ASKDOCTORANCA

Achieving sustainable digestive health and prevention of
dysfunction
In the mirror, the body appears solid and it’s hard to
imagine the dynamic changes that go on inside it. Under a
protective layer of skin, functions are interconnected and
the body continuously adapts to create a balanced, healthy
internal environment. The state of digestion has local and
far reaching impacts, from immune to neurological health.
Every day, the average person ingests between three to four
pounds of food that journey through a 30-foot digestive
tract. Through mechanical and chemical processes, this
ecosystem allows us to digest food, absorb nutrients and
create the energy we need to live.
GOOD GUT GOODIES
Berries and broccoli, rich in phytonutrients and fibre, help
improve regularity and may prevent colorectal cancer. Nuts
are powerful snacks, loaded with protein and good fats.
Spices such as turmeric and ginger have powerful
anti-inflammatory effects.
 
25-40% of individuals will experience dysfunction or
conditions of the digestive tract, often significantly
impacting quality of life.
Digestive complaints are a leading reason for health care
visits.
Lifestyle choices
With chronic disease on the rise and a trend towards
decreasing quality of life, maintaining and improving health
is quickly becoming the focus. Research supports that
lifestyle habits, healthy eating, regular physical activity
and stress reduction can sustain digestive health and the
overall prevention of dysfunction and disease tomorrow.
Digestive dysfunction
Symptoms: gas, bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, chronic
diarrhea or constipation.
Complex disorders: gastro-esophageal reflux, ulcers,
gastritis, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.
Digestive concerns may appear to be localised to the
abdominal region, but can be the root of other health
concerns, like eczema, headaches and joint pain.
Vital food action
Hippocrates stated, “Let your food be your medicine, and
your medicine be your food.” Nutrient dense foods digest
slowly; they have a cascade effect which aids digestion,
improving nutrient absorption to help create energy at the
cellular level. High calorie, nutrient empty foods create a
deficient response, leaving one unsatisfied or fatigued.
Choose high vitality functional foods such as berries that
contain phytonutrients or omega 3 rich fish.
Digestive aids
Digestive enzyme supplementation enhances food breakdown,
assisting to digest, absorb and utilise nutrients.
Probiotics, ‘friendly’ bacteria, stabilise the digestive
tract and help prevent discomfort due to gas. Other
botanical medicines, such as artichoke leaf, stimulate bile
release to help digest fats.
Eliminate reactive foods
Reactive foods, allergies, sensitivities and intolerances
contribute to symptoms ranging from skin problems to
migraines, celiac disease, indigestion, gas, IBS,
malabsorption, nausea, vomiting, constipation and chronic
diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, your
health care provider can use an ‘elimination diet’ and blood
testing to help identify the source of food reactions.
By about age 40, the production of digestive enzymes
decreases by 20-30%.
Stay regular
Regular daily bowel movements and consistent transit times
ensure sufficient time to absorb nutrients and less time to
absorb unwanted substances. Hydration, eating enough fibre
and responding to your body’s signals (don’t delay the urge)
are essential for regularity. Insoluble fibre or ‘roughage’
is found in whole grain products, nuts, berries, apple and
pear peels; adds bulk to the stool, helps food pass and
regulates bowel movements.
Butterfly management
Butterflies before a speech reflects the relationship
between the digestive tract and stress, the emotional to
physical distress connection. When our body’s stress
mechanism is alerted, adrenaline and other stress hormones
released into the blood stream divert blood away from
digestion. Distress can aggravate constipation, diarrhea or
IBS. Positive coping mechanisms like massage, breathing and
relaxation techniques are valuable for maintaining digestive
health.
Effective sustainability
Introducing new, positive habits into your daily routine
results in noticeable changes and increases long-term
vibrant health. Gradual change is key in implementing
lasting, new habits. Master one healthy habit, then adopt
another to support your health goals.