Diet for digestion: Comfort and gastrointestinal tract health
I. Fundamentals of the health of the digestive system
- Digestive system functions:
- The breakdown of food into assumed nutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals).
- The absorption of these substances into the blood to provide energy and building materials.
- The removal of undigested residues.
- The immune defense of the body (a significant part of the immune system is in the intestines).
- The synthesis of some vitamins (for example, vitamin K and some vitamins of group B).
- The regulation of the hormonal background (the intestines are involved in hormones metabolism).
- The main digestive organs and their role:
- Rot cavity: Mechanical grinding of food, mixing with saliva (containing an enzyme amylase for splitting carbohydrates).
- Esophagus: Transportation of food in the stomach.
- Stomach: Food accumulation, further grinding, mixing with gastric juice (containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin enzyme for protein splitting), partial digestion.
- Small intestine: The main place of digestion and absorption of nutrients. It consists of duodenum (where food is treated with bile and pancreatic juice), spinning intestine and ileum.
- Bulshose intestines: The absorption of water and electrolytes, the formation and excretion of feces. Contains a huge amount of bacteria (microbiota).
- Liver: Synthesis of bile (necessary for emulsing fats), metabolism of nutrients, detoxification.
- Gall bladder: Access and concentration of bile.
- Pancreas: The synthesis of pancreatic juice (containing enzymes for splitting proteins, fats and carbohydrates) and hormones (insulin and glucagon).
- Factors affecting the health of the digestive system:
- Nutrition: The quality and composition of the food, diet, sufficient fiber consumption.
- Life: Physical activity, stress level, sleep.
- Water balance: Sufficient water consumption.
- Taking drugs: Some drugs can negatively affect digestion (for example, antibiotics).
- The presence of diseases: Chronic diseases of the digestive system (for example, gastritis, stomach ulcer, colitis).
- Age: With age, the function of the digestive system can deteriorate.
- Microbiotic condition: The balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the intestines.
- Common digestive problems:
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest caused by the casting of gastric juice into the esophagus.
- Constipation: Difficult or rare intestinal emptying.
- Diarrhea: Liquid or frequent chair.
- Bloating: An increase in the volume of the abdomen caused by excess gas formation.
- Irritable intestine syndrome (SRK): Chronic digestive disorder, manifested by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach.
- Stomach ulcer and duodenum: Damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum.
- Dysbiosis: Violation of the balance of intestinal microbiots.
- Lactose intolerance: Inability to digest lactose (milk sugar).
- Celiacia: Autoimmune disease caused by gluten intolerance.
II. Diet for digestion: what is it and how they work
- Definition and classification of dietary supplements:
- Definition: Biologically active food additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake or introduction into food products in order to enrich the diet with individual food or biologically active substances and/or normalize or improve the functional state of the body.
- Classification:
- Vitamins and minerals: Compensate for the deficiency of vitamins and minerals.
- Probiotics and prebiotics: Improve the condition of the intestinal microbiots.
- Enzymes: They help to digest food.
- Plant extracts: They have various effects on the digestive system (for example, anti -inflammatory, antispasmodic).
- Amino acids: Participate in the processes of digestion and assimilation of nutrients.
- Fiber: Improves intestinal motility and helps to normalize the stool.
- The mechanisms of operation of dietary supplements on the digestive system:
- Recovery of intestinal microbiots (probiotics and prebiotics): Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when used in adequate quantities, have a positive effect on the health of the owner. Prebiotics are substances that are not digested in the upper sections of the gastrointestinal tract and serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
- Improving food digestion (enzymes): Enzymes break down complex food molecules into simpler ones, which are easier to absorb by the body.
- Removing inflammation (plant extracts): Some plant extracts have anti -inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
- Improving intestinal motility (fiber): Fiber increases the volume of feces and stimulates intestinal motility, which helps to normalize the stool.
- Protecting the mucous membrane of the stomach (plant extracts, amino acids): Some substances can form a protective layer on the mucous membrane of the stomach, protecting it from damage.
- Advantages of using dietary supplements for digestion:
- Natural composition: Many dietary supplements contain natural ingredients.
- Safety: With proper use, dietary supplements are usually safe.
- Comprehensive impact: Bades can have a comprehensive effect on the digestive system.
