Proper digestion and absorption are two of the most important physiological functions in the body. If these processes are not working properly, optimal health cannot be maintained. Incomplete or disordered digestion can be a major contributor to the development of ill health. The problem can be two-fold: (1) ingestion of foods and nutritional substances are of little benefit when breakdown and assimilation are inadequate (2) incompletely digested food molecules can be inappropriately absorbed into the systemic circulation. This can lead to the development of food allergies and other associated disorders. The digestive tract and its function may be the single most important body component determining health and disease. Maintaining normal digestion, absorption and elimination is a necessity. When these functions are faulty, we may not be aware that these dysfunctions are contributing to many other problems. The impaired digestion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates further contributes to impaired assimilation and nutritional deficiency problems. Therefore, when they are needed, supplemental support of Digestive Enzymes may be even more important. Natural emulsifying agents and Digestive Enzymes are excellent aids to the digestive and absorptive processes. Probiotics There are over 400 species of bacteria living in our digestive tracts. Most of these are ‘friendly’ bacteria that have a mutually beneficial relationship with us, their hosts. However, the gut is also home to some pathogenic (diseasecausing) bacteria which, given the right conditions, can proliferate causing the delicate environment of the gut to be disrupted. The results can be digestive disturbances such as bloating, flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea. Friendly bacteria feed on fibre and in doing so, produce various organic acids that can alter the acidity level of the intestines, therefore controlling the spread of pathogenic bacteria. They also manufacture certain vitamins and aid the digestion of our food e.g. Lactose in milk products. It is therefore very important to ensure that the balance of intestinal bacteria is in favour of the ‘friendly’ strains, which can be achieved by eating an appropriate diet (high fibre and low sugar) and supplementing with probiotics.
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