Gastrointestinal Tract Health
Description
Body System
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1. Glutamine: Glutamine helps preserve the gut barrier by promoting the repair of damaged mucosal cells, preventing the permeability of toxins and pathogens, and supporting healing in conditions involving mucosal injury.
2. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine [NAC]: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) acts as a powerful antioxidant, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress while promoting tissue repair in the intestines. It protects the body from damage caused by bacterial toxins like lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
3. Zinc-L-Carnosine [ZLC]: Zinc-L-carnosine (ZLC) helps restore the gastric lining and promotes healing throughout the digestive system. It supports proper function and enhances tissue repair, particularly in the stomach and intestines.
4. Collagen/Elastin/Hyaluronic Acid: Collagen supports barrier integrity by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. Hyaluronic acid aids the growth of intestinal tissues, while elastin enhances tissue elasticity, supporting the overall function.
5. Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps regulate inflammation and supports immune function, addressing deficiencies that may exacerbate digestive issues.
6. Iron: Iron is crucial for preventing anemia, particularly in cases where gastric surgery or inflammation impairs absorption, ensuring proper oxygen transport and energy production.
7. Selenium: Selenium is vital for reducing oxidative stress and supporting immune function, particularly in severe gastrointestinal disorders where malabsorption is common.
8. Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal lining, preventing dysbiosis and reducing the severity of inflammatory conditions like colitis.
9. Magnesium: Magnesium supports enzyme production, muscle contractions, and the production of stomach acid, aiding digestion and promoting bowel regularity.
10. Probiotics: Probiotics balance gut bacteria, reducing harmful pathogens and inflammation while supporting immune function and helping alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders.
11. Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce gut inflammation, alleviating symptoms of digestive disorders and promoting the healing of the intestinal lining.
12. Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzymes break down food, enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing irritation in the GI tract, which supports efficient digestion and alleviates bloating or discomfort.
13. Colostrum: Colostrum promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and strengthens the intestinal lining, helping to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections and conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
1. Barley Grass Powder: Barley grass supports stomach health by aiding in the production of hydrochloric acid, which helps break down food and neutralize harmful bacteria, contributing to improved digestion and overall well-being.
2. Licorice Root Extract: Licorice root, with glycyrrhizin intact, provides demulcent and anti-inflammatory properties, soothing digestive discomfort and protecting the stomach lining from acid-induced damage. By stimulating mucus production, it supports healing and repair of the GI tract.
3. Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory and healing compounds that soothe irritation in the GI tract and promote the healing of ulcers by repairing damaged tissues, supporting overall digestive health.
4. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to soothe digestive discomfort from indigestion and cramping, reduce inflammation in the GI tract, and promote relaxation.
5. Curcumin: Curcumin, with its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, inhibits inflammatory pathways in the GI tract, helping reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
6. Chicory Root Extract: Chicory root contains inulin, a prebiotic that stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria, improving digestion and supporting overall gut health.
1. Ghee: Ghee is rich in the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which protects the integrity of the gut wall by nourishing intestinal cells, promoting a healthy gastrointestinal environment.
2. CBD Oil: CBD oil may support digestive health by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation, modulate gut motility, and balance the microbiota, potentially improving overall digestive function.
3. Honey: Honey offers antibacterial properties and contains prebiotic oligosaccharides, which feed beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a balanced microbiota. Its antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture stimulates specific points such as ST36 (Zusanli) below the knee and CV12 (Zhongwan) on the abdomen, helping to regulate digestive function and alleviate symptoms like indigestion and bloating.
2. Ayurveda: Ayurveda promotes digestive health through dietary recommendations, herbal remedies like Triphala and Amla, and lifestyle practices such as mindful eating and meditation, supporting gut balance.
3. Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve digestion, reduce stress, and promote gut health. Poses such as Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana) and Wind-Relieving Pose (Pawanmuktasana) can help stimulate digestion and relieve bloating.
Supplements
Plant Extracts
Natural Compounds
Alternative Treatments
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 and biological detergents, such as phospholipids and bile salts, play critical roles in tissue repair, fat digestion, and overall bodily function. Phospholipids contribute to cell membrane integrity and fat emulsification, while bile salts are key to digesting and absorbing dietary fats. 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.
Nutrients Explained In Nutritional Guide
Podcast Episodes To Listen To
Educational Videos 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.