Did you know that Americans spend nearly a billion dollars each year on laxative products? In this webinar, Steven Horne shares tips on how to obtain optimal digestion and the resulting health benefits. You’ll also learn how NSP’s top-selling digestion products (Stomach Comfort, Food Enzymes, Proactazyme, LBSII, Gastro Health, Liquid Chlorophyll ES) can support you on your journey to wellness.

Just click through the image below to see the slides:

We know nutrition is important. But, to get the benefit of the food we eat, we also need to be able to digest it properly, absorb and utilize the nutrient, and eliminate waste products efficiently.

Digestive System Functions include three areas:

1. Manufacture enzymes, HCl, intrinsic factor, mucus, vitamin K and some B-complex in large intestine.
2. Absorption of nutrients from the small intestine into blood via capillaries.
3. Re-absorption and elimination of water for reuse, eliminate bile, form feces and produce defecation.

The Process of Digestion Simplified

Chewing physically breaks apart food and starts the digestion of starches and fats. Adequate hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach is required for pepsin to break down proteins.

After food leaves the stomach, bile salts emulsify fats and increase pH (alkalize), while pancreatic and intestinal enzymes complete digestion in the small intestines. Disaccharides are broken down into simple sugars by enzymes from the small intestines.

Digestive Enzyme Facts

Human and animal research has demonstrated that digestive enzyme levels produced by the pancreas reduce with age. Likewise, studies have shown that the ability to secrete hydrochloric acid decreases with age. More than half of people over 60 have low stomach acid.

Bile production may similarly decline. Lack of pancreatic enzymes and hydrochloric acid may be also be associated with many health problems. Dr. Weston Price discovered that the more cooked foods a people consumed, the more cultured foods they ate.

The Importance of Bacterial Balance

The colon is home to a large number of friendly bacteria (probiotics). The small intestines, however, should have low concentrations.

Too many bacteria can interfere with sugar-digesting enzymes and ferment the sugars for food causing excessive gas, bloating and belching. A healthy balance is the key.

Causes of Bacterial Imbalance

Insufficient HCI: HCl is part of our immune system. It helps to disinfect the food we eat and inhibits the growth of microbes in the small intestines.

Lack of peristalsis (migrating motor complexes) In between meals, after food has been digested, peristaltic waves known as migrating motor complexes, sweep microbes out of the small intestines. We experience this as “stomach” rumblings or hunger pains. Motilin is a hormone that causes these movements.

Anthraquinone Glycosides

These are yellow-brown dyes found in herbs and are acted on by intestinal bacteria. They increase peristalsis and inhibit water and electrolyte absorption in the intestines. They do not directly irritate mucus membranes.

Major herbs with Anthraquinones

• Cascara sagrada 
• Buckthorn 
• Turkey rhubarb 
• Aloes (green part, not the gel) 
• Senna Yellow Dock (small amount)

Ileocecal Valve Problems

The ileocecal valve is the valve between the small and large intestines. It prevents “back wash” of bacteria and waste material into the small intestines. If this valve doesn’t close properly, material from the colon will migrate into the small intestines.

The Green Blood of Plants

The green color we associate with plants is due to the presence of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll allows plants to capture light energy from the sun and produce carbohydrates, the basic energy source for both plants and people.

Natural Chlorophyll

Natural chlorophyll is built around a molecule of magnesium, surrounded by three nitrogen atoms. Natural chlorophyll (in green plants) is a good source of magnesium and has a mild laxative action. It captures photons (light) and uses this energy to combine carbon dioxide and water to make carbohydrates.

Research on Chlorophyllin

Little research has been done on chlorophyllin as a supplement. Research that has been done suggests that it:Can bind to certain toxins in the intestines inhibiting absorption (specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in tobacco smoke, heterocyclic amines found in cooked meat, aflatoxin-B1). Research that has been done suggests that it has a deodorizing effect to reduce stool and body odor.

Source: Linus Pauling Institute, http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/chlorophylls

Digestion is at the core of maintaining good health. As you provide your body with essential nutrients and it breaks them down into usable fuel for energy, you create a solid foundation for health. This graphic covers 7 different supplements that support the digestive system

It’s Good to Break Down

Proactazyme®

We’re not talking about cars or machines here. We’re talking about digestion. Enzymes are specialized proteins that speed up normal, necessary reactions in the body. Digestive enzymes can help make digestion infinitely more efficient.

