Digestion is an essential process allowing us to break down food, extract nutrients and eliminate wastes from the body.

This occurs in the complex ecosystem called the Gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) which comprises of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

Digestion starts in the mouth where food is broken down by chewing and mixing with saliva, which contains an enzyme called Amylase that breaks down starch.

This partially digested food, known as chime then moves down our oesophagus (food tube) into the stomach where it is mixed with Hydrochloric Acid (HCL) and enzymes, such as pepsin which aid the digestion of proteins.

Then the broken down food particles move into the small intestine, where further digestion and then absorption takes place. Tiny finger-like projections called villae which line the small intestine lining ensure efficient absorption.

Here towards the end of the small intestine thrive a small amount of lactic-acid producing friendly bacteria known as Lactobacilli, which help to kill bad bacteria and viruses.

Food that is not absorbed at this stage, is undigested material and passes into the large intestine, where with the help of friendly bacteria it forms faecal matter. In this part of the intestine

DID YOU KNOW …… Our stomach and large intestine together measure over 7 metres long

 

What might cause digestive problems?

• Poor diet: especially one high in animal fat and sugars
• Lack of good bacteria; often due to chronic use of antibiotics
• Lack of digestive enzymes; typically in the elderly
• Food intolerances/allergies
• Eating too quickly; particularly those who eat on the run
• Lack of exercise
• Poor lifestyle habits; smoking and excessive alcohol
• Stress
• Dehydration

 What can help digestion?

§         Eating a well balanced diet

§         Eating small meals

§         Chewing food properly (chew each mouthful at least 20 times)

§         Taking digestive enzymes and probiotics

 Other simple lifestyle changes you can implement are:

For a start, sit down to eat, always, every time

Shoulders back – allow your stomach, which is up under your ribcage, room to start the digestive process, by making sure you’re not slumped over squashing your stomach and lungs.

Don’t drink with your meal, as taking large quantities of liquid in with your food dilutes your digestive juices and makes digestion less effective.

And most importantly get that bowel moving!

DID YOU KNOW ….. Approximately 4lbs of our body weight is from the bacteria living in our gut

 

What happens if we don’t look after our digestive system?

Since many of the body’s immune cells line the intestines, a poor digestive function can suppress our immune system and therefore increase our likelihood of developing diseases.

Undigested food will lead to malabsorption and a sluggish gut leading to nutritional deficiencies and a build up of toxins in the body. Healthy digestion is therefore essential to our overall health and wellbeing.

 DID YOU KNOW……

Studies suggest that Probiotics may help to relieve constipation and diarrhoea and help to maintain healthy cholesterol level

Other symptoms associated with impaired digestion are:

• Acid reflux
• Acid indigestion
• Wind – uncomfortable and socially embarrassing
• Bloating
• Constipation

 Natural herbal remedies for digestion include Caraway, which helps expel gas, Chamomile for a nervous stomach and Dill which soothes indigestion and stomach upset. Other natural herbal remedies for digestion are Meadowsweet, an acid neutraliser, Slippery Elm Bark, Fennel and one of the oldest and best tasting natural herbal remedies – Peppermint. If you suffer with flatulence (wind), indigestion or intestinal spasms shortly after eating, then research suggests that peppermint oil may be useful.

The herb Centuary is used for acid reflux and acid indigestion. This herb is generally taken in the form of a tincture. This bitter-tasting tincture kick starts the digestive process and is traditionally used for a hiatus hernia too.

Digestive Enzyme Supplements:

If you eat on the run and suffer with bloating, then digestive enzyme supplements may be required. These can help to breakdown food for easy and bloat-free absorption. These supplements will help with the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Some formulas will also include Hydrochloric acid which helps to activate stomach enzymes for greater effect.