|
December 2004
Words from us…
Wayne’s World
Digestion involves two
categories, mechanical and chemical. Mechanical digestion is physical movement
that aids chemical digestion, chewing the food thoroughly and churning by the
smooth muscles of the stomach and small intestine. Food is mixed with enzymes
that start the chemical reactions that break it down into molecules small enough
to enter the blood vessels. The different enzymes of chemical digestion are
amylases, proteases, and lipases. At
Stay Healthy!, we
offer numerous quality enzyme lines that break down carbohydrates, proteins, and
fats into simpler components the body can use for energy. I would recommend the
“Enzymedica” and “Udo’s Choice” line of enzymes, for their plant enzymes are
able to survive a broader range of pH differences and provide a wider range of
activity throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Animal derived enzymes are more
sensitive to pH extremes. Papaya and bromelain are both good for protein
digestion. Consider taking daily “Aloe Life” whole-leaf aloe juice and probiotic
supplements that offer a myriad of health benefits. “Enzymatic Therapy” makes
“Pearls” which deliver in a small capsule one billion cfu’s of a proprietary
probiotic blend. Probiotic bacteria need to be ingested regularly for their
health-promoting effects to persist. There are many herbs that are good
digestive aids. Limit your intake of fluids at a meal and chew food thoroughly,
relax and concentrate on eating without distractions. Refer to staff
recommendations in this wellness letter and ask us to show you our quality
digestive aids carried abundantly at
“Stay Healthy!”
Digestion is a complex process and we also offer books and other written
material for your benefit. Call us at 877-2494 and visit us soon.
Thank you so much for your patronage. Stay Healthy!
Jenny's Jive:
This one goes out to all the turkey,
pumpkin pie-eating people out there. Actually this verse is dedicated to anyone
that eats anything! (For those who don’t eat please disregard this passage.)
Remember this holiday season that there are supplements to ease the bloating &
feelings of fatness from overeating. One of my favorites is ginger. Ginger not
only has naturally occurring enzymes to help with digestion, but it helps
increase circulation too. Enzymes break down the food we eat. In the past our
enzymes would come from the foods we’d eat. However, enzymes are heat sensitive,
so if your food is hot, the enzymes are gone. Technology today has provided us
with enzymes in capsule form, making it easy to purchase & consume. So take your
enzymes before you eat… aid your digestion in being complete. No more bloating &
feelings of fat… health stems from digestion, remember that!!!
Jeff's
Positive Vibrations:
80% of the
health problems in America can be traced back to our
digestive track. Digestive aids have been used for thousands of years for
abdominal bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and nausea. More serious
gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, diverticulitis, acid reflux, heartburn and
ulcers are on the rise and are affecting our children as well as adults and
seniors. Dietary changes that may prove to be helpful include the avoidance of
certain sugars, processed flour and animal proteins along with increasing raw
fruits and vegetables, fresh water and exercise. Artichoke leaf extract has been
used to stimulate bile production and people experienced a reduction of nausea,
abdominal pain, constipation and gas using artichoke extract. Peppermint leaf
has been used since the 18th century as a carminative (prevents and
relieves gas) and for its ability to reduce indigestion and spasms in the
intestinal tract often associated with IBS and also morning sickness. Aloe vera
has been widely used for over 4,000 years as a tonic and healer and supporting
digestive health by improving protein digestion, reducing chronic inflammation
associated with arthritis and improving intestinal irregularities. Betaine
Hydrochloride is an acidic form of betaine, a vitamin-like substance found in
grains and other foods that is recommended as a supplemental source of
hydrochloric acid for people who have a deficiency of stomach acid production.
Enzymes are the catalysts for every function and process our bodies perform, not
only for digestion. Enzymes are very effective and useful with gastrointestinal
disorders such as acid reflux, heartburn and recurrent abdominal pain and
discomfort.
So come on into
Stay Healthy!
where our knowledgeable staff will be
more than happy to give you great service and advice to keep your plumbing
running smooth!
J.C.
Speaking Words of Wisdom
Digestive aids can be
more then just supplements. Some simple rules can help stimulate the digestion.
Chewing your food thoroughly can aid digestion. The enzymes in your mouth are
hundreds of times stronger then the ones in your stomach. This cannot be
overstated! Enzymes are the catalyst for absorbing any nutrients in the body.
For example, it takes two enzymes to absorb any vitamin or mineral. The Chinese
have a simple stomach ache remedy consisting of generating saliva and swallowing
it deep. This is very effect for most common stomach aches. Rubbing your hands
on your lower abdominal can aid the digestive fire by creating heat. The stomach
needs heat in order to keep the digestion healthy and strong. Make sure not to
drink cold liquids with meals because this puts out the digestive fire.
Drinking hot tea is a great way to sooth digestion and to relax after dinner.
A few herbs to mention are ginger, which has nature’s strongest
plant-based enzymes and also helps increase peristaltic action to help move food
through the intestine. Slippery elm is the herb of choice for gastritis, ulcers,
inflammation, lack of appetite and diarrhea. Digestive bitters
are a combination of bitter herbs in liquid form that work as an excellent
digestive aid, especially for those who have trouble digesting fats. Bitters
usually include gentian, artichoke, fennel and turmeric, to name just a few. The
semi-precious stones citrine and pyrite are said to
aid the digestive process.
“Unquiet meals make
ill digestions.” -William
Shakespeare
Knowledge applied is wisdom…
Nik Notes: “Digestion
involves the mixing of food, its movement through the digestive tract, and
chemical breakdown of the large molecules of food into smaller molecules.
Digestion begins in the mouth, when we chew and swallow, and is completed in the
small intestine. The large, hollow organs of the digestive system contain
muscle that enables their walls to move. The movement of organ walls can propel
food and liquid and also can mix the contents within each organ. Typical
movement of the esophagus, stomach, and intestine is called peristalsis. The
action of peristalsis looks like an ocean wave moving through the muscle. The
muscle of the organ produces a narrowing and then propels the narrowed portion
slowly down the length of the organ. These waves of narrowing push the food and
fluid in front of them through each hollow organ. Several factors affect
emptying of the stomach, including the nature of the food (mainly its fat and
protein content) and the degree of muscle action of the emptying stomach and the
next organ to receive the stomach contents (the small intestine). As the food is
digested in the small intestine and dissolved into the juices from the pancreas,
liver, and intestine, the contents of the intestine are mixed and pushed forward
to allow further digestion.” This excerpt taken from www.nutristrategy.com
|
