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Digestonal™
How the Digestive System WorksOur body has a complex system of breaking down the food we eat.
It all begins in the mouth with the salivary glands producing saliva that contains a digestive enzyme that breaks down the starch in food into smaller molecules. Next, the digestive glands in the stomach lining produce stomach acid and an enzyme that digests protein. One of the puzzles of the digestive system is why the acid juice of the stomach does not dissolve the tissue of the stomach itself. A layer of mucus lines the stomach to act as a barrier against this acid (although food and other tissues of the body are unable to resist the acid). If the mucus layer is damaged, acid can irritate the underlying tissues. After the stomach empties the food and its juice into the small intestine, pancreatic juice, containing a variety of enzymes to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins continues the process of digestion. Other enzymes that are active in the process come from glands in the intestinal wall. The liver produces bile, another digestive juice. The bile is stored between meals in the gallbladder. At mealtime, it is squeezed out of the gallbladder into the bile ducts to reach the intestine and mix with the fat in our food. Bile acids dissolve fat into the watery contents of the intestine, similar to detergents that dissolve grease from a frying pan. Once the fat is dissolved, it's digested by pancreatic enzymes and enzymes found in the intestinal lining. Although it depends on the specific type of nutrient, digested molecules of food—as well as water and minerals—are absorbed from the cavity of the upper small intestine. The absorbed materials cross the mucosa into the blood and are transported via the bloodstream to other parts of the body for storage or further processing. Amazingly, all this takes between 90 minutes to three hours, depending, in part, on the food's fat content. The major portion of a meal goes from the small intestine to the first part of the large bowel, the colon. The food and nutrients that are not utilized are then excreted from the body. |
An Estimated 62 Million Americans With Digestive Disorders Could Benefit From This Natural, Healthy ApproachJohn E. King, M.D., editor-in-chief of Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health, recently estimated that some form of digestive disorder affects more than 100 million Americans. 1 That’s a staggering 30% of the U.S. population! Sure, for some people it's merely a temporary case of dyspepsia, or indigestion. But for others, chronic dyspepsia can eventually result in a serious illness … or in disease.
And while the world’s leading healthcare practitioners agree that poor digestive health is the root cause of disease, as a group we Americans choose to ignore it … until it’s too late. Why? Know this: medical doctors have identified DOZENS of diseases associated with poor nutrition and indigestion. Health & Disease: Two Sides of the Same CoinNutrition, digestion, absorption, and bacterial balance all play significant roles in the health of your gastrointestinal tract. That is, in your overall health. You see, efficient absorption of the nutrients in the food you eat is at the foundation of a strong immune system. Yet poor digestion and malabsorption of these same nutrients is at the foundation of pain, illness and disease.According to Deepak Chopra, M.D., digestion allows the nutrients you ingest to be broken down, after which they are “combined again in such a way as to re-create every cell, every organ, every tissue of the human body." 2 Why we become diseased is now self-evident: improper digestion causes improper re-creation of your cells, of your organs, of your tissues. That is: it causes disease! And while it can take years for the consequences of poor digestion to manifest in serious illness or disease, you personally plant the roots every single day of your life by not taking the right action against it. So how do you know if you are unknowingly leading yourself down that long dark path toward disease? The telltale signs are … 3
What is Dyspepsia?Dyspepsia is the medical term used for indigestion … and indigestion is the term used to describe pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest that usually develops after a meal. It may also be accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, belching, or even vomiting.
In other words: dyspepsia is a syndrome — a cluster of related symptoms or disorders. What Causes Dyspepsia?Dyspepsia may be caused by disease or by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. It can also be the result of consuming high-fat foods and by eating too much or too fast—as we often do when feeling stressed.
