Intestines and Digestion
The gut is one of the most important organs in our body and plays a key role in our health. In addition to digestion and the absorption of nutrients, it plays a crucial role in the immune system, the body’s detoxification, and the production of certain vitamins and hormones. A healthy microbiome—consisting of approximately 38 trillion bacteria—and an intact intestinal mucosa are crucial for optimal gut function. However, factors such as stress, processed foods, or the use of antibiotics can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut flora. The consequences: digestive problems and a weakened immune system.
This is where a targeted gut restoration program comes in. The combination of probiotic bacteria, prebiotic fiber, and special mucosal nutrients—as found in ourProbiotics Gut Restoration Program Original—can restore the balance of the gut flora. The products included—Pro EM san,Pro Präbioma, andPro Mucosa—not only help regenerate healthy gut flora but also strengthen the intestinal mucosa and promote optimal digestion.
Which Digestive Enzymes Are Important for Good Digestion
Only with good digestion can the nutrients from food be broken down and then absorbed by the body.Digestive enzymes—such as thosefoundin ourPro Enzym—help with this process:
- Carbohydratesare broken down in the mouth by alpha-amylase, which is found in saliva. In the small intestine, the breakdown of carbohydrates continues with the help of amylase from the pancreas.
- Lipases break downfats andare produced primarily in the pancreas and small intestine. They are also found in small amounts in saliva and gastric juice. Fats are absorbed with the help of bile acids, which are produced in the liver.
- Proteinsare first modified by stomach acid and then broken down by proteases. Proteases are produced in the stomach, the duodenum, and the pancreas.
Tip:The bitter compoundsfound in high concentrations in ourPro IntestandPro Intest Alcohol-Freeproducts can also stimulate digestion and the entire metabolic process.
A Healthy Intestinal Barrier—The Foundation of Gut Health and the Focus of Gut Restoration
The intestinal barrier consists of:
- thegut flora,
- theintestinal mucosa, includingthe mucus layer
- and a large part ofthe immune system.
80% of immune cells are located in the gut. These include, in particular, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and T and B lymphocytes.
The most important component of the intestinal barrier is the gut microbiota. It contains approximately 38 trillion bacteria, which accounts for about 98% of all the bacteria in the body and consists of at least 160 different bacterial species.
The gut microbiota has several beneficial effects on our intestines and the entire body. For example , it is important for:
- the defense against disease-causing pathogens
- a healthy digestive system
- regular bowel movements
- strengthening the immune system
- the elimination of harmful toxins
- the production of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids for a healthy, acidic intestinal environment; the short-chain fatty acids, especially butyrate, are also used as a source of energy for the intestinal mucosa
The intestinal mucosa consists of a layer of mucosal cells that are closely connected to one another by what are known as tight junctions and allow substances to pass through only in a highly controlled manner. It is important that this layer of cells remains intact and that no gaps form. Otherwise, substances from harmful pathogens or food components can pass through and unintentionally keep the immune system on high alert.
A healthy intestinal flora and a thick mucus layer containing secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) are important for a healthy mucous membrane. This immunoglobulin A (IgA) is produced by plasma cells—which develop from B lymphocytes—and is secreted through the epithelial layer. Its function is to ward off harmful pathogens.
If we have too few good bacteria in our gut, or if the bacterial diversity or the ratio between bacterial strains is out of balance, then the gut flora has become imbalanced—a condition also known as dysbiosis. An imbalance in the gut flora isn’t always immediately noticeable, but it usually manifests as digestive problems, a weakened immune system, or low mood.
The following are particularly worth mentioning:
- an unbalanced, low-fiber diet
- sugary foods
- Food Additives
- Digestive Enzyme Deficiency
- chronic stress
- Environmental toxins (pesticides, heavy metals)
- Cesarean section births
- Taking medications such as antibiotics
The following are particularly helpful:
- probiotic bacteria (probiotics)
- soluble dietary fiber (prebiotics) as food for the good gut bacteria
balanced diet
Important for a Damaged Intestinal Wall: Regeneration of the Intestinal Mucosa
If you suffer from bloating, abdominal pain, chronic fatigue, or frequent infections, the cause may be an imbalance in the microbiome as well as impaired function of the intestinal wall. The consumption of industrially processed foods, the use of pesticides in conventional agriculture, and exposure to environmental toxins can directly damage the intestinal wall—just as they can damage the gut microbiota.
The connections between intestinal cells—known as tight junctions—deteriorate and, if the stress persists, can no longer hold the intestinal wall together. This condition is known as leaky gut. If the intestinal wall has gaps, undigested food particles, pathogens, and toxins can enter the bloodstream unchecked. The immune system responds immediately to these foreign substances—which normally have no place in the blood—and releases inflammatory substances. The body goes into constant overdrive and may develop antibodies against food substances that normally do not harm us. This can lead to food intolerances and many other health issues.
With specific phytonutrients and micronutrients, you canspecificallysupportthe regenerationoftheintestinal wall. Important nutrients for the intestinal mucosa—which have been effectively combined inPro Mucosa—include, above all: L-glutamine, lecithin, B vitamins, broccoli extract, and polyphenols such as quercetin and resveratrol.
What does a colon cleanse—often referred to as a colon detox—involve?
The goal of intestinal restoration is to restore the health of the intestines. This involves rebalancing the gut microbiota, rebuilding the intestinal mucosa, and optimizing digestion. As a result, intestinal and digestive symptoms are often reduced, and overall well-being is improved.
Guide to Gut Detoxification — Here’s what we recommend to get your gut back in shape:
| Substance | Here's what you should keep in mind | Matching Product |
|---|---|---|
|
Probiotics |
high diversity of live lactic acid cultures | |
|
Prebiotics |
slow-fermenting dietary fiber that produces less gas in the intestines | |
|
Nutrients for the Mucous Membrane |
A combination of B vitamins (B2, B3, B6, biotin), lecithin, the amino acid glutamine, and phytonutrients/polyphenols | |
|
Bitter compounds |
A blend of various herbs with a high content of bitter compounds, balanced in proportion to one another |
* This refers to a potentially increased need for nutrients and not to the relief, cure, or prevention of a disease.
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