Digestive Health

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What is Digestive Health?

Ananta Health Digestive Issues

Digestive problems can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on our quality of life. Common conditions include acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and celiac disease. These conditions can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

It is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing chronic digestive problems, as these conditions can lead to more serious health issues if left untreated. There are many treatment options available, including medication, dietary changes, and probiotics.

Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle can also help to prevent and manage digestive problems. Eating a balanced diet that is high in fiber and low in processed foods can help to promote regular bowel movements and reduce symptoms of constipation. Drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise can also help to promote a healthy digestive system.

If you are struggling with a chronic digestive condition, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to find the best treatment plan for you. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage and even overcome digestive problems, so you can improve your overall health and well-being.

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The digestive system plays a critical role in the body's ability to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. As food moves through the GI tract, it is broken down by enzymes, and nutrients are absorbed through the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream. The large intestine, or colon, absorbs water and electrolytes, and forms and eliminates waste as feces.

The mouth is the first part of the digestive system and plays an important role in the breakdown of food. Saliva, which contains enzymes, starts the process of breaking down food. The esophagus then moves food to the stomach, where stomach acid and enzymes continue to break down food. The small intestine, which is about 22 feet long, is where most of the absorption of nutrients takes place. The large intestine, which is about 5 feet long, absorbs water and electrolytes, and forms and eliminates waste as feces. The anus is the final part of the digestive system, and it eliminates waste from the body.

Overall, the digestive system is a complex and essential system that plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The gut microbiome is a critical component of the digestive system, and an imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to various health problems. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and ensure proper functioning of the digestive system.

What Causes Poor Digestion?

All of these factors can cause damage to the beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. This can result in poor digestion, nutrient deficiencies, and an increased risk of chronic health conditions.

Antibiotics, for example, can kill off beneficial bacteria in the gut along with harmful bacteria, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast.
Heavy metal toxicity can also damage the gut microbiome and lead to poor digestion.
Chronic illness and stress can also negatively impact the gut microbiome by altering the balance of bacteria and increasing inflammation.
A poor diet high in processed foods and low in fiber can also harm the gut microbiome, leading to poor digestion and an increased risk of chronic health conditions.
Certain medications can also damage the gut microbiome and lead to poor digestion. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), for example, can reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, leading to poor digestion and nutrient deficiencies.
Smoking, chemical exposure, and chlorinated water can also harm the gut microbiome and lead to poor digestion.
Parasites can also damage the gut microbiome, leading to poor digestion and nutrient deficiencies.
Insufficient levels of hydrochloric acid or pancreatic enzymes can also lead to poor digestion. A body pH level that is too acidic can also cause damage to the gut microbiome and lead to poor digestion.

It is important to be aware of these factors and take steps to protect the gut microbiome and promote proper digestion. This can include eating a healthy diet, reducing stress, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics and medications, and avoiding environmental toxins.

What Are Common Digestive Complaints And Illnesses?

Common digestive complaints and illnesses include:

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) are two common digestive complaints characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Crohn's disease and colitis are two types of IBD that affect the digestive tract.
Food allergies and sensitivities, such as celiac disease or lactose intolerance, can also cause digestive problems. People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, while people with lactose intolerance are unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, cramping, and abdominal discomfort are also common digestive complaints. Peptic ulcers, caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, can also cause stomach pain and discomfort.
Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms. Hemorrhoids, which are swollen veins in the anus or lower rectum, can also cause discomfort and pain.
Gallstones and liver disease can also cause digestive problems. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain. Dyspepsia is a term used to describe upper abdominal pain or discomfort, while gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents.

How Does Candida Affect Digestion?

Candida overgrowth can lead to a wide range of digestive complaints, including bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. It can also cause nutrient deficiencies, as the yeast can prevent the absorption of nutrients from food.

Candida overgrowth can also lead to "leaky gut" syndrome, which is when the yeast creates holes in the intestinal tract, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can cause systemic inflammation and an immune response, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and skin problems.

The overgrowth of candida can also cause food sensitivities, as the yeast can release toxins that can trigger an immune response to certain foods. This can lead to allergic reactions and symptoms such as hives, rashes, and headaches.

Candida overgrowth can also lead to a host of other health problems, including depression, anxiety, and autoimmune diseases. It can also aggravate symptoms of existing conditions, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

How do Parasites Affect Digestion?

Parasites can cause a wide range of digestive complaints, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and gas. They can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, as the parasites can prevent the absorption of nutrients from food.

Parasites can also cause "leaky gut" syndrome, which is when the parasites create holes in the intestinal tract, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can cause systemic inflammation and an immune response, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and skin problems.

Parasites can also lead to food sensitivities and allergic reactions, as they can release toxins that can trigger an immune response to certain foods. They can also cause anemia, as they can consume red blood cells.

Parasites can also lead to other health problems, including depression, anxiety, and autoimmune diseases. They can also aggravate symptoms of existing conditions, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

How Is Poor Digestion Treated?

When addressing digestive complaints, first the patient is assessed for parasites and candida overgrowth with BioScan SRT testing. The testing also includes food sensitivity testing, which is usually dominant in the beginning of treatment until the inflammation is reduced. In addition to dietary and lifestyle changes, other treatments for poor digestion may include:

Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as H. pylori, while antispasmodics and antacids may be used to alleviate symptoms of IBS, GERD, and other conditions.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, promoting proper digestion and overall health.
Enzymes: Digestive enzymes can help to break down food and improve nutrient absorption.
Herbal supplements: Herbal supplements such as ginger, peppermint, and fennel can help to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and other digestive complaints.
Hydrochloric acid (HCL) supplements: HCL supplements can be used to increase the acidity of the stomach, which can help to improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
Fiber supplements: Fiber supplements can help to promote regular bowel movements and alleviate symptoms of constipation.
Psychological therapy: Stress, anxiety, and depression can also contribute to poor digestion and should be addressed as well.

It's important to keep in mind that the treatment for poor digestion is individualized and the best approach will vary from person to person. It's important to work with a healthcare professional to find the best treatment plan for you and monitor your progress.

Can Acupuncture Help Digestion?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to help balance the body's energy, known as Qi (pronounced "chee"), and promote healing.

Acupuncture can help to regulate digestion by promoting the movement of Qi and blood in the gut. This can help to alleviate symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Acupuncture can also help to reduce inflammation in the gut, which can be beneficial for conditions such as IBS, IBD, and other digestive complaints.

Acupuncture can also help to relieve stress, which can be a contributing factor to poor digestion. Stress can lead to an overproduction of the hormone cortisol, which can slow down digestion and lead to symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

⁽¹⁾Chicago, PR Newswire. (2013, November). New Survey Reveals More than Half of Americans are Living with Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Not Seeking Care from a Doctor. Retrieved from http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-survey-reveals-more-than-half-of-americans-are-living-with-gastrointestinal-symptoms-and-not-seeking-care-from-a-doctor-230804341.html
⁽²⁾Vighi, G., Marcucci, F., Di Cara, G., Frati, F. (2008, September 15). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/.
⁽³⁾Johnson, A. (2013, March 5). Parasites Found in Pre-washed Packages of Lettuce: Health Canada. Retrieved from http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/health-headlines/parasites-found-in-pre-washed-packages-of-lettuce-health-canada-1.1182977

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4367209/