Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) to improve digestion: A comprehensive review
Section 1: understanding of digestion and its disorders
Digestion is a complex process by which the body breaks out food into smaller components that can be absorbed and used for energy, growth and restoration of cells. This process begins in the mouth with mechanical grinding of food and chemical splitting of carbohydrates using salivary amylase. Then the food moves into the stomach, where it is mixed with gastric juice containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin, splitting proteins. From the stomach, partially digested food, called the chimus, enters the small intestine, where the main absorption of nutrients occurs. The pancreas emits enzymes that split carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and the liver produces bile, which emulsifies fats, facilitating their digestion and absorption. The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, forming a chair, which is then excreted from the body.
Digestive disorders can occur due to various factors, including improper nutrition, stress, infections, inflammatory intestinal diseases (BCC), irritable bowel syndrome, intolerance to certain products, lack of enzymes and other diseases. Symptoms of digestive disorders can vary from slight discomfort to severe pain and include bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Section 2: Classification and mechanism of action of dietary supplement for digestion
Dietary supplements designed to improve digestion are presented in a wide range and are classified depending on their main active substance and the mechanism of action. The main categories include:
2.1. Probiotics:
Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when used in adequate quantities, have a beneficial effect on the health of the owner. They are mainly represented by bacteria (for example, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and yeast (for example, Saccharomyces boulardii).
The mechanism of action:
- Modulation of intestinal microbiots: probiotics compete with pathogenic microorganisms for nutrients and attachment places, preventing their growth and colonization.
- Improving the barrier function of the intestine: probiotics stimulate the production of mucin and strengthen dense contacts between the cells of the intestinal epithelium, preventing the penetration of harmful substances into the bloodstream.
- Immunomodulation: probiotics stimulate the intestinal immune system, increasing the production of antibodies and the activity of immune cells.
- The production of useful metabolites: probiotics produce short -chain fatty acids (KCHK), such as butyrate, which are an energy source for intestinal cells and have anti -inflammatory properties.
- Improving the digestion of lactose: some probiotics produce lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, which can help people with lactose intolerance.
2.2. Prebiotics:
Prebiotics are non -consuming ingredients of food, which selectively stimulate the growth and/or activity of one or limited number of bacteria in the large intestine, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on the health of the host. The main prebiotics include inulin, fruitoligosaccharides (phos), galactooligosaccharides (state) and resistant starch.
The mechanism of action:
- Support for the growth of beneficial bacteria: prebiotics serve as a source of food for beneficial bacteria in the intestines, contributing to their growth and reproduction.
- Increase in the production of KCHK: Fermentation of prebiotics with useful bacteria leads to an increase in the production of KCHK, which have anti -inflammatory and other useful properties.
- Improving the assimilation of minerals: prebiotics can improve the absorption of calcium, magnesium and other minerals.
- The regulation of intestinal motility: Prebiotics can increase the volume of the stool and facilitate its passage by the intestines, preventing constipation.
2.3. Digestive enzymes:
Digestive enzymes are proteins that break down complex food molecules into simpler components, facilitating their absorption. The main digestive enzymes include amylase (splitting carbohydrates), protease (splitting proteins) and lipase (splitting fats).
The mechanism of action:
- The breakdown of complex food molecules: digestive enzymes catalyze the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats into simpler sugar, amino acids and fatty acids, respectively.
- Improving the absorption of nutrients: splitting food into simpler components facilitates their absorption in the small intestine.
- Reducing symptoms of digestive disorder: digestive enzymes can help reduce bloating, gases, heartburn and other symptoms caused by insufficient digestion of food.
2.4. Plant remedies:
Some plant agents are traditionally used to improve digestion. These include:
- Ginger: It has anti -inflammatory and antiemetic properties, can alleviate nausea and bloating.
- Peppermint: relaxes the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, can alleviate spasms and gases.
- Chamomile: It has anti -inflammatory and soothing properties, can facilitate the disorder of the stomach and cramps.
- Artichok: stimulates the production of bile, can improve fat digestion.
- Turmeric: has anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can improve intestinal health.
