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Fast Facts

Poor digestion leaves the body and the immune system in the same

predicament that poor nutrition does – a lack of nutritional factors

that support immune functioning and the function of the entire body.

This is because a poor functioning digestive system has lost some of

the ability to turn what's consumed into a form the body can use.

We're using up pancreatic enzymes (digestive enzymes) faster than we

used to and we have a limited amount of them. Processed food is a

contributing factor. There are numerous symptoms like gas, bloating,

belching, muscle pain, skin disorders, insomnia, constipation,

diarrhea, and heartburn.

An inadequate digestive system will " steal " enzymes from the immune

system to operate therefore weakening immune function. Poor

digestive capability increases the body's toxic load.

Some areas of potential inadequacy are low pancreatic enzymes and

poor bacterial balance in the intestines. Too low or too high

hydrochloric acid in the stomach can also be a factor.

The second way to have poor nutritional intake according to Drs.

Stoff and Atkins is through poor digestive function.

Lipski, C.C.N., author of Digestive Wellness says that the best diet

in the world won't help if you aren't digesting your food properly.

According to Dr. Cichoke, MD, Ph.D., the purpose of the

gastrointestinal system is simple:

To extract nutrients from foods.

To digest nutrients into units small enough to be absorbed

(vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.)

To eliminate waste products.

A Few Typical Digestive Problems

" Poor digestion can do more than give you a stomach ache or gas

because digestion is the mechanism that makes your body work…a clog

in the works may be only the tip of the iceberg. Chronic fatigue,

premature aging, arthritis, poor skin and hair quality, toxicity,

allergies, cancer, and many other diseases can all result from

faulty digestion because poor digestion interferes with nutrient

breakdown, absorption and metabolism; allows toxins to remain in the

body and accumulate; and over-stresses the body. " Dr.

Cichoke

Some Symptoms

" Symptoms of [digestive problems] may include abdominal pain,

allergic symptoms, belching, a bloated feeling, a burning sensation

after eating, chronic bowel irritation, chronic fatigue,

constipation, diarrhea, gas, insomnia, joint and muscle pain,

nausea, rumbling noises, skin disorders, sugar cravings, and

vomiting. Heartburn often accompanies indigestion. " Dr. Balch,

MD

Digestive problems are wide spread. According to Lipski,

C.C.N., except for the common cold, digestive problems are the most

common reason people seek medical advice.

Stomach – Hydrochloric Acid

The most common digestive problems with the stomach are gastric

ulcers and low hydrochloric acid (particularly for persons over 60)

according to Ms. Lipski. She also states that hydrochloric acid

produced in the stomach breaks up protein, the beginning of protein

digestion, and kills microbes (bacteria), effectively sterilizing

food. The ability to manufacture hydrochloric acid (Hcl) diminishes

with age. The stomach passes along partially digested, sterilized

food to the small intestine. At least that's what's supposed to be

passed along if all is working correctly.

Small Intestine – Pancreatic Enzymes

Once the stomach has done its job, the partially digested food moves

into the small intestine where enzymes secreted by the pancreas

continue the digestive process according to Janice Wittenberg, RN

and author of The Rebellious Body. These enzymes are essential. The

three main categories are lipase (breaks down fats), amylase (breaks

down carbohydrates) and protease (breaks down proteins). The

symptoms of low enzyme production are similar to those of low

hydrochloric acid production.

She continues by saying, " The body obtains enzymes in two ways: by

manufacturing them and by eating foods that contain them (enzymes

are lacking in processed foods). The number of enzymes your body

produces is finite and you cannot force the production of more when

you run out… "

Enzymes Stolen From Immune System

Approximately half of the body's total enzyme production is used for

digestion. Oddly enough, the body places a greater priority on

digestion than on overall health. If your diet is lacking in food-

source enzymes, your body appropriates them from other sites in

order to attend to the digestive process. As a result, your immune

system dispenses with some enzymes, preventing those enzymes from

doing the work of protection. The body can be weakened to the point

that it can no longer protect against outside invaders.

Enzyme supplements help balance body chemistry and help alleviate

the stress placed on your digestive organs as well as your immune

system. " These digestive enzymes help release nutrients from food

and allow them to be absorbed into the blood.

Colon – Large Intestine

After nutrients have been absorbed, water, bacteria and fiber

(chyme) pass into the large intestine or colon. More water is

absorbed and stool begins to form. About 2/3 is composed of water,

undigested fiber and food products. The other 1/3 is living and dead

bacteria, viruses, yeast, parasites, hormones, toxins, etc. Note: A

well-formed stool should look like a brown banana. Stools that look

like little balls have been sitting in the colon too long increasing

the possibility of toxic re-absorption. People on good diets

generally have one to two bowel movements each day. [Reference:

Lipski, MS, CCN]

Beneficial Bacteria

" Your body hosts over 100 trillion bacteria (majority in colon),

most of which are necessary to sustain health… the presence of

beneficial bacteria in the intestines aids digestion, synthesizes

vitamins, and inhibits the growth of disease-promoting pathogenic

bacteria. " Janice Wittenberg, R.N. These friendly bacteria are

called intestinal flora. The term " probiotics " is commonly used to

refer to the use of them in supplemental form; capsules or powder.

