Digestion / Indigestion
Digestion
When we eat such things as bread, meat, and vegetables, they are not in a form that the body can use as nourishment. Our food and drink must be changed into smaller molecules of nutrients before they can be absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body. Digestion is the process by which food and drink are broken down into their smallest parts so that the body can use them to build and nourish cells and to provide energy.
The digestive system is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. Inside this tube is a lining called the mucosa. In the mouth, stomach, and small intestine, the mucosa contains tiny glands that produce juices to help digest food. There are also two solid digestive organs, the liver and the pancreas, which produce juices that reach the intestine through small tubes. In addition, parts of other organ systems (for instance, nerves and blood) play a major role in the digestive system.
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What Causes Indigestion?
Indigestion is the term used to describe pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen or chest that can develop after a meal. The medical term for it is dyspepsia. Sometimes a burning feeling is felt in the chest, and this is known as heartburn. Most people have suffered from indigestion after a large meal at some time, and up to 20% of people suffer from heartburn at least once a week. The stomach produces a strong acid that helps digest food and protects against infection. A layer of mucus lines the stomach, oesophagus and intestines to act as a barrier against this acid. If the mucus layer is damaged, acid can irritate the tissues below.
With heartburn, the sphincter (valve) at the join between the oesophagus and stomach does not work properly, allowing reflux of the stomach contents.
What Can I Do About Indigestion?
By reducing intake of fatty foods, tea, coffee and alcohol, and eating small regular meals, stop smoking, try sleeping propped up on a pillow and reducing stress wherever possible.
Additional information
For heartburn symptoms that occur at night, it may help to sleep in a slightly more upright position, because the action of gravity reduces reflux. To help prevent indigestion, the best advice is to eat regular meals and a balanced diet. Smoking and excessive drinking should be avoided, and a healthy weight maintained.
To be most effective, nutritional supplements work better in combination. It may be more beneficial to take a variety of Herbs or Nutrients for more rapid and complete healing...
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The following Combinations are those recommended for the treatment of Digestion.
Supplements:
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Vitamins :-
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B1, B Complex
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Minerals :-
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Calcium Phosphate 6X, Magnesium Phosphate 6X, Potassium Phosphate 6X
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Food Supplements :-
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Acidophilus, Digestive Enzymes, Hydrochloric Acid, Bromelain
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Herbs :-
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Alfalfa, Ginger, Dandelion, Golden Seal, Peppermint, Papaya Enzyme, Garlic
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Notes :-
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(Many of these products are available combined in a specific formula for Digestion. See related items.)
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Related Items:
(You can click on the product images for additional information)
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Caution: Always seek professional help for any serious disease. The products listed may be helpful in addition to Medical Treatment, however they are not intended to replace it. When in doubt seek Medical Advice.
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