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The Path to Healthy Digestion

A healthy digestive system may be the key to overall wellness. By Shari Barbanel

ealthy digestion is essential. It is as of the immune system resides in GI tract. serious conditions experienced include, simple as that. When the body is “Digestive disturbances are common diverticular disease, Crohn’s, ulcerative coli- under digestive distress, a person place now days with symptoms ranging tis and pouchitis.” Hmay encounter symptoms, such as from , , feeling full soon abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, after eating, lack of appetite, cramping, con- Why So Distressed? , or . stipation or loose stools,” said Natalie Lamb, The million-dollar question is, why are diges- Digestive issues can result from a number of nutritional advisor for Maryland-based Bio- tive issues so prevalent? There are a number factors, including eating a poor diet, stress, Kult Probiotics, which is manufactured in of factors that can contribute to the issues or intolerances to certain types of food, such Somerset, U.K. by Probiotics International that people are having today. According to as lactose or gluten. And the number of peo- Ltd. (Protexin). “If symptoms reoccur regu- Dr. Rachel Marynowski, a naturopathic ple dealing with digestive issues is staggering. larly the label of irritable bowel syndrome physician that practices at Intonu Wellness in According to the National Institutes of (IBS) is given. IBS is currently estimated to Atlanta, GA, there are many causes of GI Health (NIH), digestive diseases affect affect between 10 and 20 percent of the gen- issues “beginning with poor in-utero health approximately 60 to 70 million Americans. eral population, with approximately 70 per- before a person is even born, C-section deliv- Additionally, gastrointestinal (GI) issues can cent experiencing at least one symptom in ery, being formula fed, food sensitivities, have an effect on the rest of the body’s sys- any year. Food intolerances and allergies are allergies and intolerances, stress, lack of sleep, tems. For instance, approximately 70 percent becoming more widespread, and other more excessive energy expenditure, poor dietary 18 NATURAL PRACTITIONER WWW.NATURALPRACTITIONERMAG.COM MARCH/APRIL 2015 18-22_GI_Digestive Health Feature.v1_Layout 1 3/17/15 11:43 AM Page 20

