Indigestion/ Digestion Support

The gastrointestinal system performs a variety of mechanical, biochemical and hormonal functions. As a result of aging, improper nutrition, heavy use of antibiotics and other factors, the normal physiological function of the gastrointestinal system may be altered, negatively affecting overall digestion health. In such situations, a careful choice of supplements may help.

The efficiency of the gastrointestinal system is reduced with age and it is evidenced by its decreasing ability to produce digestive enzymes. The widespread use of medications prescribed to suppress normal acid production in the stomach is responsible for the high incidence of individuals that have lost all their stomach acid. Although these types of medications help for the temporary relief from heartburn, they adversely impact the ability of enzymes to digest food. This happens because simple enzymes require certain low, that is acidic, PH levels to accomplish their digestive function. The chief digestive enzymes are amylases (for digesting carbohydrates), proteases (for digesting proteins), and lipases (for digesting fats). Enzymes are actually biochemical catalysts that help break down food. Supplementing these digestive enzymes may help avoid bloating, belching, “heaviness in the stomach”, indigestion and other unpleasant symptoms.

Heavy use of antibiotics, improper nutrition and a few other factors may lead to the gastrointestinal system condition called Disbiosis. This condition occurs when normal physiological microorganisms of the intestine (the “Good Bacteria”) are suppressed. An individual suffering from Disbiosis may experience various complications, such as compromised absorption of nutrients, overgrown fungus in the bowel, abdominal cramps, diarrhea alternating with constipation, chronic headaches as a result of toxin absorption, intolerance to certain foods and many other complications. Probiotics are “Good Bacteria” mainly used in the form of various members of the Acidophilus group.

Probiotics suppress toxic, harmful microorganisms in the bowel, and quickly help restore a normal balance of the natural bowel microbial flora.

Bile is produced by the liver and concentrated in the gallbladder. It is necessary for the biochemical emulsification of bodily fats, which is the process of fat absorption. A widespread ailment that individuals often develop is known as a “sluggish gallbladder.” This condition is characterized by an inefficient distribution of bile from the gallbladder to the intestine that hampers the digestion and absorption of fat. Note that a “sluggish gallbladder” condition is not the same as gallbladder stones. Moreover, the symptoms associated with a “sluggish gallbladder” may be alleviated by a combination of herbs. These herbs stimulate the bile flow. A variety of herbs have been used in Europe for this purpose. Digest RC is a very sophisticated and effective herbal complex which has been used effectively for almost 50 years.

Peppermint and caraway oils have been used to relax the smooth muscle of the intestines, thereby reliving belly pain from spasms and colics. Regimint is an enteric coated form of peppermint and caraway oil which has the beneficial effect of these products and, at the same time, does not produce an irritating effect on the gastrointestinal system mucosa. Regimint should, therefore, be an important part to a natural approach to support a healthy and relaxed intestine.