Consider your digestion system as that of a bank account – you need to invest in it to reap the rewards.
Enzymes and acids work to sterilize your food. By doing this, your body is protected from infection and illness. Your digestive system aids in the function of the immune system through a cluster of lymphoid tissue that is to be found on the walls of your small intestine. Your gastrointestinal lining is exposed to the external environment of your system, enabling bad bacteria to gain access to your gut. The lymphoid tissue aids in monitoring the lining of your digestive system and if necessary, will produce antibodies to fight off any ‘enemies’ of your gut.
The digestive system is home to different types of bacteria which play a very imperative role in fighting off disease and keeping you’re healthy. When an infection invades your body, the risk of cancer is increased. Good bacteria will fight off the infection, but it is your responsibility to look after your digestive health for it to do its job and stay healthy. Scientists continue to study both the good and the bad effects of bacteria in the digestive system. Doctors have started using good bacteria to treat those who end up with life-threatening infections like Clostridium difficile (C diff) infection. It is the long-term use of antibiotics that can even lead to C. diff; severe colon inflammation.
The gut is like your second brain, very sophisticated, and affecting us all profoundly. When inflamed, you will know all about indigestion, bloating and pain which over time can become serious. There are fantastic mucilaginous herbs and foods such as linseed, slippery elm, chia seeds, fenugreek seeds and licorice root which support the healthy mucous lining of your digestive system. Raw foods have the necessary enzymes to support your digestion system like pawpaw and pineapple. If you eat more than 70% of your foods raw, you truly will notice a feeling of digestive ease and lightness. If your digestion is not working thoroughly, then toxic waste will certainly build up.
A key component to improving your digestion is enzymes. You have natural digestive enzymes to break down the food you eat. Stomach acid allows your body to secrete bile and supports your own digestive enzymes. But if your stomach acid level is low, digestion will slow down, which can contribute to allergies and an inability to lose weight.
You can find digestive enzymes at your local health food store. You can either buy enzymes that are plant based and vegan, or varieties containing ox bile as the primary active ingredient. Bile is naturally produced by the liver, stored in the gallbladder, and released to the intestines when you eat fat, so taking ox bile can help your body break down fats.
