Maintaining Digestive Health for Optimal Wellness
By NaturalGuidance Staff

The digestive system is an extensive plumbing network composed of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine, as well as smaller organs including the gall bladder, pancreas, and liver.

Because it is such an active and porous system, digestive organs are subject to a variety of acute and chronic ailments, including: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), heartburn (acid reflux), lactose intolerance, ulcers, and constipation, as well as, in the worst cases, cancers of the colon and stomach. These illnesses strike at the supply lines for nutrients required by every cell in the body.
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Recommended Digestive Support Supplements

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The number one cause of intestinal problems is a sustained lack of dietary fiber. Most of us don't have time to make the recommended portions of fiber-rich foods a regular part of our routine, so undigested food accumulates in the large intestinal tract and colon, hardening and interfering with the absorption of key nutrients.

Fiber powders and supplements have become popular, but these can be harsh and cause bowel irritation. For this reason, many practitioners of natural health advise using whole food supplements to acquire your daily requirement of dietary fiber. We'll review some time tested natural digestive aids and maintenance strategies below.



Basic Diet Strategies for Digestive Health

1.) Increase Fiber Intake
      - Soluble fiber slows the digestion and absorbtion of nutrients as well as         the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
      - Soluble fiber increases the feeling of fullness (satiety) which can         support weight loss.
      - Insoluble fiber helps to maintain a clean colon.
      - Insoluble fiber helps to encourage regular bowel movements which         keeps toxins from remaining in the body by pushing waste through         the intestines.
      - The best sources of fiber are whole foods such as vegetables, fruits,         and whole grains.

2.) Drink Plenty of Water
      - Helps to break down foods, remove waste, and carry nutrients         throughout the body.
      - We recommend at least eight glasses per day, but the perfect amount         of water is 1/2 your body weight in ounces every day (so a 200 lb. man         should consume 100 oz. per day).

3.) Eat Protein with Every Meal
      - Helps to activate digestive fluids in the stomach to break down food         easier.

4.) Drink Vegetable Juice
      - Veggies are nature's best source of fiber.
      - Raw vegetable juice is much more convenient than trying to fit whole         vegetables into the daily diet.



Probiotics and Enzymes for Digestive Support

Besides fiber, enzymes and probiotics are the two most fundamental elements of a healthy digestive system.

1.) Enzymes
      - Enzymes are essential to break down foods and allow the body to         utilize nutrients.
      - The pancreas secretes three enzymes into the small intestine: amylase         (digests carbohydrates), protease (digests protein), and lipase         (digests fats).
      - If there is enzyme deficiency in the body, proper digestion can not take         place which can have many negative effects, including food allergies.
      - Supplementation with plant enzymes can stimulate the digestion         process.
      - Foods that boost your immune system like spirulina and seaweed.

2.) Probiotics
      - Probiotics are "good" bacteria that help to control the growth of "bad"         bacteria.
      - High levels of bad bacteria in the digestive system decrease the body's         ability to absorb nutrients and increase the risk of illness.
      - Probiotics have been clinically proven to effectively support the         treatment of chronic diarrhea, gastroenteritis, improved immune         system function, and improved lactose digestion.
      - Probiotics can be found in supplement form or in fermented foods, such         as raw sauerkraut, miso (soy paste commonly used to make soup),         and kimchi.