The mechanism of action depends on the specific plant and its active components. In general, plant agents can have anti -inflammatory, antispasmodic, choleretic and antioxidant effects, which helps to improve digestion.
2.5. Betain hydrochloride (HCl):
HCL betaine is an acidic compound that can increase the acidity of the stomach.
The mechanism of action:
- An increase in the acidity of the stomach: HCL betaine helps to increase the level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is necessary to digest proteins and assimilate some nutrients.
- Improving the digestion of proteins: a sufficient level of hydrochloric acid is necessary to activate pepsinogen into pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins.
- Improving the absorption of vitamin B12: hydrochloric acid is necessary for separating vitamin B12 from food proteins, which allows it to contact the internal factor necessary for its absorption.
2.6. Other dietary supplements:
Other dietary supplements that can be used to improve digestion include:
- Glutamin: an amino acid that is an important source of energy for intestinal cells and can help restore damaged intestinal epithelium.
- Methyl sulfonylmetatan (MSM): has anti -inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the intestines.
- L-carnosine: has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect the gastric mucosa from damage.
Section 3: Indications for the use of dietary diets
Dietary supplement to improve digestion can be recommended in the following cases:
3.1. Irritable intestine syndrome (SRK):
SRK is a functional intestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, gases and changes in the intestinal (constipation, diarrhea or their alternation). Probiotics, prebiotics and plant agents can help alleviate the symptoms of SPK.
3.2. Inflammatory diseases of the intestine (BCC):
ZAK (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) is chronic inflammatory diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics and glutamine can help reduce inflammation and improve the barrier function of the intestine.
3.3. Lactose intolerance:
Lactose intolerance occurs due to a lack of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose, sugar contained in dairy products. Probiotics containing lactase can help improve the digestion of lactose.
3.4. Lack of enzymes:
The disadvantage of digestive enzymes can occur due to various factors, including aging, pancreatic diseases and medication. Driving enzymes can help improve digestion and reduce the symptoms of digestive disorders.
3.5. Dyspepsia (stomach disorder):
Dyspepsia is a common name for a number of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn and nausea. Plant remedies, such as ginger, peppermint and chamomile, can help alleviate the symptoms of dyspepsia.
3.6. Constipation:
Constipation is a condition characterized by rare or difficult defecations. Prebiotics and probiotics can help increase the volume of the stool and facilitate its passage by the intestines.
3.7. Diarrhea:
Diarya is a condition characterized by frequent and liquid defecations. Probiotics, especially Saccharomyces boulardiican help reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea.
3.8. Other states:
Dietary dietary supplements can also be useful in other conditions, such as intestinal dysbiosis (intestinal microflora violation), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERB) and after taking antibiotics.
Section 4: Choice of dietary supplements for digestion: Criteria and recommendations
When choosing dietary supplements to improve digestion, the following factors must be taken into account:
4.1. Individual needs:
The choice of dietary supplements should be based on individual needs and symptoms. For example, with constipation, a prebiotic can be useful, and with intolerance to lactose – a probiotic containing lactase.
4.2. Composition and dosage:
It is important to carefully study the composition and dosage of dietary supplements. It is necessary to choose products containing well -known and well -studied ingredients in adequate doses.
4.3. Quality and safety:
It is necessary to choose dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who adhere to high quality and safety standards. You should pay attention to the availability of quality certificates and positive reviews from other users.
4.4. Output form:
Dietary dietary supplements are available in various forms of release, such as capsules, tablets, powders and liquids. It is necessary to choose a form that is most convenient for receiving.
4.5. Consultation with a specialist:
Before taking dietary supplement to improve digestion, it is recommended to consult a doctor or nutritionist. A specialist can help determine the cause of digestive disorder and choose the most suitable dietary supplement.
Recommendations:
- Start with low doses and gradually increase them to evaluate tolerance.
- Take dietary supplements in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
- Follow your symptoms and stop taking dietary supplements if side effects occur.
- Combine the reception of dietary supplements with a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular physical exercises and sufficient sleep.
Section 5: side effects and contraindications
Dietary dietary supplements are usually considered safe, but in some cases side effects can cause side effects, such as:
- Bloating of the abdomen and gases: especially when taking prebiotics and probiotics in large doses.