Low Stomach AcidStomach acid (technically known as hydrochloric acid) is essential for proper functioning of the digestive system. But an estimated 30% of North Americans have low stomach acid—which helps explain the huge numbers of people suffering from dyspepsia. Natural aging, poor diet, chronic use of certain medications, and past infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria can impair the stomach's ability to produce acid. (This is actually a case of "the chicken or the egg." Are individuals susceptible to H. pylori because of low stomach acid, or does the bacteria cause the low stomach acid?)In their book, Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You: Natural Relief for Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux & GERD (M. Evans & Co; 2001), Drs. Wright and Lenard state: "After 30, 40, or more years of digesting or attempting to digest everything we put in our stomachs—not just food, which the stomach is designed to handle, but also refined sugar, caffeine, distilled alcohol, grease and oxidized oils, fluoride and chlorine from water, chemical flavorings and colorings, pesticides, herbicides… Why would anyone except an antacid salesman or the average gastroenterologist imagine that our stomachs would make more acid, more pepsin, and digest things more efficiently as we get older? Common sense says that after 30 or 40 years, the stomach slows down, just like the rest of [our body], and makes less acid, less pepsin, and digests things less efficiently." The “chicken vs. egg” equation now becomes clear. The reality is … If over-acidity were the cause of ulcers and dyspepsia, then teenagers who secrete plenty of hydrochloric acid would suffer from indigestion problems a lot more than their grandparents! Yet, this is clearly not the case! "So why," you ask, "would we want to take antacids or acid blockers when our stomachs are weak and not digesting adequately already?" The answer is obvious: most people want symptomatic relief. And they get it by taking popular over-the counter antacids and prescription drugs. But there's a price to pay, which we'll discuss in a minute. But first, it's important to know that studies show that the production of stomach acid decreases with age.
The Importance of Digestive EnzymesInadequate digestive enzyme production may also be the cause of dyspepsia. Enzymes are catalysts that make metabolic functions within the body possible. In fact, nothing takes place in the body that doesn't involve enzymes in some way.Let us be clear: the way our brain thinks, our muscles move, and how our stomach digests food are all affected by the behavior of specific enzymes. Like the production of digestive juices, as we age our body's enzyme supply decreases. Enzyme production can also be over-taxed by poor diet, illness, environmental toxins, and stress. Enzymes found in raw, whole food can help the body degrade nutrients and lessen the burden of digestion on the body. Heating food through over cooking it, however, usually destroys these enzymes. But there is something you can do to offset this … and that is simply taking enzymatic supplements. Enzymatic supplementation taken with a meal can assist in the digestive process and help the body to better absorb and utilize nutrients, slow down the aging process, and improve overall health. It does this in five essential ways, by…
Why Heartburn Hurts So MuchNormally, food travels from the mouth down to the esophagus and through a sphincter muscle to get to the stomach. But if you find yourself wishing you could douse the fire burning behind your sternum, it's because the sphincter muscle between the stomach and esophagus has relaxed, allowing food, stomach acid, and other digestive juices to travel back up into the esophagus. When your stomach is full, there's more of a chance of this happening because extra pressure is placed on the valve.Many people get heartburn occasionally, especially after large meals. In fact, about one in 10 Americans have heartburn every day. But if it happens frequently or causes severe symptoms, it's called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The sphincter muscle doesn't work properly and relaxes more often than usual in people who have GERD, but it isn't fully understood why this happens. And according to a new study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, eating too quickly may be a major cause of gastroesophageal reflux. 8 The main symptom of GERD is heartburn. The stomach has a mucous lining to protect it from damage by stomach acid. However, there is no mucous lining in the esophagus, so stomach acid irritates it, causing a burning sensation. If severe, the pain can be hard to distinguish from a heart attack. Sometimes food is even regurgitated from the stomach back into the mouth. Severe cases of GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus which results in scarring and narrowing of the esophagus making it difficult to swallow.9 It's important to get GERD under control because it can lead to other serious health problems, including:
