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A healthy digestive system may be the key to overall wellness.

By Shari Barbanel

Healthy digestion is essential. It is assimple as that. When the body isunder digestive distress, a personmay encounter symptoms, such as

abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating,heartburn, constipation or diarrhea.Digestive issues can result from a number offactors, including eating a poor diet, stress,or intolerances to certain types of food, suchas lactose or gluten. And the number of peo-ple dealing with digestive issues is staggering.According to the National Institutes ofHealth (NIH), digestive diseases affectapproximately 60 to 70 million Americans.Additionally, gastrointestinal (GI) issues canhave an effect on the rest of the body’s sys-tems. For instance, approximately 70 percent

of the immune system resides in GI tract. “Digestive disturbances are common

place now days with symptoms rangingfrom bloating, indigestion, feeling full soonafter eating, lack of appetite, cramping, con-stipation or loose stools,” said Natalie Lamb,nutritional advisor for Maryland-based Bio-Kult Probiotics, which is manufactured inSomerset, U.K. by Probiotics InternationalLtd. (Protexin). “If symptoms reoccur regu-larly the label of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is given. IBS is currently estimated toaffect between 10 and 20 percent of the gen-eral population, with approximately 70 per-cent experiencing at least one symptom inany year. Food intolerances and allergies arebecoming more widespread, and other more

serious conditions experienced include,diverticular disease, Crohn’s, ulcerative coli-tis and pouchitis.”

Why So Distressed?The million-dollar question is, why are diges-tive issues so prevalent? There are a numberof factors that can contribute to the issuesthat people are having today. According toDr. Rachel Marynowski, a naturopathicphysician that practices at Intonu Wellness inAtlanta, GA, there are many causes of GIissues “beginning with poor in-utero healthbefore a person is even born, C-section deliv-ery, being formula fed, food sensitivities,allergies and intolerances, stress, lack of sleep,excessive energy expenditure, poor dietary

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habits, chronic dehydration, infection andtoxic exposure.”

The standard American Diet lives up to itsacronym—SAD, as it is high in unhealthyfats and processed foods, low in fiber andplant-based foods, which can wreak havocon the gut. According to Robert Kay, PhD,chief science office for Florida-basedAdvanced Naturals, SAD can “affect thedigestive system negatively by depleting ben-eficial gut microbes. And it should be notedthat even the ‘healthy’ whole grains turn tosugar in the digestive tract,” he explained.“The SAD diet also tends to be high inunhealthy fats that can be difficult to digest,especially in older adults. Instead, choosehigh-fiber, low-sugar fruits and vegetables;

proteins and healthy fats.”“We have moved so far away from tradi-

tional ways of eating. We buy a lot moreprocessed and fast foods for convenience andeat a lot more sugar than our bodies areused to dealing with,” added Lamb. “Dietshigh in refined carbohydrates and simplesugars can feed pathogenic bacteria andyeasts. We have lost connection with whereour food comes from and simple cookingskills. We often eat in a rush, in front of theTV or computer.”

Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, director of thePractitioners Alliance Network (PAN),author of the popular free Smart Phone app“Cures A-Z,” and a best-selling author, notedthat another key issue with problems, such asacid reflux and indigestion, “is the destruc-tion of enzymes that are critical for digestionduring food processing, and inadequatestomach acid from aging or excessive use ofacid blocker medications,” he said. “For colonproblems, such as irritable bowel syndromeor dysbiosis, unhealthy gut bacteria or over-growth of Candida represent the major prob-lems. In addition, inadequate water and fiber

contribute to constipation.”In addition to poor dietary choices and

acid blockers, genetics, environmental toxins,prescription drugs, a lack of sleep and chron-ic stress are factors when it comes to develop-ing digestive issues. Further, digestive issuescan affect just about anyone. While aging canbe a factor when it comes to developing GIproblems, people of all ages can be saddledwith GI distress. And with a rise in foodintolerances and sensitivities, more attentionis being paid to the digestive system.According to Hamilton Cabanilla, NationalEducator for Florida-based Enzyme Science,the interest has grown due to more con-sumers suffering with food intolerances, suchas gluten and dairy. “There has also beenmore interest from those with children, onthe brain/gut connection; specifically howpoorly digested foods may have an effect onbehavior, health and more,” Cabanilla said.

