Proper gastrointestinal function includes the absorption of nutrients derived from the braekdown of foods supplied by our diet, as well as blocking the absorption of toxins, bacteria, and other pathogens into the GI tract. Aging, as well as consumption of alcohol, aspirin, NSAIDS and other drugs, x-ray expsoure and infections, may lead to increased permeabilty in the gut.
Once undigested food particles get absorped, they cause the immune system to overact and cause widespread inflammation throughout the body. Yes, 70% of your immune system is found in the GI tract and when turned on can lead to many pathological conditions. Upregulated immune responses to the skin, joints, soft tissure and even the brain can result. This is referred to as "leaky gut syndrome".
Next-Leaky gut and chronic illness.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Gastrointestinal Function A Portal to Health
Over the last several years, there has been a growing body of evidence that supports the fact that proper intestinal health, ie, absorption and bacteria in the gut leads to good health and well-being. Only recently has a group of researchers state that perhaps we all fall into 3 categories of individuals, based upon the makeup of the amounts of bacteria in our guts. They information may one day help develop treatment protocols for various illness, using this knowledge.
The types of bacteria that is found the gut have many functions, they help in digestion, help vitamins and minerals to function optimally, but most importantly they help regulate how the immune system works.
Unhealthy bacteria as well as large amounts of "bad" bacteria when compared to the amounts of "good" bacteria that is found in the gut may lead to an immune system that not only does not work properly to fight off infection, but may actually turn on the system to work too much. This may lead to autoimmune types of illnesses which over the years have increased in number.
Over the next several blogs, I will discuss how bacteria and health are related and what you can do to make sure you have adequate amounts of "good" bacteria.
The types of bacteria that is found the gut have many functions, they help in digestion, help vitamins and minerals to function optimally, but most importantly they help regulate how the immune system works.
Unhealthy bacteria as well as large amounts of "bad" bacteria when compared to the amounts of "good" bacteria that is found in the gut may lead to an immune system that not only does not work properly to fight off infection, but may actually turn on the system to work too much. This may lead to autoimmune types of illnesses which over the years have increased in number.
Over the next several blogs, I will discuss how bacteria and health are related and what you can do to make sure you have adequate amounts of "good" bacteria.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
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