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Monthly Health Review, March 2001
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Digestion and Colon Health
In this issue we are going to approach digestion and colon health from
a slightly different angle. We would like to point out that it is possible
that many symptoms of digestive disorders may be 'danger signals' of a
more serious condition. Advising a medical diagnosis may be your course
of action, especially if the symptoms have persisted for some time, or
self-help has not been successful after two or three days.
Food and its digestion are probably two of the most talked about subjects
in the world. However, without good digestion, the effect of eating good
food is reduced. Most nutrients - fats, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals
and vitamins - are absorbed in the small intestine; it is important for
a lifetime of good health to address any issues which may affect the efficiency
of this process.
The digestion of food is partly physical, performed by the teeth, which
cut and chew food, (mixing it with saliva containing carbohydrate-digesting
amylase) and by the stomach and peristalsis, which churn and mix the food
with enzymes. The remaining part of food digestion is chemical, performed
by the action of digestive agents produced in the mouth, stomach, pancreas,
liver and small intestine.
Some enzymes, particularly proteases (protein digesting) have other functions.
Proteases are also involved in maintaining the health of the small intestine
by keeping it free from parasites such as bacteria, yeast, protozoa and
parasitic worms. From this it becomes apparent that a lack of digestive
secretions, including proteases may increase a person's risk of Infections
of the intestine (1). Of the many complaints that affect the digestive
system, indigestion, peptic Ulcers, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD),
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Constipation are some of the most common.
Indigestion or dyspepsia is a term used to describe
one of a collection of symptoms including Heartburn, abdominal Pain, nausea
and flatulence. It is primarily brought about by an over -production of
stomach acid caused by eating too much or too quickly, or consuming foods
that are too spicy, sweet or salty. Indigestion may also be Stress-induced.
Persistent or recurrent indigestion may be associated with a peptic ulcer,
oesophagitis or Gallstones (2). Self-help could include eating smaller
meals in a relaxed environment, chewing food thoroughly and consuming
liquid after (not with) food.
Digestive Enzymes may be helpful in supplementing the
content's own digestive enzymes and assisting the breakdown of food, but
will not replace good chewing! Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
has been used for colic, flatulence and indigestion (3). Lactic
bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. Casei Rhamnosus and
L. Casei Casei) may also be useful as a digestive aid by discouraging
the presence of putrefactive and pathogenic bacteria in the gut (3).
Peptic Ulcers are raw areas in the gastro-intestinal
tract, caused as a result of erosion by acidic gastric juice. The lining
of the stomach and duodenum is always at risk of attack by gastric acid
juices: it may be damaged by Infection with Helicobacter pylori, found
in the stomachs of 40% of the population, and 100% of those with peptic
ulcers. Peptic ulcers may occur in the oesophagus, stomach, or the duodenum
(very rarely in the jejunum or ileum) (2). Peptic ulcers may be single
or multiple and symptoms are typically a gnawing Pain in the abdomen when
the stomach is empty.
Medical advice should be sought for peptic ulcers, as antibiotics may
be required to deal with the bacteria. However, from a more 'natural'
point of view, the amino acid L-glutamine may be used
to help heal peptic ulcers. Found in Oat Bran, the amino acid glutamine,
together with Lactic Bacteria, may benefit the reconditioning of the mucosal
lining of the digestive tract (4). Bioflavonoids such
as Quercetin may inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria (5). Vitamin
A and Zinc are together involved in the healing
process and may be helpful to people with peptic ulcers. High Zinc intake
can induce a deficiency of Copper, so zinc supplements with Copper may
prevent this. Vitamin A is involved in the health of mucous membranes,
which help to protect organs from Infection.
CoQ10 has been shown to be effective against conditions
associated with poor oxygenation of tissue including stomach ulcers (6).
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) should not be confused
with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is not an inflammatory condition.
IBD is a chronic inflammatory state of the intestine and covers ulcerative
colitis, a disease of the colon in which Ulcers develop in the
colonic lining, and Crohn's Disease, which is often found in the lower
part of the small intestine (the ileum) but may also occur in the colon.
Both Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease produce abdominal
Pain and Diarrhoea. People with IBD may become deficient in various nutrients
because of poor absorption of nutrients from the intestines into the bloodstream.
There is increasing evidence to suggest that people with IBD benefit from
diets high in unrefined carbohydrate and naturally high in fibre (7).
Advice should include having the necessary tests to find out if certain
foods are a problem, and avoiding known foods that may aggravate the problem.
A multivitamin and mineral supplement may help prevent
nutrient deficiencies, although where the problem is severe, vitamin or
mineral injections from the doctor may be recommended. Lactic Bacteria
help maintain the balance of intestinal flora in two ways, firstly, by
converting lactose into lactic acid, which provides an environment unfavourable
to harmful bacteria, and secondly, by producing their own specific antibiotics,
which help fight infectious micro-organisms (8).
