Extraordinary Health Magazine Extraordinary Health Vol 22 | Page 47
are diminished, bad bacteria can move in. The good news
is that consuming probiotics can help re-balance the ratio
of good to bad bacteria to support digestive health.
Likewise, probiotics play a key role in peristalsis, the process
by which food and waste move through the digestive system.
They also promote regularity.
Furthermore, probiotics support the small intestine’s role
in immune system health and the large intestine in its role
of supporting healthy liver, blood and lymph function.
Probiotics support and positively change the composition
and metabolic activities of the large intestine microflora
by assisting in digestion through fermentation and
lowering the pH of the intestine. Additionally, probiotics
stimulate immune system components housed in the gut.
Cultured dairy foods from healthy dairy sources as well
as cultured and fermented vegetables such as natto, sauerkraut,
pickled carrots, beets or cucumbers supply both probiotics
and enzymes, including enzymes that break down food
and increase digestibility.
Energizing Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are secreted by the salivary glands,
stomach, pancreas, and the small intestine. They break
down large food molecules into smaller units that can be
absorbed by the blood and into cells. That’s how our bodies
get nourished from the macronutrients proteins, fats and carbs.
Digestive enzymes speed up the digestive process and without
digestive enzymes, food breaks down far too slowly to be
absorbed—and that can shortchange digestion and immunity.
Food enzymes are found naturally in raw, uncooked foods
and help digest those foods so their nutrients can be absorbed
into the bloodstream. Food enzymes can be absorbed properly
by the body, they can be destroyed, however, when heated above
temps of approximately 115° F. Ah, there’s the rub! We usually
lack enzymes from food because we cook them to death.
Eating processed or fast foods, being run down or under
stress, living in an overly hot or cold climate, the aging process,
pregnancy, being a frequent flyer, or even sweating can also
diminish enzyme stores. In turn, your health can take a hit.
So, eat plenty of raw fermented foods,
fresh, raw organic vegetables and fruits
(such as papayas and pineapple), raw
sprouted grains, raw seeds and nuts,
avocados, sprouts, and unpasteurized
dairy products to help keep your enzyme
levels energized.
Fabulous Fiber
Fiber is important for healthy digestion, too. Fiber refers
to the structural parts of plants which are not readily
broken down by our digestive systems—so that things
keep moving in there.
Don’t underestimate the importance of moving food
along, either, because each part of the digestive system
absorbs essential nutrients. Moving things along is important
for other reasons, too. It helps avoid nutrient malabsorption,
bacterial flora imbalance, putrefaction of undigested foods
or even unwanted intestinal inhabitants.
But most of us don’t get enough fiber in our diets. A diet that
supplies 35g to 40g of fiber per day is suggested for most
people, but most folks get only 18g to 20g per day—about
half of what we need.
When it comes to fiber, you’ll need two types: soluble and
insoluble. Good sources o