Proactazyme provides natural, plant-based enzymes that break down starches, proteins and fats. It assists the stomach and small intestines in breaking down food into smaller particles, thereby enhancing proper digestion and helping to eliminate gas, occasional bloating and occasional indigestion.

Contains the following enzymes:

• A blend of proteases and peptidase—breaks down protein 
• Amylase, glucoamylase, malt diastase—digests starches (carbohydrates) 
• Invertase and alphagalactosidase—simplifies sugars 
• Lipase—breaks down fat into fatty acids and glycerides

Proactazyme features a base of herbs that support digestion, including beet root, dandelion, fennel, gentian and ginger. You know this product is working when you eat a big meal and don’t feel the after-effects.

Maintain Harmony in the Stomach

The stomach is home to a variety of living organisms, some of which can negatively alter normal balance. The effects of certain invaders, especially combined with hydrochloric acid, can be deleterious to the stomach lining and raise digestive-system issues.

Gastro Health

Nature’s Sunshine scientists spent nearly two years formulating this product for the stomach. Gastro Health is a blend of licorice root extract, pau d’arco bark, clove flower, Indian elecampane root and capsicum fruit. Together these herbs aid digestion, soothe the stomach, and help minimize gastric heartburn, acid indigestion and occasional discomfort. Gastro Health helps you maintain critical balance.

Get Your Beneficial Bugs

Probiotics are healthful bacteria that perform a number of good and necessary functions in the body, including promoting immune system health, aiding in the absorption of vitamins, breaking down some foods, and more. Adding probiotics to the daily diet can pay huge dividends in maintaining smooth digestion.

Bifidophilus Flora Force® 

This best-selling formula is a blend of four types of beneficial bacteria: Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. casei and Bifidobacterium longum.

Replenishing friendly bacteria can help:

• Support the digestive and intestinal systems
• Promote intestinal and respiratory health in children 
• Improve immune system function 
• Help maintain vaginal and urinary tract system health 
• Help synthesize needed B vitamins

Probiotic Eleven

Getting extra quantities of friendly bacteria helps to rebalance the normal, healthy populations in the gut. It’s especially important to replenish probiotics after intestinal cleansing or any illness or medication that may harm this delicate population.

NSP Probiotic Eleven provides a full complement of 11 strains of beneficial bacteria that offer a variety of aid to the body, including intestinal, digestive and immune support.

The health of your intestinal system may also represent the health of your entire body. Every nutrient first has to be digested and passed through the intestines before it can make it to the other organs. The stomach and intestines are often the first line of defense for your immune system, too.

Nature's Sunshine has plenty of supplements for the intestines. But to make things a bit more clear, we put this graphic together below to help you understand 8 of them and how they could help your intestinal health:

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8 Nutritional Supplements that Support a Healthy Intestinal System

Nature’s Three

• Nature's Three provides insoluble and soluble fiber from psyllium, oat and apple. Both kinds of fiber are critical to a properly functioning intestinal system. 
• Encourages regular bowel movements
• Helps maintain cholesterol levels already in the normal range

LBSII

• LBSII Herbal blend supports the intestinal system, promoting optimal bowel function and clearing the bowels of toxic waste. 
• Contains cascara sagrada, buckthorn, licorice, capsicum, ginger, Oregon grape, turkey rhubarb, couch grass and red clover

Cascara Sagrada

• This “sacred bark” has been used by cultures the world over as a nutritional support for waste elimination. Cascara Sagrada acts as an herbal laxative, influences intestinal contraction and supports a clean colon. 

Intestinal Soothe and Build

• Intestinal Soothe and Build are made up of herbs that soothe and balance the bowel. 
• Maintains the proper balance of microflora for optimal function. 
• Also helps relieve occasional bloating pressure, soother the mucous membranes lining the intestinal tract, relaxes the bowl and encourages the removal of toxins. 
• Contains slippery elm bark, chamomile flowers, plantain leaves, rose hips fruit, bugleweed aerial parts and marshmallow root. 