- Diarya: rarely, but can occur when taking some probiotics.
- Allergic reactions: in rare cases, allergic reactions to the components of the dietary supplement may occur.
- Interaction with drugs: some dietary supplements can interact with medicines. For example, HCL betaine can interact with non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Contraindications:
- Individual intolerance to dietary supplements.
- Acute inflammatory intestinal diseases in the aggravation stage.
- Parlosive disease of the stomach and duodenum in the acceleration stage (for HCL betained).
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (consultation with a doctor is necessary).
- Children’s age (consultation with a doctor is necessary).
Section 6: Scientific research and evidence base
The effectiveness of dietary supplement to improve digestion is confirmed by numerous scientific research.
- Probiotics: meta-analyzes have shown that probiotics are effective for the treatment of SRK, diarrhea caused by antibiotics, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
- Prebiotics: Studies have shown that prebiotics can improve the composition of the intestinal microbiots, increase the production of KCHK and improve the absorption of minerals.
- Digestive enzymes: Studies have shown that digestive enzymes can improve digestion and reduce the symptoms of digestive disorders, especially in people with a lack of enzymes.
- Plant remedies: many plant agents, such as ginger, peppermint and chamomile, have a long history of use to improve digestion and their effectiveness is confirmed by scientific research.
Despite the encouraging results, additional studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements to improve digestion in various clinical situations.
Section 7: Bad regulation: legislation and control
In various countries, the regulation of dietary supplements is carried out differently. In most countries, dietary supplements are regulated as food, and not as drugs. This means that they are not subject to such strict control as medicines. However, there are certain requirements for the safety and labeling of dietary supplements.
In the Russian Federation, dietary supplements are regulated by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). Bades should be registered in Rospotrebnadzor before they can be sold in Russia. Registration includes safety and compliance with the requirements for marking.
It is important to understand that the regulation of dietary supplements may vary in different countries. Before buying Bad, it is recommended to get acquainted with the legislation and rules in force in your country.
Section 8: The role of nutrition and lifestyle in the health of digestion
Reception of dietary supplement to improve digestion can be useful, but it is important to remember that they are not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition.
Important aspects of a healthy lifestyle to maintain the health of digestion:
- Proper nutrition: the diet should be rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Products, fatty foods and sugar should be avoided.
- Sufficient water consumption: water is necessary to maintain normal intestines and prevent constipation.
- Regular physical exercises: physical exercises stimulate intestinal motility and help prevent constipation.
- Stress management: stress can negatively affect digestion. It is important to learn how to manage stress using methods such as meditation, yoga or walking in the fresh air.
- Refusal of smoking and moderate alcohol use: smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract and disrupt digestion.
Section 9: Prospects and the future of dietary dietary
Studies in the field of intestinal microbiots continue to develop, which opens up new prospects for the development of more effective and personalized dietary supplements to improve digestion.
Future research areas:
- Development of probiotics of a new generation: the creation of probiotics with improved properties, such as resistance to acid and bile acid, the ability to colonize the intestines and exert a more pronounced beneficial effect on health.
- The development of prebiotics with a selective action: the creation of prebiotics that selectively stimulate the growth of certain types of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
- The use of metabolomics to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary supplements: the use of metabolomics, science that studies metabolites, to assess the effect of dietary supplements on metabolic processes in the intestines and in the body as a whole.
- A personalized approach to the choice of dietary supplements: development of methods to determine individual needs in dietary supplements based on an analysis of intestinal microbiota and other factors.
Section 10: Conclusion
Bades to improve digestion can be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. They can help alleviate the symptoms of digestive disorder and improve intestinal health. However, it is important to remember that before starting to receive dietary supplements, it is necessary to consult a doctor or nutritionist and choose products from reliable manufacturers adhering to high quality and safety standards. It is necessary to take into account individual needs, composition and dosage of dietary supplements, as well as possible side effects and contraindications. Further studies in the field of intestinal microbiots and digestion will open new prospects for the development of more effective and personalized dietary supplements to improve digestion in the future.