Our digestive system plays a very important role in keeping us healthy. Digestion takes from 60-80% of the body’s total energy supply leaving the remaining 20-40% of your energy for all the other body systems.The digestive system goes from the mouth right down to the back passage and digestion begins in the mouth where amylase enzymes in the saliva are mixed with food during chewing.
These enzymes start breaking down carbohydrates into smaller sugars.Once food is swallowed, it travels into the upper stomach where carbohydrate digestion continues and also where food enzymes from foods consumed, help to breakdown the food. From here food moves to the lower stomach and is broken down further by both the mechanical churning and mixing of the stomach and by hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin which degrade the protein in our food. After 2-4hrs the partially digested liquid now called chyme, enters the small intestine where digestion is completed and absorption happens.
In the first part of the small intestine the enzyme lipase and bile are secreted to aid fat digestion and any other enzymes needed for further break down of carbohydrates and proteins are also added. This is primarily where mineral absorption occurs. In the second section most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place including absorption of carbohydrates, protein and water soluble vitamins.
Fat, fat soluble vitamins and cholesterol are absorbed in the final section of the small intestines and unabsorbed material moves through to the large intestine. In the large intestine undigested fibre becomes food for the friendly bacteria that produce several vitamins and protect us from invading pathogens. Water, electrolytes and these vitamins are absorbed here. The remaining waste is then eliminated through the rectum. Any imbalances in the digestive system can inhibit proper digestion and absorption of nutrients and lead to many health problems.
If the Stomach Juices are not at the right pH, Protein Digestion can be Impaired
Digestive imbalances include imbalances in pH, bacterial population and insufficient digestive enzymes. If the stomach juices are not at the right pH, protein digestion can be impaired and if the intestines have the wrong pH, digestive enzymes can be made inactive impairing the breakdown of food.
Inadequate numbers of friendly bacteria can allow an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, yeast and fungi which can lead to damage of the wall of the digestive tract and foods that are not completely digested can be absorbed into the blood causing the immune system to attack them as it does not recognise the partially digested nutrients and regards them as foreign. Insufficient digestive enzymes can mean food is not being broken down properly causing mal-absorption and nutrient deficiencies.
Tips for a healthy digestion:
Eat in a peaceful physical and mental state
Chew your food well
Avoid drinking large quantities of fluids with meals
Include fresh, raw fruits and vegetables in each meal to receive the added benefits of food enzymes
Eat regular meals and snacks
Do not overeat
A good quality probiotic supplement to replenish the ‘friendly’ bacteria in your digestive system. Yoghurt does not provide enough bacteria to rebalance the good and bad bacteria in most cases.
Identify and tackle food intolerances
Avoid processed, refined foods and get back to some good old home cooking ( or eat raw).
Supplement your meals with a high Quality digestive Enzyme
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