Aloe Vera Liquid:

• Aloe Vera Liquid nourishes the digestive and intestinal systems
• Soothes internal tissues of the digestive and intestinal tracts
• Contain vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients
• Supports intestinal health

CleanStart/Tiao He Cleanse

• Cleansing products (such as CleanStart and Tiao He Cleanse) help rid your body of common colon toxins that affect your overall health and supports natural waste elimination to provide a sense of energy and well-being.

Food Enzymes

• Food Enzymes break down toxins and undigested food to keep your intestinal tract healthy.  
• One capsule digests: 30 g Protein, 30 g Carbohydrates, 20 g Fat

Probiotic Eleven

• Probiotic Eleven is a unique combination of healthful friendly  bacteria to help maintain and replenish intestinal supply.  
• Each capsule contains 6 billion microorganisms. 

Anti-Gas TCM

• Anti-Gas TCM is a highly concentrated blend of 15 Chinese herbs that support the digestive and detoxifying functions of the body, including the urinary system.  

The practice of cleansing the digestive system dates back to ancient Greece. In the United States, cleansing became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Today, it is widely accepted that proper digestion is crucial for overall health.

When digestion is efficient and complete, all of the food you eat is broken down and either utilized or flushed out as waste. When the digestive process is inefficient, partially digested food matter may be left behind in the digestive system. It is theorized that this buildup may produce toxins that can contribute to fatigue and a host of other undesirable symptoms. Sluggish digestion or debris in the bowel may also reduce the efficiency with which the body is able to eliminate toxins and waste products.

CleanStart is a comprehensive approach to cleansing the whole body. It contains laxative herbs to facilitate the cleansing of the intestinal tract. Soothing herbs blended into the formula help support gentle cleansing. Herbs that help rekindle the ability of the digestive system to properly handle digestion, absorption and waste elimination are also part of this product. Because the digestive system is not alone in the waste-elimination process, herbs for detoxifying the accessory organs (liver, gallbladder, pancreas) and the urinary system are incorporated into this formula. Blood purification is also an important aspect of body cleansing; hence, reputable blood-purifying herbs are also components of the CleanStart program.

Laxative Herbs

The laxative herbs in this formula help remove toxic debris that build up in the colon. Psyllium and fenugreek seeds are high in fiber and have a bulk laxative action, which helps support optimal gastrointestinal transit. Cascara sagrada, yellow dock, buckthorn and Turkey rhubarb are high in anthraquinones. These substances act on the large intestines, stimulating colon peristalsis to promote elimination.

Marshmallow, licorice, aloe and ginger soothe the digestive system while cleansing. Marshmallow root contains mucilaginous polysaccharides that help protect and soothe tissues. Licorice and ginger are reported to have antispasmodic and gastroprotective effects.

Sarsaparilla, red clover, echinacea, burdock, Oregon grape, couch grass, milk thistle and dandelion are purifying herbs in this pack. They are recommended for periodic “spring cleaning” of the body. Their mild diuretic effects are beneficial in promoting the elimination of toxins via the urinary system. In addition, sarsaparilla, through its sweat-promoting properties, enhances toxin elimination from the lymph and circulatory systems.

Bentonite and sodium copper chlorophyllin are detoxifying ingredients. Bentonite adsorbs toxins, facilitating their removal from the bowel. Sodium copper chlorophyllin is a green pigment found in almost all plants. It has been used to aid in the removal of various toxins via the liver and remains a key compound for improving the function of essential detoxification pathways.

Pepsin, capsicum, potassium citrate and lactobacillus help restore improved function of the digestive system. Anytime a deficiency of proteolytic enzymes exists, bits of undigested protein may remain in the body, causing difficulties. Pepsin supports efficient protein digestion and protects the intestines from foreign invaders. Capsicum is used to improve digestion and relieve occasional gastrointestinal problems. Potassium citrate plays a role in gastric secretion and enzyme reactions, helping to support digestion. Lactobacillus spores were thoughtfully blended into this cleanse to help re-establish the balance of these beneficial organisms. CleanStart is a thorough, yet gentle cleanse that is perfect for just about anyone. The ingredients in CleanStart are incorporated into a capsule packet and a powder drink mix packet (available in Apple-Cinnamon and Wild Berry flavors) that make cleansing easy and convenient.