A Natural TransitionMany Americans are now looking beyondconvention treatments for digestive distress,because they only address the symptoms, notthe cause. Cabanilla noted that commontreatments have been to block or inhibitstomach acid and the use of laxatives, andthat methods have fallen out of favor withmany because they only mask the symptomsof the problem. “Standard treatment is pro-longed use of acid blockers. Research isshowing that these medications are addic-tive, and also trigger severe osteoporosis andnutritional deficiencies,” added Dr.Teitelbaum. “This is leading to the realiza-tion that we have stomach acid for a reason,and turning it off long term is a major mis-take. In addition, there is growing realizationthat indigestion is not from too much stom-ach acid, but rather from poor digestion.”

“The best and only approach is to deter-mine the root cause of dysfunction,” said Dr.Marynowski. “Once discovered, a treatmentprotocol can be tailored to meet the needs ofthat individual.”

According to Dr. Marynowski, the treat-ment plan should include proper hydration,suggesting that a person should drink halftheir body weight in ounces of room tem-perature water daily. “This is key in support-ing tissues of the GI tract, as well as in mov-ing foods and wastes throughout the entiregut tube (and it’s long!),” she explained.Dietary modification and food eliminationare also common treatment suggestions.”

In addition to dietary modification, Dr.Marynowski recommends pre- and probi-otics, as well as anti-inflammatories, such asessential fatty acids and curcumin, nutrientsto help rebuild the GI lining if compromised,

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According to Robert Kay, PhD, chief sci-ence office for Florida-based AdvancedNaturals, one of the most prevalent

causes of GI/digestive health issues has to dowith the balance of bacteria in the digestivetract. “There are 100 trillion bacteria insidethe digestive tract—some good, some bad,some neutral. The balance of these bacteriahelps to determine a person’s digestivehealth, and also their immune and overallhealth,” he explained. “Beneficial bacteria inthe digestive tract help digest food andabsorb nutrients, and they help to supportthe function of the immune system.”

Dr. Kay noted that multitude of factorscan negatively impact the balance of bacteriain the gut including:

• Poor Diet—The standard American diet(SAD), which is high in sugar, refined carbo-hydrates, processed meats, unhealthy fats,chemicals and additives, but low in freshvegetables and naturally fermented foods,can be incredibly disruptive to the balance ofbacteria in the digestive system.

• Aging—As we age, our levels of certaingood bacteria start to decrease, especiallyBifidobacteria in the large intestine.

• Antibiotics—While these drugs can belifesaving, overuse and misuse of antibioticsis a serious concern. Along with killing path-ogenic bacteria, antibiotics also wipe out thebeneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

• Acid-suppressing Medications—Acid-suppressing medications work by reducingthe pH of the stomach, which creates anenvironment that can favor the developmentof gut imbalance or dysbiosis. What manypeople who take antacids do not know isthat they may actually have too little acid inthe stomach, not too much, as both condi-tions can create similar symptoms.

• Stress—The detrimental effects of stressare often discussed, but what you may nothave considered is that stress has an effect onthe balance of your gut bacteria as well. Notonly does stress lower the levels of good bac-teria, it also affects digestive function.

• Environmental Toxins—Toxins from theenvironment are known to destroy friendlybacteria in the gut. Since the middle of the20th century, we’ve introduced more than80,000 new chemicals into our air, water,food supply and homes.

• Yeast Imbalance and Parasites—Whenantibiotics kill off our natural probiotic bac-teria, another organism that can proliferateis yeast. Yeast imbalance can lead to leaky gutand a host of other health disruptions.Parasites are another potentially invasiveintestinal organism that can thrive in anenvironment that lacks sufficient, friendlybacteria. Parasites can be difficult to detect,and they can trigger a range of digestivesymptoms.

Distress Signs

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including glutamine, vitamin A, as well asother anti-inflammatories.

“Probiotics are a natural component of ahealthy digestive tract, and today’s modernlifestyles tend to get our good bacteria out ofbalance,” said Gregory Leyer, PhD, chief sci-entific officer for UAS Labs in Wisconsin.“Supplementing the diet with probiotics isan excellent way to maintain or restore intes-tinal health as more and more data continueto point to the role of a healthy microbiota(microbial intestinal community) and diges-tive health. In my experience, probiotics areone of the go-to’s that a patient should haveat their disposal.”

Bio-Kult offers a number of products fordigestive health, including Bio-Kult Advanced14-strain, Bio-Kult Infantis and Bio-KultCandéa. “The main benefits of the Bio-Kultproduct range are that they are multi-strainprobiotics providing a wide range of benefits,do not need to be refrigerated, have a guar-anteed two-year shelf life, are proven to sur-vive the stomach acidity and reach the intes-tine intact and are backed with a growingportfolio of research,” Lamb said.

