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