References

1. Leung AY and Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics. 1996;2d ed.:427-429.
2. Yang WX, Jin ZG, Xu WS, Tian ZS, Guo SD. Effects of sennosides on cellular electric activities in smooth muscle cells of guinea pig taenia coli. Zhongguo Yao Li Xue Bao 1993 Sep;14(5):430-2
3. Mowery, D.B. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Cannan, Connecticut:Keats Publishing, Inc. 1986:58
4. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 8th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2007.
5. Wu H; Ye D; Bai Y; Zhao Y. Effect of dry ginger and roasted ginger on experimental gastric ulcers in rats. Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih, 15(5):278- 80, 317-8 1990 May
6. al-Yahya MA; Rafatullah S; Mossa JS; Ageel AM; Parmar NS; Tariq M. Gastroprotective activity of ginger zingiber officinale rosc., in albino rats. Am J Chin Med, 17(1-2):51-6 1989
7. Mowrey, D.B. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc. 198
8. Fahey, J. W., Stephenson, K. K., DinkovaKostova, A. T., Egner, P. A., Kensler, T. W., and Talalay, P. Chlorophyll, chlorophyllin and related tetrapyrroles are significant inducers of mammalian phase 2 cytoprotective genes. Carcinogenesis 2005;26(7):1247-1255.

"Death begins in the colon." Different sources attribute this quote to The Royal Society of Medicine of Great Britain, Dr. Bernard Jensen and to Elie Metchnikoff, a Russian Nobel Prize-winning biologist.

No matter who said or penned it first, it seems sensible that the organ that houses the body’s waste and toxins for elimination is the same place where adverse health conditions would originate, and, consequently, health should flourish when proper care of this organ is given.

Cleansing

Most of us wash our hands many times a day to remove dirt, food residue and potential bacteria. We soap and scrub our bodies regularly to remove dead skin cells, sweat, bacteria and dirt. It only makes sense to clean the inside of our bodies periodically to help remove unprocessed food material, fiber, environmental pollutants and other debris, and to expel these same items that may be stashed in cells throughout the body. This can be achieved using herbs and nutrients that strengthen the body’s regular cleansing processes and help remove or neutralize toxins. Go here to see a list of Nature's Sunshine cleanses and detox products. 

Why Cleanse?

Just as cleaning your body’s exterior has many benefits (fresherlooking skin, removing bacteria, improving your scent), cleansing and detoxifying the body on a consistent basis offers many health benefits. These include:

• Helps remove waste/debris and toxic chemicals (preservatives, artificial colors, pesticides, herbicides, etc.) from the colon and other body cells:
• Improves digestion (removal of putrid material associated with gas, body odor, etc.)
• Helps tune up the intestinal system, which has a tendency to get sluggish without proper fiber and water
• Typically increases energy levels and promotes a feeling of well-being
• May increase nutrient absorption
• May increase efficiency of body systems and functions

To Maintain a Toxin-Free Body, Try to Avoid These:

• Artificial chemicals, including colorings, flavorings and preservatives 
• Medicines such as hormones, acid blockers and antibiotics 
• Polluted environments (air, water, strong chemicals and fumes, etc.)

Did You Know? During active weight loss is an ideal time to cleanse and detoxify. As your body burns up fat, it releases more stored toxins, which need to be removed before they get back into your bloodstream.

The Do's and Dont's of "Detox" Eating

Research shows that certain foods, nutrients and habits can greatly aid the body’s normal detoxification processes. Consider adding the following to your grocery/supplement list and start some new, clean-eating habits.

• Fresh vegetables, including broccoli, cabbage, kale, onions, garlic, tomatoes, celery, cilantro, artichokes and olives 
• Fresh fruits, including pomegranate, papaya, berries, grapes, watermelon and cherries 
• Nuts and legumes 
• Whole grains (plenty of fiber in general) 
• Lean meats and eggs 
• Herbs and spices, including dandelion, burdock, green tea, rosemary, grape seeds, turmeric, licorice root, fenugreek, slippery elm and kelp. Note: mucilaginous herbs may help carry toxins out of the body. 
• Probiotics. When waste sits in the colon too long, levels of bad bacteria can escalate. Bacteria continue to work on waste matter, creating toxins that may leak through the colon wall and into the bloodstream. Probiotics (friendly bacteria) help rebalance ratios of good bacteria to bad in the colon. They also support digestion and the assimilation of some minerals. 
• Other nutrients: aloe, antioxidants and B vitamins 
• Plenty of water 

Cleansing/detoxifying your body two to four times a year should spell excellent news for your intestinal system and promote good health, energy and focus. Show your colon some love, and it will love you right back.

