GI TRACT HEALTH
Description
Body System
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Dietary & Other Supplements
1. Glutamine: Essential for preserving gut barrier function, glutamine prevents the permeability of toxins and pathogens, safeguarding the gastrointestinal tract under various conditions of mucosal injury.
2. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: A potent antioxidant, NAC reduces inflammation, eases oxidative stress, and aids in repairing intestinal tissue. It's particularly beneficial for maintaining gut health under various conditions, protecting against damage from molecules like lipopolysaccharide (LPS), found in certain bacteria.
3. Zinc-L-Carnosine [ZLC]: Zinc-L-Carnosine (ZLC) offers a myriad of benefits, including restoring the gastric lining, fostering healing in diverse parts of the gastrointestinal tract, alleviating taste disorders, enhancing GI function, and promoting the well-being of the skin and liver.
4. Collagen/Elastin/Hyaluronic Acid: Collagen helps maintain gut barrier function by countering TNF-α-induced issues, while hyaluronic acid supports the regular growth of the intestines and colon, promoting overall gastrointestinal health. Elastin, promoting tissue elasticity and resilience, further enhances the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract.
5. Vitamin D3/K2: A defender of gut health, this duo regulates gastrointestinal inflammation and addresses deficiencies common in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), correlating with improved outcomes.
6. Iron: Crucial for preventing iron-deficiency anemia linked to conditions such as reduced acid secretion post-gastric surgery, atrophic body gastritis, and Helicobacter pylori gastritis.
7. Selenium: Commonly deficient in severe gastrointestinal disorders, selenium plays a crucial role, particularly in cases related to malabsorption.
8. Vitamin A: Crucial for GI homeostasis, vitamin A deficiencies contribute to microbial imbalance (dysbiosis), worsened colitis, and increased susceptibility to GI tract infections.
9. Magnesium: A key player in digestion, magnesium facilitates the breakdown of food through saliva enzyme generation, supporting the digestive process and aiding in the production of digestive acid in the stomach.
10. Probiotics: By promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria, probiotics support digestion and immune function, helping to maintain the integrity of the GI tract and potentially alleviating symptoms associated with digestive disorders.
11. Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the GI tract and alleviate symptoms of conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
12. Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzymes aid in the breakdown of food and enhance nutrient absorption. Supplementing with digestive enzymes can support proper digestion.
Plant Extracts
1. Barley Grass Powder: Supporting stomach health, barley grass aids in the production of hydrochloric acid, contributing to overall digestive well-being.
2. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice [DGL]: Licorice root has demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in soothing digestive discomfort and protecting the stomach lining. It can also help stimulate mucus production, which can aid in the healing and repair of the GI tract.
3. Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can benefit the GI tract. It can help soothe irritation, promote the healing of ulcers, and support overall digestive health.
4. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects on the GI tract. It can help soothe digestive discomfort, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.
5. Curcumin: Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the GI tract, support gut health, and alleviate the symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Natural Compounds
1. Ghee: Rich in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyric acid or butyrate, ghee helps protect the integrity of the gut wall lining, promoting a healthy gastrointestinal environment.
2. CBD Oil: CBD oil may support gut health through its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the GI tract and potentially modulate gut motility and microbiota, leading to improved digestive function.
3. Honey: Honey offers antibacterial properties and contains prebiotic oligosaccharides, which support a healthy balance of the gut microbiota. Additionally, its antioxidant content may contribute to overall digestive health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort.
Complementary & Alternative Treatments
1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture may help regulate digestive function by stimulating specific acupoints associated with the digestive system, thereby alleviating symptoms such as indigestion and bloating.
2. Ayurveda: Ayurvedic treatments often include dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, and lifestyle practices that promote digestive health and balance.
3. Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, which can help improve digestion, reduce stress, and promote gut health.
