Intestinal Health 2

Healthy Habits for Intestinal Health

Larry Basch, D.C., CCSP, CNC Ph. 951/ 679 - 4121

A healthy intestinal tract starts with a calm and peaceful state-of-mind. When you are relaxed your para-sympathetic nervous system is able to stimulate important glands to release enzymes and trigger smooth muscle to churn, grind, and move food through the intestinal tract at an optimal rate. There is a reason this branch of your nervous system is called the “rest and digest” system. When the body is stressed the sympathetic nervous system is engaged and overrides the para-sympathic system. In the end your gastrointestinal tract and your health suffer. Here are some important tips for establishing intestinal health:

• Eat slowly and chew your food well

• Eat in a calm environment; avoid eating on the go or in your car

• Eat mindfully not in front of your television

• Avoid over-eating to the point of discomfort

• Eat with friends and family

• Choose frequent meals and snacks

• Avoid highly refined and processed foods

Small Intestine Health  

The small intestine is where all nutrients are absorbed into the body. Under normal circumstances, the lining of the small intestine is almost leak proof and only allows fully digested food molecules to pass through its semi-permeable membrane and into the blood stream. Unfortunately, this lining is only one cell layer thick and it is often susceptible to inflammation when digestion processes are not working properly. Long term, chronic stress cause production of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol suppresses the production of stomach and small intestine digestive enzymes. With inflammation in the small intestine, swelling of the tissues can create gaps between the intestinal cells that allow large molecules to pass through, undigested, into the blood stream. When large molecules, such as undigested proteins “leak” across the intestinal lining it causes the immune system to react to these “foreign” molecules. This process is often called “leaky gut syndrome” or increased intestinal permeability. Leaky gut syndrome results in a great deal of stress upon the immune system, the liver, the brain and virtually every other organ or system of the body.

People with leaky gut often experience symptoms of fatigue, frequent colds and flu, irritability, hyperactivity (especially in some children), headaches, muscle or joint pain, joint stiffness, poor concentration, food hypersensitivities, skin rashes or breakouts and environmental intolerances. Patients repeatedly comment on how good they feel when they restore health and decrease inflammation in their gut. It is amazing how much more energy they feel when their immune system is not busy reacting to their meals and snacks. Furthermore, chronic inflammation causes the body to release cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory hormone. Cortisol is also the hormone released during chronic stress. Unfortunately the chronic release of this hormone has some negative consequences including weight gain around the middle, elevated blood pressure, insulin resistance, fatigue, and reduced digestion. Chronic stress and Intestinal inflammation affects not only the intestines but the entire body.

Natural Nutritional Products for Intestine Health

These products are available for immediate secure ordering on our on-line store under Biogenesis Nutraceuticals

Gastric Repair Complex:   Combines mucilaginous herbs and glutamine to enhance and restore a normal protective intestinal mucosal barrier. Gastric Repair Complex includes a therapeutic dose of DGL, shown to be beneficial with the healing of ulcerated and inflamed gastric and duodenal tissues. Recommended Dosage is 1 - 2 capsule per meal

Intestinal Repair Complex (powder):  Designed to sooth irritated mucosal tissue, decrease inflammation, assist small intestine digestive processes, and restore healthy intestinal lining. Recommended Dosage is 2 tsp in water daily 2 -3 times per day.

Intestinal RejuvenX (functional food):  An easily digested and assimilated, non-GMO rice protein drink fortified with a core multi-vitamin and specialty nutrients to help maintain healthy digestive function. RejuvenX provides 2 grams of  glutamine and powerful antioxidants such as quercetin and green tea extract. Directions:  Blend in 6-8 oz of water, juice, or dairy alternative. Start with 1 scoop per day for 1  week;  then1 scoop 2 times per day for 1 week, then 1 scoop 3 times per day

Glutamine Powder:  L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and is often used for gastrointestinal support and repair. Glutamine enhances the mass and strength of the intestine’s protective mucosal lining. BioGenesis’s glutamine powder provides 2.5 g of glutamine per ½ teaspoon. Add to water, juice or dairy alternative Recommended Dosage: ½ tsp to 1 tsp 2 times per day

 Large Bowel and Colon Health

The large bowel is responsible for the absorption of water into the body and the regular elimination of waste and toxin excretion. If the bowels are not moving regularly then toxins and hormone metabolites that should be excreted are absorbed back into the body and cause many negative systemic effects. PMS symptoms, fatigue, headaches, bloating, skin reactions, irritability, and many other symptoms can all be affected by decreased bowel regularity.

If bowels are moving too frequently then electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and microflora depletion are more likely to occur. In addition, a depletion of beneficial intestinal bacteria can increase the risk of pathogenic intestinal infections. Recent studies indicate that certain live organisms living in the intestine have beneficial immunomodulating  affects. Establishing and maintaining a healthy microflora ecosystem in the intestine also reduces the occurrence of food allergies and skin disorders.

Pro Flora Plus:  A combination of the clinical human strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifdobacterium spp. This bio-identical formula provides 9 billion viable organisms per capsule. Recommended Dosage is 1 to 2 capsules 2 times per day.

Florastor: A high quality source of the well studied probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii. This healthy yeast helps restore proper gut function, promotes regularity, and can be taken during and after antibiotic use. Recommended Dosage is 1 to 2 capsules 2 times per day.

Ultra Fiber Plus: A unique dietary fiber supplement with soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, antioxidants and freeze dried Lactobacillus acidophilus. Add to 8oz. or more of water or diluted juice. Recommended Dosage is 1 scoop 1 to 2 times per day

Intestinal Repair Capsules: A combination formula specifically designed to decrease inflammation and heal the colon epithelial cells. Intestinal Repair Capsules contain Butyric Acid, a short chain fatty acid used by the colonic epithelial cell as a major fuel source. As such, butyric acid enhances the repair and regeneration of these cells. Recommended Dosage is 1 to 2 capsule 2 to 3 times per day with food.

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