proteins and healthy fats.” contribute to constipation.” “We have moved so far away from tradi- In addition to poor dietary choices and The Path to tional ways of eating. We buy a lot more acid blockers, genetics, environmental toxins, processed and fast foods for convenience and prescription drugs, a lack of sleep and chron- eat a lot more sugar than our bodies are ic stress are factors when it comes to develop- Healthy used to dealing with,” added Lamb. “Diets ing digestive issues. Further, digestive issues Digestion high in refined carbohydrates and simple can affect just about anyone. While aging can sugars can feed pathogenic bacteria and be a factor when it comes to developing GI yeasts. We have lost connection with where problems, people of all ages can be saddled habits, chronic dehydration, infection and our food comes from and simple cooking with GI distress. And with a rise in food toxic exposure.” skills. We often eat in a rush, in front of the intolerances and sensitivities, more attention The standard American Diet lives up to its TV or computer.” is being paid to the digestive system. acronym—SAD, as it is high in unhealthy Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, director of the According to Hamilton Cabanilla, National fats and processed foods, low in fiber and Practitioners Alliance Network (PAN), Educator for Florida-based Enzyme Science, plant-based foods, which can wreak havoc author of the popular free Smart Phone app the interest has grown due to more con- on the gut. According to Robert Kay, PhD, “Cures A-Z,” and a best-selling author, noted sumers suffering with food intolerances, such chief science office for Florida-based that another key issue with problems, such as as gluten and dairy. “There has also been Advanced Naturals, SAD can “affect the acid reflux and indigestion, “is the destruc- more interest from those with children, on digestive system negatively by depleting ben- tion of enzymes that are critical for digestion the brain/gut connection; specifically how eficial gut microbes. And it should be noted during food processing, and inadequate poorly digested foods may have an effect on that even the ‘healthy’ whole grains turn to stomach acid from aging or excessive use of behavior, health and more,” Cabanilla said. sugar in the digestive tract,” he explained. acid blocker medications,” he said. “For colon “The SAD diet also tends to be high in problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome A Natural Transition unhealthy fats that can be difficult to digest, or dysbiosis, unhealthy gut bacteria or over- Many Americans are now looking beyond especially in older adults. Instead, choose growth of Candida represent the major prob- convention treatments for digestive distress, high-fiber, low-sugar fruits and vegetables; lems. In addition, inadequate water and fiber because they only address the symptoms, not the cause. Cabanilla noted that common treatments have been to block or inhibit Distress Signs stomach acid and the use of , and ccording to Robert Kay, PhD, chief sci- • Acid-suppressing Medications—Acid- that methods have fallen out of favor with ence office for Florida-based Advanced suppressing medications work by reducing many because they only mask the symptoms ANaturals, one of the most prevalent the pH of the stomach, which creates an of the problem. “Standard treatment is pro- causes of GI/digestive health issues has to do environment that can favor the development longed use of acid blockers. Research is with the balance of bacteria in the digestive of gut imbalance or dysbiosis. What many showing that these medications are addic- tract. “There are 100 trillion bacteria inside people who take do not know is tive, and also trigger severe osteoporosis and the digestive tract—some good, some bad, that they may actually have too little acid in nutritional deficiencies,” added Dr. some neutral. The balance of these bacteria the stomach, not too much, as both condi- Teitelbaum. “This is leading to the realiza- helps to determine a person’s digestive tions can create similar symptoms. tion that we have stomach acid for a reason, health, and also their immune and overall • Stress—The detrimental effects of stress and turning it off long term is a major mis- health,” he explained. “Beneficial bacteria in are often discussed, but what you may not take. In addition, there is growing realization the digestive tract help digest food and have considered is that stress has an effect on that indigestion is not from too much stom- absorb nutrients, and they help to support the balance of your gut bacteria as well. Not ach acid, but rather from poor digestion.” the function of the immune system.” only does stress lower the levels of good bac- “The best and only approach is to deter- mine the root cause of dysfunction,” said Dr. Dr. Kay noted that multitude of factors teria, it also affects digestive function. Marynowski. “Once discovered, a treatment can negatively impact the balance of bacteria • Environmental Toxins—Toxins from the protocol can be tailored to meet the needs of in the gut including: environment are known to destroy friendly that individual.” • Poor Diet—The standard American diet bacteria in the gut. Since the middle of the According to Dr. Marynowski, the treat- (SAD), which is high in sugar, refined carbo- 20th century, we’ve introduced more than ment plan should include proper hydration, hydrates, processed meats, unhealthy fats, 80,000 new chemicals into our air, water, suggesting that a person should drink half chemicals and additives, but low in fresh food supply and homes. their body weight in ounces of room tem- vegetables and naturally fermented foods, • Yeast Imbalance and Parasites—When perature water daily. “This is key in support- can be incredibly disruptive to the balance of antibiotics kill off our natural probiotic bac- ing tissues of the GI tract, as well as in mov- bacteria in the digestive system. teria, another organism that can proliferate ing foods and wastes throughout the entire • Aging—As we age, our levels of certain is yeast. Yeast imbalance can lead to leaky gut gut tube (and it’s long!),” she explained. good bacteria start to decrease, especially and a host of other health disruptions. Dietary modification and food elimination Bifidobacteria in the large intestine. Parasites are another potentially invasive are also common treatment suggestions.” • Antibiotics—While these drugs can be intestinal organism that can thrive in an In addition to dietary modification, Dr. lifesaving, overuse and misuse of antibiotics environment that lacks sufficient, friendly Marynowski recommends pre- and probi- is a serious concern. Along with killing path- bacteria. Parasites can be difficult to detect, otics, as well as anti-inflammatories, such as ogenic bacteria, antibiotics also wipe out the and they can trigger a range of digestive essential fatty acids and curcumin, nutrients beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. symptoms. to help rebuild the GI lining if compromised,