But, like dyspepsia, there is something you can do now to stop GERD in its tracks! How Nutrients are AbsorbedWhen levels of stomach acid, bile, or digestive enzymes fall below optimal levels, digestion suffers and food allergies and malabsorption increase.Stomach acid activates digestive enzymes that break down food into small particles for absorption. Low acidity may result in only partial digestion of foods, leading to the plethora of symptoms we've been discussing. A combination of low acidity and undigested food makes it easier for bacteria and parasites to colonize the stomach or small intestine, and interfere with the digestion, absorption of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Remember these important facts about digestion: FACT: Stomach acid (Hydrochloric acid) stimulates the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile into the small intestine which digest and absorb carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. FACT: Hydrochloric acid converts pepsinogen into the enzyme pepsin which breaks proteins into smaller peptides that are absorbed by the small intestine. FACT: Hydrochloric acid assists the absorption and assimilation of vitamins and minerals including ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, folic acid, and iron. WARNING: Dr. Jonathan Wright has made the following observation: Individuals who take acid-blocking drugs have a harder time absorbing calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, chromium, selenium, manganese, vanadium, molybdenum, cobalt, and many other "micro-trace" elements. 10 Don’t Choose a Cure That is Worse Than the Disease!Digestive drugs (commonly known as ‘antacids’) can actually cause digestive distress!There are many prescription and over-the-counter medications that neutralize or block gastric acid and provide quick, temporary relief—but they won't cure your dyspepsia, and they may make it worse and lead to other health hazards. Here's why: Antacid medications disturb the normal feedback mechanism that controls stomach health … which is acid production! Under normal circumstances, stomach acid secretion helps balance the growth of stomach cells, especially the acid-producing cells. But when we artificially block the production of stomach acid using drugs, the body responds by producing too much gastin—a stomach hormone normally blocked by our stomach acid production. This results in a condition known as Hypergastrinemia. This excess gastin production causes changes in the stomach cells, notably a proliferation of acid-producing cells (causing a rebound ability of our stomach to produce acid). 11 It may also result in cancerous-like stomach growths. 12 The end result is an overproduction of acid after stopping these drugs—beyond what is normal and needed. This sets up a vicious cycle because the drugs very effectively turn off stomach acid until we stop using them. However, they also stimulate the growth of acid-producing stomach cells giving us even more acid production once we stop. Even worse … these drugs may actually promote stomach cancer because of the changes they cause! Equally troubling, studies show that aged animals are much more susceptible to these adverse changes than young ones.13 All of these drugs were initially approved only for the short-term treatment of ulcers or gastric reflux. Problem is, they are now increasingly used as a daily, long-term quick fix with potentially disastrous long-term consequences. Here’s the inside story:
A natural remedy is the ONLY answer. Here’s why… Prescription Heartburn Drugs Reduce the Production of Stomach AcidKnown as histamine (H2) blockers, these popular drugs (e.g., Tagamet®, Pepcid®, Axid®, and Zantac®) are available over the counter and by prescription. Not only do they take a while to work, but there is concern that they can mask the symptoms of an active ulcer and existing cancer of the stomach or esophagus. 16Many drugs interact with H2 blockers (particularly with Cimetidine—Tagamet). These drugs decrease the body's ability to excrete caffeine. Those who consume large quantities of caffeine may experience tremors, insomnia, or heart palpitations. What’s more … Cimetidine may increase the likelihood of alcohol intoxication. 17 H2 blockers also produce side effects such as dizziness, depression, and hallucinations in elderly individuals, or those who are unable to adequately excrete the drugs (i.e. people with kidney disease). High doses, taken over a long time, have caused breast enlargement and sexual dysfunction in men. H2 blockers can also cause liver toxicity or decreased platelet counts. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are stronger drugs used to treat acid-induced inflammation, ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). These drugs block acid production, and come with their own set of side effects. These commonly include:
