Key supplements to support digestion
Thursday, March 11th 2010 @ 3:37 PM
Most chronic (long-term) digestive complaints are the result of poor, inefficient, or disturbed gut function. As you’ve been learning from previous articles on this subject, the most common factors that upset or disturb digestiongut flora (beneficial bacteria), the production or action of digestive enzymes, or the stomach’s production of hydrochloric acid can all become disrupted to some degree.
The common, persistent symptoms that so many people complain of today (IBS, cramping, gas, bloating, food intolerances etc.) are all the result of a disruption in the normal working of the human digestive system. (i.e. the proper breakdown and absorption of foods) is stress, medications, poor diet, alcohol and stomach illnesses or infections. Our innate “bed” of
The good news however, is that in today’s modern and sophisticated world of science, technology and nutrition, we have easy access to many helpful, safe supplements are specifically designed to assist, and improve everyday digestion. Certain supplements can bring welcome relief to many, and alleviate the everyday nagging symptoms. Probiotics, pancreatic enzymes, digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid (HCl) are amongst some of the most effective digestive supporters.
Probiotics are living, healthy bacteria that reside in the gut. One of their main roles is to provide us with the necessary gut immunity, protecting us from disease-causing bacteria and parasites. They also help to keep normal levels of yeasts in check. Taking probiotics in large amounts (i.e. numbers in the billions available only in supplement form) supply resident strains of beneficial live bacteria, which are vital for good digestion and absorption, as well as healthy immune function. They naturally produce essential B vitamins, as well as vitamin K, and other substances (short chain fatty acids) that provide fuel for the cells of the intestinal lining. Supplemental probiotics are often a vital consideration to help improve gut function, to fight any overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria/viruses (for example in cases of food poisoning), and are needed to treat problems associated with Candida Albicans. They can help significantly to relieve constipation or diarrhoea (along with necessary dietary adjustments), and have also been shown to modulate inflammation, helping many allergic and inflammatory conditions, as well as the autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis.
Digestive enzymes can help also with digestive problems, especially if dietary changes yield little results. There are some excellent formulations nowadays, such as Nutri’s Similase enzymes, Higher Nature’s Supergest or Biocare’s Digestaid – all being broad-spectrum plant-based formulas. Enzymes aid digestion of food by enhancing enzyme contact with food, delaying an “over-acid stimulation” once food hits the stomach (which often happens with today’s enzyme-deficient diets and enzyme-deficient people!). They help to minimise gas and bloating and help to increase the absorption of nutrients from food. Good enzyme formulas give balanced assistance in the digestion of protein, fat and carbohydrate (sugars and starch), and can be very effective for problems involving maldigestion and malabsorption.
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Special cells called parietal cells in the stomach walls produce hydrochloric acid (HCl), bringing a normal and healthy stomach to a resting pH of between 1 and 2.5. This highly acidic environment sets the stage for the ensuing steps of proper digestion to occur. It also maintains a sterile environment, protecting us from the invasion of bacteria and infection. A normal stomach pH prevents issues like bacterial and candida (yeast) overgrowth in the intestines.
HCl begins the digestion of proteins. Low levels of stomach acid can lead to incomplete protein digestion, and even a “deficiency” of protein. Incomplete protein chains can be absorbed into the systemic circulation where they cause allergies and autoimmune illnesses. HCl also liberates or breaks off minerals from food they can be efficiently absorbed. HCl also helps vitamin C, beta-carotene, folic acid, B12 and other B vitamins to be absorbed.
Without adequate stomach acid (HCl), the entire digestive system cannot work properly. HCl stimulates the secretion of bile and enzymes in the small intestine, which continue the digestive process, taking over where the stomach left off. Without sufficient HCl, the muscular “sphincters” or valves from the oesophagus to stomach, and from the stomach to the small intestine cannot work correctly. The oesophageal sphincter lets acids escape up into the oesophagus, causing heartburn (often NOT a case of too much stomach acid, but too little), and the sphincter leading to the small intestine keeps food in the stomach too long, leaving it to ferment and produce foul, toxic gases.
Betaine HCl is a natural source of hydrochloric acid and is taken in tablet form before or during a meal. This greatly aids protein digestion and mineral absorption, and is especially useful in the elderly, as our bodies produce less stomach acid as we age. If you burp frequently after food, suffer with heartburn or constipation, bad breath or a heavy feeling soon after eating; you may well have low levels of stomach acid, as well as low enzyme levels. Lowering the pH of the stomach (by taking betaine HCl just after meals) not only prevents bacterial invasion but also enables protein-digesting enzymes to work properly, and sends the correct hormonal signals to the pancreas to further the digestive process. As an aside, digestive bitters or eating something bitter (radicchio is a good example) before food can also help to stimulate your own production of HCl in the stomach cells.
Take Note:
Betaine HCl is not suitable for individuals with gastritis or ulcers and in these instances, digestive enzymes (without betaine) can help, DGL liquorice (which can be chewed between meals), or the herb Slippery Elm, also taken between meals help to heal a damaged stomach lining and/or assist in the healing of the intestinal lining, and in the healing of ulcers.
You can purchase Similase enzymes, or Nutrigest (which combines betaine and enzymes), as well as quality probiotics from Nutri Ltd. Nutri can be contacted on 0800 212 742, reference 130219.
Picture Source: Nutri Ltd.