Sources: Detoxification 101 by Dr. Hugo Rodier, Sunshine Horizons, Jan. 2008. The Textbook of Functional Medicine 2005, 2006, The Institute for Functional Medicine

The average American diet can wreck havok on the intestinal system. And an unhealthy intestinal system can lead to a host of other problems. If you missed our webinar, you can see the slides below. Go here to listen to the entire thing. 

Small Instestinal System

1. It reabsorbs water and electrolytes and sends them back into the blood stream.
2. It eliminates cellular waste and toxins released from cells.
3. It eliminates digestive by-products and indigestible substances.

Colon Function

• Includes: large intestine, rectum, and anus
• Absorbs water and minerals
• Formation and elimination of waste
• Houses over 700 species of bacteria, some of which are considered friendly bacteria, that produce vitamin B12, Biotin, and K and  protects us against harmful some bacteria, virus, and fungus.

Did You Know…

• Your diet directly influences the diversity of microbes in the intestines?
• Undigested meat and other foods cause mucus buildup in the colon? This buildup produces toxins that enter the blood's circulation?
• Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement causes waste material to build up and become compacted, leading to constipation?

Intestinal System Challenges

Due to overwhelming stress in our lives, our bodies are struggling to eliminate all the different toxins that accumulate in our cells.

Unhealthy Intestinal System can lead to:

• Fatigue 
• Skin issues
• Occasional diarrhea 
• Occasional constipation 
• PMS 
• Bad breath
• Occasional gas & bloating
• Irritability
• Anxiety & worry
• Mild age related memory loss and concentration

Transit Time is Key

Causes of Occasional Constipation

14 Questions to Know if Your Colon is Healthy

A Few Standard American Diet Number

• Avg. national daily calorie consumption: 3,770 
• Avg. global daily calorie consumption: 2,833 
• National overweight and obese children: 33% 
• Global overweight and obese children: 
• 12% National annual sugar consumption: 
• 142 pounds per person National percentage of fast food as part of daily diet: 55%

Dietary Suggestions to Maintain a Healthy Intestinal System

• Eat more whole grains
• Avoid "white" bread, replace it with whole-grain breads with at least 4 grams of fiber per serving
• As you increase your fiber intake, drink at least 8 glasses of fluids a day
• Fresh fruits and vegetables are the natural choice
• Slowly increase your intake of healthful foods, allowing your digestive tract to adjust
• Beans are an excellent source of fiber
• Read package labels to compare fiber content

Nutritional Supplements that Support a Healthy Intestinal System

Aloe Vera Liquid:

• Nourishes the digestive and intestinal systems
• Soothes internal tissues of the digestive and intestinal tracts
• Contain vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients
• Supports intestinal health

Three of the Best Poo InfoGraphics on the Web

March 5 2013 | Digestive Health | Infographic | Intestinal System

Since it is intestinal health month, we decided to graphically bring you health information concerning probably the most important part of the whole intestinal system: Poo.

Poo really is no laughing matter. Much can be learned about your intestinal health, and your overall health for that matter, by the state of your feces.

Everything from the shape, size, smell, color, could indicate disease, poor diet, or something else. Even the color and smell of your urine can give you a hint about your overall health.

I looked around the Web for some of the best graphics to help you understand your own digestive health a little bit better. And since the average human will produce 9,000 pounds of poo over their lifetimes, this should help everyone:

To see supplements for the intestinal system, go here.

Know Your Poop

 

Embedded from BestInfographics.co

What Your Poop And Pee Are Telling Your Body

 

++ Click to Enlarge Image ++

Source:What Your Poop and Pee Mean

The Facts About Poop

 

The Facts About Poop infographic

Tags: Intestinal System, Infographic