Digestive Health

Optimal digestive health ensures that food is broken down and processed into fuel, and then sufficiently absorbed for energy. Therefore, proper diet and nutritional intake are crucial. However, countless problems may hinder this process, and it's vital to be aware of these possible conditions for Digestive Health

“Indigestion” refers to any number of gastrointestinal complaints, which can include gas (belching or flatulence) and upset stomach. “Heartburn” refers to a burning feeling that can be caused by stomach acid regurgitating into the esophagus from the stomach, by gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach), or by an ulcer of the stomach or duodenum (also called peptic ulcer). In some cases, such as lactose intolerance, symptoms of indigestion are due to a specific cause that requires specific treatment. Sometimes, symptoms associated with indigestion are caused by diseases unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract. Know your Digestive Health

Diet and nutrient intake are critically important in the proper function of the digestive system. We must keep the system running properly if it is to perform it's function adequately. The digestive system is responsible for the complex process of breaking down fuel (food) and allowing for the absorption of nutrients into our bodies. Failure can occur at either point, leading to a defect in digestion (maldigestion) or a failure in absorption (malabsorption), which may trigger the development of a number of related digestive problems. Because the symptoms for both maldigestion and malabsorption overlap, these conditions are difficult to diagnose.

Other problems related to the digestive system include constipation, candidiasis, abdominal bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome. Constipation effects over 4 million people on a regular basis. Typically, this is caused by poor fiber intake, poor water intake and imbalance in the bacterial content of the colon, or candidiasis. Candidiasis can be caused by a deficiency of friendly bacteria, which allows an overgrowth of yeast (the most common being Candida albicans) and can lead to symptoms manifested by reflux, abdominal bloating, lethargy and a host of other symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the more common digestion problems seen in the country, and candida may also play a role in its symptoms.

Constipation is a condition in which a person experiences a change in normal bowel habits, characterized by a decrease in frequency and/or passage of hard, dry stools. Constipation can also refer to difficult defecation or to sluggish action of the bowels.

Purported symptoms of chronic candidiasis are fatigue, allergies, immune system malfunction, depression, chemical sensitivities, and digestive disturbances.^{3 4} Conventional medical authorities do acknowledge the existence of a chronic Candida infection that affects the whole body and is sometimes called “chronic disseminated candidiasis.“

Eating disorders are complex conditions involving psychological factors and nutritional deficiencies. The term eating disorders includes anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge-eating. The psychological factors may include an inability to cope with stress, problems with family and other relationships, feelings of deprivation, and experiences of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Psychotherapy is an essential part of the treatment for eating disorders, along with nutrition counseling and medical care as needed.

As we age, the function of the intestinal system changes. Often, acid levels decrease, and poor digestion occurs, which can lead to symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, and bloating. Digestive enzymes may help reduce the occurrence of these symptoms.

Diet and nutrient intake are critically important in the proper function of the digestive system. We must keep the system running properly if it is to perform it's function adequately. The digestive system is responsible for the complex process of breaking down fuel (food) and allowing for the absorption of nutrients into our bodies. Failure can occur at either point, leading to a defect in digestion (maldigestion) or a failure in absorption (malabsorption), which may trigger the development of a number of related digestive problems. Because the symptoms for both maldigestion and malabsorption overlap, these conditions are difficult to diagnose. Digestive Health

Your diet and lifestyle largely determine whether there are more good bacteria or bad bacteria in your digestive system. You want higher numbers of probiotics (which means "for life") because of all the good things they do: They produce vitamin A and the B vitamins, enhance your absorption of nutrients, help you digest food properly,and stimulate your body's production of immune-boosting substances like IgA (immunoglobulin antibodies). They also crowd out bad bacteria.

In some cases, such as lactose intolerance, symptoms of indigestion are due to a specific cause that requires specific treatment. Sometimes symptoms associated with indigestion are caused by diseases unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract. For example, ovarian cancer may cause a sensation of bloating. Anyone with symptoms of indigestion should be properly diagnosed by a healthcare professional before assuming that the information here is applicable to their situation.

When considering the ideal diet for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption, please keep in mind that what's "ideal" can vary from one person to the next. It depends on a number of factors, including metabolism, current health status, and any existing food sensitivities.