HEALTH WISE
(05/15/2009) By Valerie Greguire,
Certified Herbalist, Natural Health Consultant

When the Stomach Complains,
Stop and Listen…

A healthy digestive system is very important, and probably the most important factor to good health. It is through the process of digestion that the body obtains needed nutrients to remain healthy and function properly. And just as importantly, it is through digestion that toxic substances are destroyed, broken down and eliminated from the body. If anywhere along this process things go wrong, then trouble is sure to follow. There is so much to talk about concerning digestion that I will focus on just a few important aspects to make you aware of its importance.

Food must be broken down properly in order for the body to utilize the nutrients in the food, to build and repair the body. Improper digestion often starts in the mouth, when we rush through a meal, and don’t chew our food sufficiently. Chewing your food creates an enzyme in the saliva that starts the process of digesting carbohydrates. Your food then travels to the stomach, it is there that enzymes are secreted to break the food down into smaller particles. Your food must be broken down into tiny particles that must pass through the lining of your small intestine, to get into your blood stream. Often there is damage, or inflammation of the intestinal lining, which blocks the absorption of food particles. Sometimes larger molecules of food, that have not been broken down properly, get into the blood stream because of a condition we call leaky gut. This creates food allergy reactions in the body, and overloads the liver. All types of symptoms can be experienced, from moodiness to achy muscles, to auto-immune reactions.

One of the biggest problems we face in maintaining good digestion is when we eat a meal while we are stressed, anxious or uptight. When this happens our bodies cannot secrete enough enzymes to properly break down the meal. It is interesting to note, that stress depletes the vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid) as well as the mineral zinc, both of which are needed to make digestive enzymes. The production of hydrochloric acid (HCL) is depleted when we are under stress. This is why you have probably heard not to eat when you are angry or upset. HCL is an enzyme which helps break down your proteins in your food. This enzyme also destroys yeast, bacteria and parasites that arrive on our food. In addition to eating too fast and under stress, drinking too much liquid with our meals, and eating too much food can also inhibit good digestion and enzyme production. The most common symptoms of not producing enough digestive enzymes are bloating, belching, or gas immediately after a meal, a sense of fullness or fatigue after a meal, undigested food in the stool, mild indigestion, constipation or diarrhea on a regular basis.

One of the best ways to help improve digestion immediately is to take digestive enzymes with your meals. These enzymes help to break down your food so it is properly used by the body. If you are over age 40 I recommend you use the enzyme formula Food Enzymes with your meals. This formula contains hydrochloric acid which is depleted as we age. If you are under age forty I suggest you try the formula called Proactazyme Plus, this is a plant based enzyme and provides enzymes that naturally occur in raw foods. If you know you have problems digesting Dairy products I would drastically reduce, or cut them out of your diet, and use the enzyme formula Lactase Plus when you do consume them.

A note on blood types … Many people are unaware that your blood type has a lot to do with which foods you have trouble digesting, and which foods make you gain weight. Each blood type has certain types of proteins it does not digest well. These undigested proteins cause health problems and slow the metabolism. Blood Type A: Does best as a vegetarian, has trouble digesting red meat and pork which slows their digestion and often causes constipation. Dairy food, kidneys beans, lima beans and wheat also slow their metabolism down. Blood Type A individuals benefit from adding hydrochloric acid enzymes to their meals. Blood Type B: This blood type is particularly prone to problems with low blood sugar. They have the most trouble digesting chicken which can contribute to immune system imbalances. Foods that slow metabolism are corn, lentils, peanuts, sesame seeds, buck wheat and wheat. Blood Type AB: Avoid red meat, kidney beans, lima beans, corn, and buckwheat Blood Type O: Avoid wheat, corn, kidney beans, navy beans, lentils, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and mustard greens. Blood type O is most prone to irritable bowel syndrome caused by not digesting grains properly. If you would like more information about eating right for your blood type talk to the girls at Nature’s Remedy. They have blood type food lists as well as kits available so you can test to find out what your blood type is.

For more specific information or to have your questions answered. Please visit Nature’s Remedy at 18 Monroe Street, Ellicottville NY or by calling 716.699.HERB (4372).

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this publication is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose illness nor prescribe treatment. Rather, this material is designed to be used in cooperation with your nutritionally-oriented health professional to deal with your personal health problems.