Digestive Support
Definition
Non-specific and/or idiopathic digestive upsets can be associated with a range of imbalances, including one or more of the following:
a hypoactive stomach will result in lowered levels of hydrochloric acid which impairs macronutrient digestion and reduces absorption of many micronutrients – particularly cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). Further, lowered hydrochloric acid levels increase susceptibility to Helicobacter pylori infection and can thus contribute to ulcer aetiology.
- Pancreatic insufficiency:
insufficient production of pancreatic protease, amylase, and lipase can contribute to digestive upsets due to food maldigestion and subsequent food putrefaction in the intestines. Pancreatic secretions are also responsible for keeping the small intestine free of parasites, therefore pancreatic insufficiency predisposes a patient to gastrointestinal infection.
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Bowel and/or liver toxicity: dysbiosis and poor liver function can contribute to digestive upsets and general feelings of fatigue and malaise due to poor fat digestion, impaired metabolism of macro and micro nutrients by the liver, reduced waste elimination and recirculation of waste products (autointoxication).
Aetiology / Risk Factors
Major causative factors and risk factors that can contribute to the incidence of digestive upsets include
Diet low in vitamins, minerals, water, fibre, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, whole grains and complete proteins; ageing; stress, anxiety and hyperactive HPA response; existing Helicobacter pylori infection; use of antacid medications; candidiasis and/or intestinal dysbiosis; history of heavy alcohol use.
- Pancreatic insufficiency:
Severe pancreatic insufficiency occurs in cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, and surgeries of the gastrointestinal system in which portions of the stomach or pancreas are removed. Certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as stomach ulcers, coeliac disease, Crohn‟s disease and autoimmune disorders such as SLE, may also contribute to the development of pancreatic insufficiency. Milder forms of pancreatic insufficiency are often initiated by stress, history of heavy alcohol use and ageing.
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Bowel and/or liver toxicity: Diet low in vitamins, minerals, water, fibre, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, whole grains and complete proteins; ageing; history of heavy alcohol use; high exposure to certain chemicals and/or drugs (e.g., synthetic hormones, antibiotics, NSAID‟s, diuretics, cleaning solvents and pesticides); viral hepatitis; bowel infection by invasive microbes (e.g., Blastocystis, Giardia and Campylobacter).
Symptoms & Signs
Common signs and symptoms of digestive upsets include
(i.e., hypoactive stomach). Related symptoms: Indigestion 0-1 hour after eating, belching, burping, bloating high in the GIT, sense of fullness 0-30 minutes after eating, reduced interest in food, food sensitivity.
(i.e., insufficient production of pancreatic protease, amylase, and lipase). Related symptoms: Indigestion 1-3 hours after eating, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, foul smelling stool, 3 or more large bowel movements daily, difficulty gaining weight, food allergies.
- Bowel and/or liver toxicity
(i.e., dysbiosis, autointoxication, etc). Related symptoms: lower bowel gas, constipation, fatty foods cause indigestion, regurgitating bitter fluids, fatigue, food and chemical allergies/intolerances.