" The two most important groups of flora are the lactobacillus

acidophillus found mainly in the small intestine, and

bifidobacterium, found primarily in the colon. " Lipski,

MS. CCN

There are benefits to each type:

Benefits to Lactobacillus Acidophillus

Prevent overgrowth of disease-causing microbes; Candida species, E.

coli, H. pylori and Salmonella.

Prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Aid digestion of lactose and dairy products.

Improve nutrient absorption.

Maintain integrity of intestinal tract and protect against

macromolecules entering bloodstream and causing antigenic response.

Lessen intestinal stress from food poisoning.

Acidify intestinal tract; low pH provides a hostile environment for

pathogens (bacteria) and yeast.

Helps prevent vaginal and urinary tract infections.

Benefits to Bifidobacteria

Prevent colonization of the intestine by pathogenic bacteria and

yeast by protecting the integrity of the intestinal lining.

Produce acids which keep the pH balance in the intestine. This acid

environment prevents disease-producing microbes from getting a

foothold.

Lessen side effects of antibiotic therapy.

Are the primary bacteria in infants, which helps them grow.

Inhibit growth of bacteria which produce nitrates (chemical also

used in food processing) in the bowel. Nitrates are bowel-toxic and

can cause cancer.

Help prevent production and absorption of toxins produced by disease

causing bacteria, which reduces the toxic load of the liver.

Manufacture B complex vitamins.

Help regulate peristalsis and bowel movements.

Prevent and treat antibiotic-induced diarrhea.

Beneficial Bacteria Help the Immune System

Produce antibiotics and antifungals.

Manufacture essential fatty acids.

Increase the number of immune system cells.

Balance intestinal pH.

Break down bacterial toxins (bacterial toxins knock out immune

system communication pathways).

Antitumor and anticancer effects.

Protect from things like mercury, pesticides, radiation, and

pollutants.

Break down bile acids.

Manufacture hydrogen peroxide which has antiseptic effects.

[Reference: Digestive Wellness by Lipski]

What kills good " intestinal flora " ?

What kinds of things are causing bacterial imbalance? Most

researchers indicate that the list includes chemicals, oral

contraceptives, steroids, sugar, and the most common cause –

antibiotics. Not being specific, antibiotics kill not only their

intended " victim " but also the " good " bacteria in the gut leaving

the territory wide open to the growth of the " not so good " bacteria,

yeast, viruses and parasites that were resistant to whatever was

used.

Note: Antibiotics, when appropriately used, are important medical

tools that save lives.

Dr. D'Adamo says that, " continued and heavy use of antibiotics

destroys not only the infection, but all of the good bacteria

(healthy gut flora) in the digestive tract. Many people experience

diarrhea, and quite often women become subject to recurring and

persistent yeast infections. " Candida albicans is the usual yeast

offender. There are other species.

Toxins Knock Out Immune System Pathways

These fungal and bacterial overgrowths initiated through use of

antibiotics or other things mentioned give off endotoxins (toxins

produced within the body) that suppress immune system function by

knocking out communication pathways between cells of the immune

system. Without these pathways in operation, immune cells don't

attack. [Reference: Dr. Stoff]

" We can help our own immune systems by increasing the number of

friendly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli acidophillus in our lower

gastrointestinal tracts. This can be done with supplements. " Dr.

Stoff, The Prostate Miracle

Part 1 - Nutrition

Sugar

The material on this web site including digestion is offered to you

for informational purposes only and is not meant to be interpreted

as medical advice to diagnose, treat or cure any immune system

disorder. You should consult with a qualified health professional

whenever your health is in question.

Copyright 2001-2005 Natureworks, LLC.

Immune System Etc.com focus: immune system information, the immune

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Fast Facts

Poor digestion leaves the body and the immune system in the same

predicament that poor nutrition does – a lack of nutritional factors

that support immune functioning and the function of the entire body.

This is because a poor functioning digestive system has lost some of

the ability to turn what's consumed into a form the body can use.

We're using up pancreatic enzymes (digestive enzymes) faster than we

used to and we have a limited amount of them. Processed food is a

contributing factor. There are numerous symptoms like gas, bloating,

belching, muscle pain, skin disorders, insomnia, constipation,

diarrhea, and heartburn.

An inadequate digestive system will " steal " enzymes from the immune

system to operate therefore weakening immune function. Poor

digestive capability increases the body's toxic load.

Some areas of potential inadequacy are low pancreatic enzymes and

poor bacterial balance in the intestines. Too low or too high

hydrochloric acid in the stomach can also be a factor.