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specific food intolerances. For their patients, along with samples of instance, the company’s Complete the products so the patient can try the The Path to Digestion and Critical Digestion are products before buying. The company full spectrum digestive enzyme/pro- also has an education department biotic products that have enzymes to available to conduct phone or online Healthy cover every food substrate in a typical trainings with its practitioner part- meal, including proteins, carbohy- ners. “We feel that education is the Digestion drates, fats, etc. It also contains a key. The better the practitioner under- Lactobacillus Acidophilus DDS-1 and stands digestion and how natural sup- including glutamine, vitamin A, as well as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), while plements may support good dietary other anti-inflammatories. the Identify products (Identify Bean choices and nutrition, the better he “Probiotics are a natural component of a and Veggie, Identify Dairy, Identify can incorporate and suggest natural healthy digestive tract, and today’s modern Gluten) are more specialized for the products to his patients.” lifestyles tend to get our good bacteria out of food intolerances indicated in the And according to Dr. Marynowski, balance,” said Gregory Leyer, PhD, chief sci- product name. Enzyme Science also patients can greatly benefit from their entific officer for UAS Labs in Wisconsin. offers Acid Calm, which helps soothe community of natural health practi- “Supplementing the diet with probiotics is and coat the intestinal tract, stimulate tioners working together to help them an excellent way to maintain or restore intes- GI rebuilding, and provide relief of get well. “The old adage ‘there is a time tinal health as more and more data continue occasional symptoms of indigestion, and place for everything’ also applies to to point to the role of a healthy microbiota acid reflux and heartburn. health care,” she concluded. “I believe (microbial intestinal community) and diges- “Natural approaches such as the use there are many types of wonderful tive health. In my experience, probiotics are of enzymes and probiotics may get to practitioners…medical doctors, chiro- one of the go-to’s that a patient should have the root of digestive disturbances and practors, naturopathic doctors, at their disposal.” contribute to more optimal acupuncturists, cranial sacral therapists, digestive function instead of colon hydrotherapists, health coaches— just masking symptoms while and so on. In bringing as many modali- the causes continue or possibly ties together as possible to care for a worsen,” said Cabanilla. single person, now that’s comprehen- “Optimizing digestion may also sive! In doing so, we can combine the best of improve overall health. By absorbing traditional or conventional treatment with more nutrients out of our foods, we that of the alternative or natural varietal.” Bio-Kult offers a number of products for give our body more fuel and building blocks *These statements have not been evaluated digestive health, including Bio-Kult Advanced to sustain life. We also get rid of waste in a by the Food and Drug Administration. These 14-strain, Bio-Kult Infantis and Bio-Kult more optimal manner. Digestion is the foun- products are not intended to diagnose, treat, Candéa. “The main benefits of the Bio-Kult dation of overall health.” cure, or prevent any disease. product range are that they are multi-strain In addition to probiotics and digestive probiotics providing a wide range of benefits,

enzymes, Advanced Naturals’ Dr. Kay noted Healthy Take Aways do not need to be refrigerated, have a guar- ■ According to the National that fiber is also highly recommended for anteed two-year shelf life, are proven to sur- Institutes of Health (NIH), digestive good digestive health, as well as healthy vive the stomach acidity and reach the intes- diseases affect approximately 60 fats. And while it is ideal to obtain these tine intact and are backed with a growing nutrients from food sources, it is often not to 70 million Americans. portfolio of research,” Lamb said. ■ possible. “It can be difficult to consume all Approximately 70 percent of the According to the company, Bio-Kult of the foods and nutrients our bodies immune system rides in GI tract. Advanced 14-strain is a unique multi-strain require, so along with a healthy diet, we ■ Poor dietary choices, acid probiotic with 14 strains of beneficial recommend taking digestive supple- blockers genetics, environmental bacteria. Bio-Kult Infantis is a scientif- ments, such as high-fiber formulas, toxins, prescription drugs, a lack ically-developed, advanced probiotic omega-3 fish oils, high-potency, formula for babies, toddlers and of sleep and chronic stress are multi-strain probiotics and plant- young children. Lastly, Bio-Kult factors when it comes to develop- based digestive enzymes every day,*” Candéa is a multi-strain probiotic ing digestive issues. he explained. supplement with added garlic and grapefruit seed extract. Taken daily, it could help strengthen the body’s natu- Support System It is said that knowledge is power and FOR MORE INFORMATION: ral defenses against Candida over- the more information that a practi- ■ growth, and may help to prevent it Advanced Naturals, (800) 690-9988, tioner can pass on to the patient, the changing from its yeast-like form to www.advancednaturals.com better. Manufacturers can assist their the invasive filamentous fungus form. ■ Bio-Kult, (800) 899-3413, www.bio-kult.com practitioner partners by offering Like probiotics, digestive enzymes ■ Enzyme Science, (855) 281-7246, information, trainings and other help promote healthy digestion. www.enzyscience.com services that, in the end—will benefit According to Cabanilla, Enzyme ■ the patient. Master Supplements, (800) 926-2961, x 1, Science produces digestive Enzyme Science provides practition- www.master-supplements.com enzyme/probiotic combinations, as ers with literature they can share with ■ UAS Labs, (715) 849-3333, www.uaslabs.com well as different enzyme products for

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