Over 70% of immune system activity occurs in our gut
Digestive Enzyme Expert, Maday Labrador, PhD and VP of Education at Enzymedica answers questions about Gut Health put to her by Rachel Symonds, Editor of Health Food Magazine.
In terms of the health of our guts, would you say there's a big issue in the UK in terms of digestive health?
As we age, the body due to many factors, including diet and lifestyle, produces fewer enzymes. Because of this decline, a person’s ability to properly digest food and utilize nutrients decreases with age. Periodic bloating and discomfort can be a common occurrence throughout the year. For the UK, statistics typically show that 1 in 4 people have some form of digestive health issue.
What impact does poor gut health have on the rest of our health?
From Hippocrates’ famous, “All disease begins in the gut” to modern doctors’ statements that “70+ percent of immune system activity occurs within the gut”- a healthy digestive system is CRITICAL to all other body systems. Poor digestion leads to foods not being broken down into the basic building blocks needed to rebuild cells and create energy for the body. A healthy digestive system allows all of the other systems of the body to have the energy needed to function properly.
What are the common signs that our digestive health isn't functioning as it should be?
Digestive discomforts, including occasional gas, bloating, indigestion and irregularity are indications that the digestive process is not going smoothly.
What dietary factors can contribute to poor gut health?
Gas producing foods like beans or fried foods may cause occasional (flatulence) problems. For some people, acidic foods like citrus, coffee and tomatoes can upset their digestive system. Awareness and incidences of food intolerances, which is a lack of enzyme(s) needed to properly digest a food component, are increasing. Lactose and Gluten intolerance are most common yet casein, phenol and specific carbohydrate intolerances also exist. Cooking and processing of foods can destroy naturally occurring compounds that are beneficial to gut health.
What foods can promote good gut health?
Many raw foods have a high fibre and nutrient value, along with food enzymes. Fermented foods have also been shown to be extremely helpful. These are rich in enzymes and beneficial bacteria. Examples of these foods are miso, sauerkraut and kimchi.
What supplements would you recommend and why?
Enzyme supplementation can be a safe, efficacious adjunct to dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Digestive enzymes are the engines in our gut that help to break down food. Supplementing with digestive enzymes, such as Enzymedica’s Digest Gold, may help heighten the action of your own enzymes to break down food, soothe digestive distress, promote regularity and increase nutrient absorption. Blends of enzymes produce a much more successful formula for supplementation than a single enzyme product. In fact, combining blends of specific enzymes creates a more effective way of breaking down more proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fibre in a broad range of pH. The pH range of enzymes is an important factor since it defines how long the enzyme will work in the body.
PR Contact:
Susan Warris-Liepa: susan@tmcventures.com
For more information about Dr. Maday Labrador, the Enzymedica range of digestive enzyme products, and Digest Gold Enzyme Supplement: www.enzymedica.co.uk
Hi-res images available upon request.