Symptoms & Signs
Causes
Not Applicable
Books That You May Want To Read
How Nutrients Function
Electrolytes: Electrolytes carry charged ions essential for transmitting nerve impulses, regulating muscle function, and maintaining fluid balance. They are pivotal in supporting hydration, nerve signaling, and overall physiological balance.
Enzymes and Coenzymes: Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, while coenzymes assist in these processes by binding temporarily to enzymes. Together, they regulate digestion, energy production, immune responses, and various metabolic pathways.
Fatty Acids: Fatty acids serve as energy sources, structural components of cell membranes, and precursors to signaling molecules. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, play critical roles in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation regulation.
Herbal Extracts: Herbal extracts contain bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. They have been used traditionally to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Minerals: Minerals are essential for various physiological functions, including bone health, nerve transmission, and enzyme activity. They support overall health by ensuring proper cellular function and metabolic processes.
Other Nutrients: Other nutrients encompass a wide array of essential compounds crucial for various physiological functions. This category includes neurotransmitters and their precursors, which facilitate nerve signaling and are vital for central nervous system function. Additionally, naturally occurring structural components aid in tissue repair and maintenance, ensuring optimal bodily function. Hormones and their precursors regulate numerous physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Furthermore, naturally occurring chemicals and metals play pivotal roles in enzymatic reactions, immune function, and overall health maintenance.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed. They support gut health, immune function, and oral hygiene by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in supporting cellular processes, immune function, and overall health. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation to ensure proper bodily function.
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
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Lectures To Learn From
Functional Lab Tests That You Might Consider
References
Things To Do
In order to keep your gastrointestinal tract healthy and promote proper digestion, it is recommended to:
consume a whole-foods-based diet that includes a variety of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, protein, and fatty acids.
Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, fiber, and other phytonutrients that contribute to a healthy GI tract.
Eat probiotic and prebiotic foods, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir, and soluble fiber-rich vegetables and fruits. They improve the diversity of the diversity of the microbiome in your gut.
consume unprocessed meats, fish, and sea food.
include foods that contain anti-inflammatory compounds, such as turmeric, garlic, onions, ginger, cruciferous vegetables, etc.
Eat a variety of nuts, seeds, olives, avocados, and extra virgin olive oil to supply your digestive tract with healthy fatty acids.
Include sugar-free and full-fat yogurt and kefir in your diet to enrich the gut microbiome with healthy bacteria.
Use a variety of fresh and dried herbs not only to enhance the flavor of your meals but also to add extra nutrients and health-promoting compounds to your diet.
staying hydrated. Drinking quality water during the day promotes better elimination.
Other recommendations include:
maintaining a healthy weight.
regular physical exercise.
stress reduction with meditation, mindfulness, or yoga practice.
getting enough quality sleep.
practicing portion control during meals.
following a fixed meal schedule. Make sure to always eat at the same time.
chewing your food properly to make digestion easier. Practice mindful eating.
incorporating intermittent fasting to boost your GI health.
Things To Avoid
The following foods and dietary practices do not support GI health:
eating processed, deep-fried, junk, and fast foods. They are packed with unhealthy ingredients, such as food preservatives, food additives, trans fatty acids, sugar, flavor enhancers, and more.
sugar, artificial sweeteners, sugary desserts, sugary snacks, sugary beverages, etc. Sugar is harmful to our health. It can lead to gut dysbiosis and associated health problems.
Excess alcohol and caffeine consumption weakens and impairs different functions of the GI tract.
consuming foods that you are intolerant of or allergic to.
A very high-protein diet promotes the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut.
A low-fiber diet leads to gut dysbiosis and associated health conditions.
nutritional deficiencies.
Other unhelpful habits and practices include:
cigarette smoking.
overeating and a lack of portion control.
constant snacking.
excessive and chronic stress.
not addressing existing GI tract health issues.
taking medications that impact the GI tract.
being overweight or obese.
lack of physical activity.
irregular meal times.
eating too much takeout and not cooking at home.