes to the reduction of inflammation in the body. Certainly fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt, kim chee, kombucha, and sauerkraut have wonderful digestive value, as do cleansing procedures. Colonic irrigation therapy promotes large intestine cleansing as it removes pathogenic bacteria, fungi, yeasts and parasites. Without re-establishing a healthier balance, these pathogens can quickly reproduce in the dark, warm and moist environment of the large intestine. The introduction of selected probiotics when administered in a suppository form will rapidly establish a healthy microbiota that has a beneficial effect on the digestion, liver, kidneys, and immune system.

To maintain and promote healthier digestion, one can look at food combining for easier digestion, take digestive enzymes when appropriate, add vegetable juicing to their daily program, and eat smaller meals. From an emotional angle, one can take 10 or 15 minutes each day to sit quietly and participate in some form of meditation or biofeedback technique, with rhythmic breathing and a removal of thought, ‘just let things go’. When one can find a method to release stress, studies have shown that it will support ones physical health.

Whatever approach or combination one uses, the value is in greater quality of life and energy to enjoy all that is beautiful.