INSIGHTS
Beneficial bacteria The trillions of gut-friendly probiotic bacteria that are present in your intestines perform important digestive functions, as well as supporting immunity and mental health. These probiotic bacteria work by: providing an environment that is conducive to the absorption of food by maintaining a healthy pH; preventing the growth and development of harmful bacteria; and working with the body to both produce and absorb several vitamins, including vitamin B12 and folate. Probiotic bacteria may be disrupted by the use of certain medications, and taking probiotic supplements may address symptoms of flatulence, diarrhoea and constipation by helping to rebuild strong and healthy probiotic populations in the gut. When choosing the right probiotic for your needs, look for a formula containing multiple strains of bacteria; this will be more likely to benefit your entire gut because different species perform different actions, and therefore favour different sections of the gut.
Digestive enzymes are essential for the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body. The secretion of digestive enzymes in the gut declines with age and during the body’s response to stress. Insufficient enzyme levels may lead to the presence of partially digested food in the gut, resulting in the development of symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, and flatulence, and gut disorders like food sensitivities and ‘leaky gut’ syndrome. Supplementation with digestive enzymes may help to alleviate gut disorders which involve impaired digestion. One recent study, which investigated the effect of a digestive enzyme supplement in both optimal and impaired digestive conditions, found that the addition of the supplement significantly improved
the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates and proteins, compared to a control treatment where no digestive enzyme supplement was added. Naturopath Robert McIlroy explains, “We are not necessarily what we eat, but what we can digest and absorb from what we eat. Improved digestion through supplementation with microbial sourced enzymes should be a part of any health program.” Taking a digestive enzyme supplement can help ensure foods are broken down completely. Even people who have experienced digestive problems for long periods of time find that a continuing course of digestive enzymes helps to eliminate bloating and other digestive symptoms, as well as increasing their energy levels and even boosting immunity.
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ISSUE 53 • 2019
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