Indigestion
A very common health situation involves digestion. Food quality, food sensitivities, refined carbohydrates, genetically modified foods, bacterial, viral, and/or parasitic infections (commonly undiagnosed), and autoimmune conditions, lead to the inability of the body to correctly digest food. The result?
Abdominal pain, burning feeling in the upper abdomen, heartburn, nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, vomiting, flatulence and, of course, that “tire” around the waist.
The liver, pancreas and gallbladder are closely connected to the digestive tract. The liver is similar to a chemical processing factory and has many functions, including the production of the digestive liquid called bile. The gallbladder stores and concentrates this bile, while the pancreas produces a juice that contains powerful digestive enzymes.
As the liver is one of the largest and most important internal organs, especially in the digestive system I wanted to explain more about it.
Liver function
The liver produces cholesterol and bile from the breakdown of dietary fat and old red blood cells. Using amino acids it makes protein and stores iron, vitamins and more. It also removes substances such as poisons and waste products from the blood, excreting them or converting them to safer substances.
The liver is the most vulnerable to deficits in function. Today’s diet, combined with environmental stresses and a hectic lifestyle, subject the liver to too many refined carbohydrates, fats, chemical toxins, and devitalized foods that can disrupt the liver’s intricate biochemical processes. Because it is responsible for eliminating the very toxins that cause these disruptions, any deficits in liver function can lead to a cycle of liver deterioration.
Performing over five hundred different functions each day, the liver requires many different nutrients to operate efficiently. Nutrients to support healthy liver function are vital in many cases and certain foods can aid digestion, such as leafy green fresh vegetables.
Bacteria, Virus, & Parasites
You may be suffering from a chronic low grade bacterial infection such as H. Pylori (breath test is most accurate test to diagnose this). This is extremely common. It left untreated it can result in digestion issues. An undetected or untreated virus such as Epstein Barr or a parasite could also be affecting digestive function. Labs may be need to confirm, but once you are diagnosed there is nutrition supplement support available for these conditions.
Leaky Gut
Most people with digestive issues have some degree of leaky gut. It is very important to “plug these leaks” with proper nutrients and figure out trigger food and eliminate them from the diet.
Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can be the cause of and/or perpetuate digestive issues. If you have an autoimmune or chronic viral condition it is very important to support the immune system and decrease inflammation. There are many nutrients which support this process. Remember that not all supplements are created equal and adequate dosage may vary depending on the individual. It is best to make decisions for what products and dosage is right for you with your integrative care provider.
Reflux
Enzymes
Enzymes are what our body uses to break down food so we can absorb the nutrients. Enzymes are present in raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Additional enzymes are secreted in the digestive system, mostly by the pancreas, for proper digestion. In some cases the pancreas does not properly secrete adequate amounts of enzymes. This can affect the breakdown of nutrients and lead to leaky gut issues if left untreated. Digestive enzyme supplements may be beneficial in the short term while on a program to heal gut and bring back optimal digestive function. In some cases digestive enzymes may need to be used permanently in cases where pancreatic enzyme function is unable to be restored.
Additional Support
Fiber is very important to maintain good digestive function and general gastrointestinal health. Make sure you are eating lots of fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid juices since they are high in sugar and do not have any fiber. Additional fiber supplements may be beneficial. For those with major digestive issues, where high fiber foods are irritating, it is suggested to heal the gut and bring down inflammation first before increasing fiber in the diet.
Seventy percent of your immune system is in your gut. Probiotics are the good bacteria that protects your gut by building your immune system. Most people benefit from a probiotic of some form to replenish their good bacteria. This is because both good and bad bacteria reproduce and multiply in the body. The more good bacteria fighting the bad guys, the less the bad guys can reproduce. A good probiotic contains billions of soldiers to build your army to protect your digestive system! You can get probiotics through a supplement or by eating fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha. Depending on symptoms and medical history I usually recommend a range anywhere from 10-100 billion colony forming units (CFU) depending on condition and antibiotic history. Some people need to start low and go slow to work up to larger doses depending on their medical condition. Consult with your nutrition or integrative care specialist to determine what is right for you.