According to the company, Bio-KultAdvanced 14-strain is a unique multi-strainprobiotic with 14 strains of beneficialbacteria. Bio-Kult Infantis is a scientif-ically-developed, advanced probioticformula for babies, toddlers andyoung children. Lastly, Bio-KultCandéa is a multi-strain probioticsupplement with added garlic andgrapefruit seed extract. Taken daily, itcould help strengthen the body’s natu-ral defenses against Candida over-growth, and may help to prevent itchanging from its yeast-like form tothe invasive filamentous fungus form.

Like probiotics, digestive enzymeshelp promote healthy digestion.According to Cabanilla, EnzymeScience produces digestiveenzyme/probiotic combinations, aswell as different enzyme products for

specific food intolerances. Forinstance, the company’s CompleteDigestion and Critical Digestion arefull spectrum digestive enzyme/pro-biotic products that have enzymes tocover every food substrate in a typicalmeal, including proteins, carbohy-drates, fats, etc. It also contains aLactobacillus Acidophilus DDS-1 andATP (adenosine triphosphate), whilethe Identify products (Identify Beanand Veggie, Identify Dairy, IdentifyGluten) are more specialized for thefood intolerances indicated in theproduct name. Enzyme Science alsooffers Acid Calm, which helps sootheand coat the intestinal tract, stimulateGI rebuilding, and provide relief ofoccasional symptoms of indigestion,acid reflux and heartburn.

“Natural approaches such as the useof enzymes and probiotics may get tothe root of digestive disturbances and

contribute to more optimaldigestive function instead ofjust masking symptoms whilethe causes continue or possiblyworsen,” said Cabanilla.“Optimizing digestion may alsoimprove overall health. By absorbingmore nutrients out of our foods, we

give our body more fuel and building blocksto sustain life. We also get rid of waste in amore optimal manner. Digestion is the foun-dation of overall health.”

In addition to probiotics and digestiveenzymes, Advanced Naturals’ Dr. Kay notedthat fiber is also highly recommended forgood digestive health, as well as healthyfats. And while it is ideal to obtain thesenutrients from food sources, it is often notpossible. “It can be difficult to consume allof the foods and nutrients our bodiesrequire, so along with a healthy diet, we

recommend taking digestive supple-ments, such as high-fiber formulas,omega-3 fish oils, high-potency,multi-strain probiotics and plant-based digestive enzymes every day,*”he explained.

Support SystemIt is said that knowledge is power andthe more information that a practi-tioner can pass on to the patient, thebetter. Manufacturers can assist theirpractitioner partners by offeringinformation, trainings and otherservices that, in the end—will benefitthe patient.

Enzyme Science provides practition-ers with literature they can share with

their patients, along with samples ofthe products so the patient can try theproducts before buying. The companyalso has an education departmentavailable to conduct phone or onlinetrainings with its practitioner part-ners. “We feel that education is thekey. The better the practitioner under-stands digestion and how natural sup-plements may support good dietarychoices and nutrition, the better hecan incorporate and suggest naturalproducts to his patients.”

And according to Dr. Marynowski,patients can greatly benefit from theircommunity of natural health practi-tioners working together to help themget well. “The old adage ‘there is a timeand place for everything’ also applies tohealth care,” she concluded. “I believethere are many types of wonderfulpractitioners…medical doctors, chiro-practors, naturopathic doctors,acupuncturists, cranial sacral therapists,colon hydrotherapists, health coaches—and so on. In bringing as many modali-ties together as possible to care for asingle person, now that’s comprehen-

sive! In doing so, we can combine the best oftraditional or conventional treatment withthat of the alternative or natural varietal.”

*These statements have not been evaluatedby the Food and Drug Administration. Theseproducts are not intended to diagnose, treat,cure, or prevent any disease.

■ According to the NationalInstitutes of Health (NIH), digestivediseases affect approximately 60to 70 million Americans.■ Approximately 70 percent of the

immune system rides in GI tract.■ Poor dietary choices, acid

blockers genetics, environmentaltoxins, prescription drugs, a lackof sleep and chronic stress arefactors when it comes to develop-ing digestive issues.

Healthy Take Aways

■ Advanced Naturals, (800) 690-9988,www.advancednaturals.com

■ Bio-Kult, (800) 899-3413, www.bio-kult.com■ Enzyme Science, (855) 281-7246,

www.enzyscience.com■ Master Supplements, (800) 926-2961, x 1,

www.master-supplements.com■ UAS Labs, (715) 849-3333, www.uaslabs.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

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