Despite the widely known and publicized negative side effects of antacids, they are huge business. Most people will do anything to avoid the heartburn that blazes after a favorite meal … even if relief is accompanied by headache, diarrhea, increased gas, or bloating … all common drug side effects. 5 Powerful Natural Solutions for Digestive HealthArtichoke Leaf ExtractClinical studies show that the large basal leaves of Artichokes contain antioxidant, liver-protective, bile-enhancing, and lipid-lowering effects. The artichoke plant (Cynara scolymnus) is a relative of the well-known liver detoxifier, Milk Thistle, and is one of the oldest known cultivated plants in the world.Used as a food and traditional remedy in the Mediterranean region since the 4th century B.C., the artichoke's use as an aid for indigestion, insufficient liver function, and high cholesterol is now being proven in scientific studies. 20 Promotion of bile flow is the basis for the beneficial effects of Artichoke Leaf Extract on the gastrointestinal system. Bile is a thick, yellowish green fluid produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder. It is then released into the small intestine where it aids in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Good bile flow is also necessary for detoxification which is carried out by the liver. Bile serves as a carrier for the toxins that are excreted by the liver which are then sent to the intestine for their exit from the body. Cholesterol is also excreted in this way. Bile also helps keep the small intestine free of parasites. It promotes intestinal peristalsis and helps soften stool by promoting the incorporation of water which helps prevent constipation. 21 Decreased bile flow—medically known as Cholestasis—is a major cause of dyspepsia. The most common cause of cholestasis and impaired liver function is alcohol ingestion. In individuals who are especially sensitive, as little as one ounce of alcohol can damage the liver, which results in fat being deposited in the liver. On the other hand, gallstones are the most common cause of bile duct obstruction. Gallstones affect approximately 20 million people in the U.S. and are linked to a high-fat, low-fiber diet. 22 Cholestasis may also be caused by viral hepatitis, certain drugs and chemicals, pregnancy, hereditary disorders, or hyperthyroidism. Regardless of the cause, the consequence is that cholesterol and toxins remain in the liver which can injure liver cells and function. Scientific StudiesA variety of clinical in vitro and in vivo studies on artichoke all confirm its traditional use to treat gastrointestinal complaints and protect the liver. Based on recent clinical studies, it also shows great promise as a treatment for high cholesterol.In an early German study, participants were given a one-time dose of Artichoke extract or placebo, and their bile secretion was measured with special techniques over a several-hour period. The bile secretion was found to be significantly higher in the group that received the Artichoke extract. 23 In another German study that included 553 patients with dyspeptic complaints and 279 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the patients took a recommended dose of 2 capsules each of 320 mg of Artichoke extract, three times per day with meals. All five IBS symptoms—abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, right-sided abdominal cramps, and constipation—along with general dyspepsia were significantly reduced after 6 weeks of treatment. The patients noticed improvement in their symptoms after an average of 10.4 days of treatment, and 84% of both patients and physicians rate the overall effectiveness of Artichoke extract as good or excellent.24 A double-blind clinical trial that studied the impact of Artichoke extract on 44 healthy individuals with high cholesterol levels greater than 220 mg/dl found that it significantly decreased their cholesterol levels. In fact, the higher the initial cholesterol value, the more significant was the reduction in cholesterol levels. It was also observed that the protective HDL cholesterol levels showed a tendency to increase. 25 In vitro studies on rat liver cells found that Artichoke extract reduced the formation of cholesterol for several hours following exposure. 26 Artichoke Leaf Extract is well tolerated and has no significant side effects. Although no known allergic reactions have been reported, those with known sensitivities to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants should avoid it. The verdict’s in: Artichoke Leaf Extract is an excellent digestive aid for dyspepsia... It is especially effective for combating bloating, constipation, flatulence, and diarrhea. It is also a general tonic used to improve liver function, including detoxification. Artichoke Leaf Extract does this by:
Mastic GumMastic gum is a natural substance derived from the sap of a variety of pistachio trees (Pistacia lentiscus) that grow in the Mediterranean. It has been used for centuries in Italy and Greece as a traditional remedy against stomach upset, ulcers, and heartburn. 27Today, mastic is used primarily for gastrointestinal health and as a chewing gum base and flavoring additive. It is also especially effective for protecting the digestive system against duodenal and peptic ulcers, eradicating H. pylori and other gastrointestinal bacteria, and soothing dyspeptic complaints.28