- Accessibility: Bad can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription.
- Support for various digestive problems: Bades can help with heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, bloating and other problems.
- Restrictions and risks of using dietary supplements:
- Are not drugs: Bades are not intended for the treatment of diseases.
- Possible side effects: Some dietary supplements can cause side effects (for example, allergic reactions).
- Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs.
- Insufficient knowledge: The effectiveness and safety of some dietary supplements have not been sufficiently studied.
- The possibility of fakes: Fake dietary supplements may occur on the market.
- The need to consult a doctor: Before using dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor.
III. The main types of dietary dietary supplement and their use
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Probiotics and prebiotics:
- Probiotics:
- Types of probiotics: Lactobacillus (For example, L. acidophilus, L. Rhamnosus, L. Plants), Bifidobacterium (For example, B. bifidum, B. long, B. breve), Saccharomyces boulardii.
- Indications for use: Dysbiosis, diarrhea (including antibiotic-associated), constipation, irritable intestinal syndrome, inflammatory intestinal diseases, allergies.
- The mechanism of action: Restoration of the balance of intestinal microbiots, suppressing the growth of pathogenic bacteria, improving digestion, strengthening immunity.
- Output forms: Capsules, tablets, powders, liquids, yogurts.
- Dosage: Depends on the type of probiotic and indications for use.
- Contraindications: Individual intolerance.
- Side effects: In rare cases – bloating, discomfort in the abdomen.
- Prebiotics:
- Types of prebiotics: Inulin, Fructo -osaccharide (Jos), Galactooligosaccharide (GOS), Lactulose.
- Indications for use: Dysbiosis, constipation, irritable intestinal syndrome, prevention of dysbiosis when taking antibiotics.
- The mechanism of action: Stimulation of the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, improvement of digestion, strengthening immunity.
- Output forms: Powers, tablets, syrups, food additives.
- Dosage: Depends on the type of prebiotic and indications for use.
- Contraindications: Individual intolerance, intestinal obstruction.
- Side effects: Bloating, discomfort in the stomach.
- Symbiotics:
- Definition: Combination of probiotic and prebiotic.
- Advantages: Synergic action, more effective restoration of intestinal microbiots.
- Probiotics:
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Enzymes:
- Types of enzymes: Amylase (splitting carbohydrates), protease (splitting proteins), lipase (splitting fats), lactase (splitting lactose), cellulose (breaks down the fiber).
- Indications for use: The failure of the pancreatic enzymes (for example, with chronic pancreatitis), violation of food digestion, bloating, lactose intolerance.
- The mechanism of action: Improving the digestion of food by splitting complex molecules into simpler ones.
- Output forms: Tablets, capsules.
- Dosage: Depends on the type of enzyme and indications for use.
- Contraindications: Acute pancreatitis, exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, individual intolerance.
- Side effects: In rare cases – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
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Plant extracts:
- Chamomile:
- Properties: Anti -inflammatory, antispasmodic, soothing.
- Indications for use: Gastritis, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, abdominal discomfort.
- The mechanism of action: Removing inflammation, relaxation of the smooth muscles of the intestine.
- Output forms: Tea, tincture, extract in capsules.
- Peppermint:
- Properties: Spasmolytic, wind -bearing, antiseptic.
- Indications for use: An irritated intestine syndrome, bloating, discomfort in the abdomen, nausea.
- The mechanism of action: Relaxation of smooth muscles of the intestine, reduction of gas formation.
- Output forms: Tea, tincture, extract in capsules, oil.
- Ginger:
- Properties: Anti -inflammatory, antiemetic, improving digestion.
- Indications for use: Nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal discomfort, improving digestion.
- The mechanism of action: Removing inflammation, stimulation of intestinal motility, improvement of stomach motility.
- Output forms: Tea, powder, extract in capsules.
- Artichoke:
- Properties: Choleretic, hepatoprotective, improving digestion.
- Indications for use: Discinesia of the biliary tract, cholecystitis, digestive disturbance, bloating.
- The mechanism of action: Strengthening the production and outflow of bile, protection of liver cells.
- Output forms: Extract in capsules, tablets.
- Milk thistle:
- Properties: Hepatoprotective, antioxidant, improving digestion.