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a very common disorder,
mostly occurring in middle age, and suffered largely by women. IBS is
characterised by Constipation, Diarrhoea or both. A deficiency in dietary
fibre has been recognised as part of the cause of the problem, another
part being attributed to psychological issues. In some cases, IBS may
be confused with Lactose Intolerance, in which a deficiency in the enzyme
lactase causes fermentation of lactose in the intestine, leading to abdominal
Cramps, Bloating and flatulence. Various supplements may help resolve
IBS: lactase, Digestive Enzymes, Peppermint oil and Lactic Bacteria may
all be useful, as may multivitamins and minerals to help prevent deficiencies.
The addition of soluble fibre through fruit and vegetables or supplements
may well be beneficial. Ginger also has an antispasmodic effect (3). Suffice
to say that IBS is a multi-faceted problem, and more than one solution
may be needed (7).
Constipation: If a person has a health complaint of
the digestive tract, they should be advised to seek medical advice before
substantially increasing their intake of fibre. However, the most helpful
advice to a person suffering constipation is to increase their intake
of soluble fibre and liquid, preferably water. For information on fibre,
see 'The Importance of Fibre' section below. It may also be helpful to
reduce the intake of tea and coffee, as caffeine has a diuretic effect,
eliminating fluids that are important for healthy bowel function. The
leaf or pod of the Senna (Cassia angustifolia) plant has a cathartic
action, which is a powerful laxative effect. Senna should be advised with
caution as there are safety and contra-indication issues (9).
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Herbal help for good
digestion...
Together with the carminative action of Ginger and
the laxative effect of Senna, Green Tea
is also of value in the health of the Digestive System. Green Tea is involved
in protecting the cells, especially in the digestive tract, from nitrosamines
formed when nitrites, such as those used in the curing of meat products,
bind to Amino Acids (10). Peppermint is an important digestive aid and
has carminative properties, helping to expel intestinal wind (9). Herbal
teas such as camomile, fennel or peppermint may also be useful in helping
soothe troubled digestion.
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Supplement advice for digestive
health maintenance...
For digestive health maintenance, acidophilus, lactase, and enzyme digest
may be recommended. To help overcome nutritional deficiencies during periods
of impaired digestive function standard release multivitamin and mineral
supplements may be recommended. L-glutamine, together with CoQ10 may aid
the healing of Ulcers.
Homoeopathy help...
Many homoeopathic medicines are relevant to digestion, including Arsen
alb. and Bryonia. See the section on 'Digestive Complaints'
on pages 24 and 25 of "The Guide to Homoeopathics" to help your customer
choose the remedy to match their symptom picture.
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The Importance of Fibre...
Fibre is found in foods such as wholegrains, fresh/dried fruit, vegetables,
legumes, nuts and seeds. It provides bulk to enable the colon (large intestine)
to work effectively. The presence of fibre also helps to regulate the
absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Lack of dietary fibre
has been implicated in intestinal disorders such as diverticular disease,
chronic Constipation and Haemorrhoids (2).
A diet that is high in fibre increases the frequency and quantity of
bowel movements and decreases the time taken by food to travel through
the digestive tract from ingestion to defecation. This allows less time
for absorption of toxins from the stool, and may be preventative in several
diseases affecting the colon such as Constipation, IBS, diverticulitis,
colon cancer and Haemorrhoids.
The connection between diet and disease has not been proven in all cases.
However, there is enough evidence to indicate that it is wise to make
sure the diet is high in soluble fibre from fresh/dried fruit, vegetables,
and oat and rice bran and low in saturated fats and sugars.
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References:
- "Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine". M Murray N.D. & J Pizzorno
N.D. Little, Brown. 1998.
- "BMA Complete Family Health Encyclopaedia", Ed. Dr T Smith.
- Quest Professional Product Manual. 1998.
- Bengmark S, Jeppsson B. Gastrointestinal surface protection and
mucosa reconditioning. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 1995; 19:410-415.
- Beil W, Birkholz C, Sewing K F, Effects of flavonoids on parietal
cell acid secretion, gastric mucosal prostaglandins production and H.
pylori growth Arzneim-Forsch Drug Res. 1995; 45:697-700.
- "The Miracle Nutrient Coenzyme Q 10". Dr E G Blizakov & G L Hunt.
Thorsons, 1988.
- "Healing Through Nutrition", Dr M Werbach. Thorsons 1995.
- QuestHealthLibrary.com. 2000.
- "Herbal Medicines", C Newall & L Anderson, 1996. The Pharmaceutical
Press.
- "The Healing Power of Herbs" M Murray N.D. Prima, 1995.
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