H. pylori is considered to be the world’s most common chronic infection.29 It is believed to be acquired through consumption of contaminated food and water. It is also transmitted by intimate contact such as kissing, where there is an exchange of saliva. It is common for parents and children—and for lovers—to pass it back and forth! GingerGinger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the oldest traditional remedies for gastric disorders. This flavorful herb has been used in many cultures because of its digestion enhancing and stomach protective properties. Ginger extract contains a variety of active compounds which have been studied for their effects on digestion and gastric health as well as many other beneficial medicinal properties.34Among the scientific validations of ginger's traditional uses are anti-ulcer and anti-dyspeptic properties. Among its effects, Ginger has been shown to inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria.35 Ginger has also been shown to prevent ulcers from both drugs and stress.36 In the case of dyspepsia, Ginger has been proven to significantly relax the stomach, lessening the chance of an overactive stomach causing heartburn.37 No question about it … Ginger extract is a powerful weapon in the battle for digestive peace. DigeZyme®DigeZyme® is a multi-enzyme complex from Aspergillus oryzae consisting of amylases (starch digesting enzymes), proteases (protein digesting enzymes) and lipases (fat digesting enzymes). Lactase, a carbohydrate digestive enzyme that digests lactose, is included especially for individuals who are lactose intolerant.Unlike the commonly available enzyme products of animal origin, DigeZyme® is derived from the microbial fermentation of grain. This preparation is therefore free from the potential hazards of latent viruses such as bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE). Aspergillis enzymes are unusually stable and active under a wide range of pH conditions, contrary to the once popular animal enzymes (e.g., pepsin, pancreatin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pancrelipase, pancreatic amylase), which require special pH conditions, often lacking in a stomach ravaged by digestive problems. Let’s be clear: cofactors such as vitamins and minerals are essential for the activity of many enzymes. For instance, there are over 300 enzymes in the human body that require zinc in order to function properly. Other enzymes may require B vitamins, magnesium, iron, copper, and selenium. It is therefore essential to take an excellent vitamin/mineral supplement along with digestive enzymes for the best results. Lactospore® (Lactobacillus sporogenes)Probiotic (beneficial bacteria) therapy originated in the ancient Near and Middle East where physicians used fermented milk for the treatment of various diseases including gastrointestinal disorders. Scientists later discovered that the health benefits from fermented milk were derived from the indigenous lactobacilli, which also inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract, skin, and vaginal mucosa. It isn't surprising, then, that the lactobacilli have been found to be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, vaginal infections, and even high cholesterol.The problem is that lactobacillus—commonly called acidophilus—have a short shelf life and need refrigeration. They also do not survive the acidic environment of the stomach. In fact, most lactobacillus die in the stomach before they have a chance to reach the small intestine where they are most needed. Lactobacillus sporogenes is a spore-forming probiotic that has been used in Japan successfully for more than 20 years. It represents a significant breakthrough in lactobacillus supplementation because it can survive the acidity of gastric and bile juices, and it produces L(+) lactic acid in the intestines which is fully metabolized to glycogen. Once in the small intestine, a spore will sporulate, meaning it will open up and grow. It also doesn't require refrigeration. Intestinal flora supplementation is highly recommended when an individual has dyspeptic complaints, or has:
Experience the Amazing Power of 5FACT: Stomach acid and bile flow help maintain normal health in the gastrointestinal tract.FACT: Stomach acid supports digestion, helps the body absorb vital nutrients, digest protein by stimulating pepsin production, and helps prevent bacterial and fungal overgrowth. FACT: Bile flow also helps support normal gastrointestinal health by carrying toxins out of the liver, excreting cholesterol, and keeping the small intestine free of parasites … both essential factors in preventing premature aging. Statistics show that you may be among the 100 million Americans who suffer severe illness or even disease caused from chronic dyspeptic complaints. Forget about the pharmaceutical drugs that decrease the acid so vital to healthy digestion, overall health, and longevity. Consider instead, the natural route … Artichoke Leaf Extract, Mastic, Ginger, Digezyme® and Lactobacillus sporogenes. Add them to your daily health regimen and you’ll soon have what it takes to conquer digestive discomfort. Let’s examine the statistics one more time:
You need not be a statistic. And you need not succumb to the perils of pharmaceuticals. The natural solution to dyspepsia is available to you now. Do yourself, and your health, a favor and act now before it is too late. References:
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