- Indications for use: Liver diseases, digestive impairment, bloating.
- The mechanism of action: Protection of liver cells from damage, increased regeneration of liver cells.
- Output forms: Extract in capsules, tablets, oil.
- Sweet (DGL – Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice):
- Properties: Protective for the gastric mucosa, anti -inflammatory.
- Indications for use: Gastritis, stomach ulcer and duodenum (in the stage of remission), heartburn.
- The mechanism of action: Stimulation of the production of mucus that protects the gastric mucosa from the effects of hydrochloric acid. (DGL form does not increase blood pressure).
- Output forms: Chewing tablets, capsules.
- Chamomile:
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Amino acids:
- Glutamine:
- Properties: Restoration of the intestinal mucosa, strengthening immunity.
- Indications for use: Inflammatory diseases of the intestine, irritable bowel syndrome, disruption of intestinal permeability.
- The mechanism of action: Ensuring the energy of the cells of the intestinal mucosa, strengthening the barrier function of the intestine.
- Output forms: Powder, capsules.
- N-Acetylcistein (NAC):
- Properties: Antioxidant, mucolytic (dilutes mucus), hepatoprotector.
- Indications for use: Liver diseases, digestive impairment, bloating.
- The mechanism of action: Protection of liver cells from damage, liquefaction of mucus in the intestine.
- Output forms: Capsules, tablets.
- Glutamine:
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Fiber:
- Types of fiber: Soluble (pectin, guar, inulin) and insoluble (cellulose, lignin).
- Indications for use: Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, dysbiosis, increased blood cholesterol, weight control.
- The mechanism of action: An increase in the volume of feces, stimulation of intestinal motility, normalization of stools, improvement of intestinal microbiota.
- Sources of fiber: Vegetables, fruits, berries, cereals, legumes, bran.
- Fiber dietary supplements: Psillium (Plantain husk), guar gum, oat bran, linseed seed.
- Output forms: Powers, capsules, tablets.
- Dosage: Depends on the type of fiber and indications for use.
- Contraindications: Intestinal obstruction, acute inflammatory intestinal diseases.
- Side effects: Bloating, abdominal discomfort (especially with a sharp increase in fiber consumption).
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Other dietary supplements:
- Betaine HCL Betaine):
- Properties: Increases the acidity of gastric juice.
- Indications for use: Hypoacidal gastritis (reduced acidity of gastric juice), violation of food digestion.
- The mechanism of action: Improving the digestion of proteins by increasing the acidity of gastric juice.
- Output forms: Capsules, tablets.
- Contraindications: Stomach ulcer and duodenum, gastritis with high acidity.
- Bile acids (TUDCA):
- Properties: Improve the outflow of bile, protect the liver.
- Indications for use: Cholestasis (violation of the outflow of bile), liver disease.
- The mechanism of action: Improving the solubility of bile, protection of liver cells from damage.
- Output forms: Capsules.
- Betaine HCL Betaine):
IV. How to choose the right diet for digestion
- Determining the cause of the problem:
- It is important to understand what kind of problem with digestion is worried (heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, violation of food digestion).
- It is necessary to exclude serious diseases of the digestive system by contacting a doctor for examination.
- Consultation with a doctor or nutriologist:
- A doctor or a nutritionist will help determine the cause of the problem and choose the most suitable dietary supplement.
- It is important to inform the doctor about the drugs taken in order to avoid undesirable interactions.
- Studying the composition of the dietary supplement:
- It is necessary to carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement, make sure that there are no allergens and undesirable components.
- Preference should be given to dietary supplements with natural ingredients and a proven manufacturer.
- The selection of the manufacturer:
- Choose dietary supplements from famous and reliable manufacturers who have a good reputation and conduct quality control of their products.
- Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates (for example, GMP).
- Output form:
- Select the most convenient form of dietary supplement (capsules, tablets, powder, liquid).
- Dosage:
- Strictly observe the recommended dosage indicated on the Bad package or prescribed by a doctor.
- Do not exceed the dosage to avoid side effects.
- Duration of admission:
- The duration of dietary supplement depends on the type of dietary supplement and indications for use.
- Some dietary supplements can be taken for a long time (for example, probiotics), others with a short course (for example, enzymes).
- Tracking effect:
- After the start of taking Bad, it is necessary to track the effect and inform the doctor about any changes in the state of health.
- If the dietary supplement does not have the desired effect or causes side effects, it is necessary to stop taking it and consult a doctor.
- A combination of dietary supplements with other treatment methods:
- Bades can be effective in combination with other treatment methods (for example, a diet, a change in lifestyle, drugs).
- It is important to comply with the doctor’s recommendations on comprehensive treatment.
V. Diet and lifestyle for the health of the digestive system
- The basic principles of healthy diet:
- Variety of the diet: The use of various products from all food groups (vegetables, fruits, cereals, proteins, fats).
- Sufficient fiber consumption: The use of vegetables, fruits, cereals, legumes.
- Limiting consumption of fatty, fried, spicy and smoked food: These products can irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.
- Limiting sugar consumption and processed products: These products can contribute to the development of dysbiosis.
- Sufficient water consumption: 1.5-2 liters per day.
- Regular nutrition: 3-4 times a day in small portions.
- Avoiding overeating:
- Careful food chewing:
- Products useful for digestion:
- Vegetables and fruits: Contain fiber, vitamins and minerals.
- Sour -milk products: Contain probiotics.
- Whole grain products: Contain fiber.
- Legumes: Contain fiber and protein.
- Low -fat meat and fish: Easily absorbed.
- Herbal teas: Chamomile, peppermint, ginger.
- Products harmful to digestion:
- Fatty, fried, acute and smoked food: Irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.
- Sweet soda drinks: They contain a lot of sugar and can cause bloating.
- Alcohol: Annoying the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.
- Coffee: It can cause heartburn and irritate the intestines.
- Processed products: They contain a lot of sugar, fat and salt, little fiber.
- The influence of the lifestyle on digestion:
- Physical activity: Improves intestinal motility and helps to normalize the stool.
- Stress management: Stress can negatively affect digestion. Relaxation methods (meditation, yoga, breathing exercises) are recommended.
- Sufficient sleep: The lack of sleep can violate the digestive system.
- Refusal of smoking: Smoking negatively affects digestion.
- Examples of diets for various digestive problems:
- At Izogoge: The exclusion from the diet of fatty, fried, spicy, acidic food, coffee, alcohol, chocolate.
- In the case: Increase in fiber and water consumption.
- With diarrhea: Limiting the consumption of fatty, fried, spicy foods, dairy products (with lactose intolerance).
- With irritable intestine syndrome: Exclusion from the diet of products that cause bloating (for example, legumes, cabbage). Compliance with the Fodmap diet.
- With gastritis: The exclusion from the diet of irritating foods (for example, acute, acidic, smoked food, alcohol, coffee).
VI. Scientific research and evidence of the effectiveness of dietary supplements for digestion
- Studies of probiotics and prebiotics:
- Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of probiotics and prebiotics for dysbiosis, diarrhea (especially antibiotic-anti-assigned), constipation, irritable intestine syndrome.
- Studies show that probiotics can improve immunity and reduce the risk of allergies.
- Some studies indicate that probiotics can help in the treatment of inflammatory intestinal diseases.
- It is important to note that the effectiveness of probiotics depends on the type of probiotic, dosage and indications for use.
- Studies of enzymes:
- Studies confirm the effectiveness of enzymes with failure of pancreatic enzymes (for example, with chronic pancreatitis).
- Enzymes can help improve food digestion and reduce bloating.
- Lactase is effective with lactose intolerance.
- Studies of plant extracts:
- Studies show that chamomile has anti -inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
- Peppermint mint is effective for irritable intestinal syndrome and bloating.
- Ginger can help reduce nausea and improve digestion.
- The artichoke improves the outflow of bile and protects the liver cells.
- A milk thistle has hepatoprotective properties.
- Amino acid research:
- Glutamine can help restore the intestinal mucosa for inflammatory intestinal diseases.
- NAC has antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties.
- Meta-analyzes and systematic reviews:
- Met-analyzes and systematic reviews combine the results of several studies and allow you to get a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness of dietary supplements.
- Many meta-analyzes confirm the effectiveness of probiotics in diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Some meta-analyzes indicate that plant extracts can be effective in irritable intestinal syndrome and other digestive problems.
- The need for further research:
- Despite the presence of scientific data confirming the effectiveness of some dietary supplements, further research is necessary to assess the effectiveness of other dietary supplements and clarify the dosages and duration of the reception.
- It is important to conduct research using standardized extracts and clear criteria for evaluating effectiveness.
VII. Safety of digestion dietary supplements and side effects
- General principles of security:
- The acquisition of dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers.
- Compliance with the recommended dosage.
- Consultation with a doctor before using dietary supplements.
- Accounting for possible contraindications and interactions with drugs.
- Continuation of dietary supplements when side effects appear.
- Side effects of probiotics and prebiotics:
- Bloating, discomfort in the abdomen (especially at the beginning of the reception).
- Diarrhea or constipation (in rare cases).
- Allergic reactions (in rare cases).
- Side effects of enzymes:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation (in rare cases).
- Allergic reactions (in rare cases).
- Side effects of plant extracts:
- Allergic reactions.
- Interaction with drugs.
- Individual intolerance.
- Possible side effects specific to each plant (for example, licorice can increase blood pressure).
- Side effects of amino acids:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (in rare cases).
- Allergic reactions (in rare cases).
- Side effects of fiber:
- Bloating, abdominal discomfort (especially with a sharp increase in fiber consumption).
- Constipation (with insufficient water consumption).
- Interaction of dietary supplements with drugs:
- Some dietary supplements can interact with drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect.
- It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements in order to avoid undesirable interactions.
- Examples of interactions:
- Probiotics can reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics.
- A milk thistle can affect the metabolism of some drugs.
- Fiber can reduce the absorption of certain drugs.
- Contraindications to the use of dietary supplements:
- Individual intolerance.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (some dietary supplements).
- Acute inflammatory digestive diseases.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Severe liver and kidney diseases.
- Autoimmune diseases (some dietary supplements).
- Children’s age (some dietary supplements).
VIII. Bad for children: Features of application
- Features of the digestive system in children:
- The imperfection of the enzyme system.
- Unrestrained intestinal microbiota.
- Increased sensitivity to food.
- Higher permeability of the intestinal wall.
- When dietary supplements can be useful for children:
- Dysbiosis (for example, after taking antibiotics).
- How much.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Allergies.
- Violation of appetite.
- What dietary supplements can be given to children:
- Probiotics (special children’s forms).
- Prebiotics (inulin, fructoligosaccharides).
- Enzymes (lactase with lactose intolerance).
- Plant extracts (chamomile, fennel – with caution and under the control of a doctor).
- Vitamins and minerals (as prescribed by a doctor).
- Restrictions and precautions:
- You can not give children dietary supplements intended for adults.
- You cannot exceed the recommended dosage.
- Before using dietary supplements, you need to consult a pediatrician.
- Some plant extracts are contraindicated in children.
- Carefully follow the reaction of the child to dietary supplements.
- Recommendations for the choice of dietary supplement for children:
- Choose dietary supplements from famous and reliable manufacturers specializing in children’s products.
- Pay attention to the composition of the dietary supplement, make sure that there are no allergens and undesirable additives.
- Preference should be given to dietary supplements in a convenient form for children (for example, drops, syrup, powder).
- Carefully read the instructions for use.
IX. Bad for pregnant and lactating women: safety and effectiveness
- Features of digestion during pregnancy:
- Heartburn (due to uterine pressure on the stomach and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter).
- Constipation (due to hormonal changes and uterine pressure on the intestines).
- Nausea and vomiting (especially in the first trimester).
- Change of intestinal microbiots.
- What dietary supplements can be useful to pregnant and nursing women:
- Probiotics (to maintain a healthy microbiotic intestinal and prevention of dysbiosis).
- Fiber (for the prevention of constipation).
- Enzymes (lactase with lactose intolerance).
- Vitamins and minerals (as prescribed by a doctor).
- Restrictions and precautions:
- Not all dietary supplements are safe for pregnant and nursing women.
- Before using dietary supplements, you need to consult a doctor.
- Some plant extracts are contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women.
- Carefully read the composition of the dietary supplement, make sure that there are no unwanted additives.
- What dietary supplements should avoid pregnant and lactating women:
- Bades containing laxatives (for example, Senna).
- Bades containing