The intestine is the main absorptive area of the digestive tract.  It is essentially a tube with a thin mucosal lining and lots of blood vessels on the inside and muscles around the outside.  It has its own immune tissue called GALT, or gut associated lymphoid tissue.  The inner lining is filled with little fingers, or projection of the mucosa, which greatly increases its absorptive surface.

Lying on the membrane are many friendly organisms, which help our body with the digestive process.  The small intestine attaches to the stomach.  Near it’s beginning, ducts from the liver and pancreas release digestive juices.  These juices mix with the partially digested food from the stomach and continue the digestive process. Nutrients are absorbed through the thin intestinal wall and transported via the bloodstream, to where they are needed.  The liver also excretes processed toxins and fats through the bile.  These substances must be carried through the intestine without being absorbed.

The remainder of the food is pushed through into the large intestine.  The main function of the large intestine is the preparation of stool for excretion.  In order to do this the digested food must be dehydrated and compacted.  The last bit of nutrients may also be absorbed here.

The immune system has an important role to play in the health of the intestine and the body at large.  One can think of the digestive tract as part of the exterior since it is in contact with things taken in from our environment.  GALT must identify normal food particles and nutrients from microbes, toxins and other foreign substances that can cause our body’s harm.  Improper immune responses are a cause of food allergy, food sensitivity and can be the basis for autoimmune conditions.

Some of the most important players in intestinal health are not part of our own body.  Friendly intestinal bacteria, often called probiotics, are an essential part of digestion.  They break down food particles, manufacture vitamins and prevent the infection of the tract with other microbes.  Each bowel movement actually contains millions of these friendly bacteria; they are in a constant state of renewal.  Many concerns like indigestion, gas, bloating and constipation can be due to an imbalance of the intestinal bacteria.  It is easy to upset this balance by improper diet or taking medications like antibiotics.

Many foods that we eat, other substances we consume and our lifestyles contribute to intestinal disorders.  Highly processed foods, alcohol, medications and tobacco are difficult for our body to break down and may also physically damage the digestive lining.

Processed foods are also deficient in nutrients so not only does the body have to work extra hard to digest the food, but it also gets depleted of the things it needs to do its work.  Water and fibre intake is important to have proper moisture and bulk in the stool and make bowel movements regular.

Stress, anxiety and other emotional concerns put our nervous system in an excited state.  Our digestive processes are only fully functional when our nervous system is relaxed.  Sedentary lifestyles decrease movement throughout the digestive tract.  As our transit time slows there is more opportunity for the re-absorption of processed toxins and greater chance of microbial overgrowth.  Slow transit time also dries the stool and makes it more difficult to pass.  Our body is designed so that each time we eat a meal we have a bowel movement.  Many individuals can be considered constipated and have bowel movements less than once daily.      One can eat the most nutritious food but if the intestinal membrane is not in good working order the body will not be able to absorb the nutrients.

Candidiasis occurs when the fungus Candida albicans overgrows or spreads to other areas of the body.  It is normally found in the gastrointestinal and genital tracts.  It causes inflammation and leads to leaky gut syndrome.

Compromised immunity, hormonal fluctuations and the use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives or chemotherapeutic agents increase the risk of infection.

People who suffer from celiac disease cannot digest gluten, a protein that is found in many types of grain.  Cases can range from severe to mild.  Severe cases are usually discovered in childhood because the child will fail to grow and thrive.  Less severe cases may not manifest until adulthood.  Gluten intolerance is an inherited condition.  The gluten actually causes an allergic reaction that damages the intestinal lining.  The lining becomes unable to absorb nutrients.

Crohn’s Disease is an inflammation of the small intestine but it can affect any part of the digestive tract, including the mouth and stomach.  It has symptoms that are very similar to colitis.  Bouts of abdominal pain and cramping with diarrhea occur and may be emotionally debilitating.  The intestine becomes scarred which leads to a decreased ability to absorb nutrients.

Diverticulitis occurs when the muscles around the intestine weaken and the tissue forms pouches, or diverticula.  If these pouches become filled with fecal matter they get infected and inflamed, causing diverticulitis.  Diverticulitis is usually the result of low dietary fibre, high dietary sugar, chronic constipation or intestinal infections.

Irritable bowel syndrome mimics Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis but does not make visible lesions in the bowel.  The causes of irritable bowel are an overgrowth of microbes, poor diet, emotions and food sensitivities.  The bowel reacts to these irritants with strong intestinal contractions.

Leaky gut syndrome refers to an irritation of the intestine that leads to the absorption of incompletely digested food particles.  These particles then go on to stimulate an immune reaction.  This condition is believed to be the root cause of many inflammatory reactions in the body like arthritis and eczema.  It can also be the result of inflammation from other intestinal conditions.

Parasitic infections in the gastrointestinal tract are common.  Eighty percent of North Americans harbour one or more parasites.  It is so widespread because of international travel, immigration, contamination of the water and food supply, use of daycare centres, household pets, antibiotic use and chemical contamination.  Giardia and pinworms are the two most common intestinal parasites.  Intestinal parasites cause illness by competing with the host for nutrients and secreting waste products that cause allergic and autoimmune reactions.

Ulcerative colitis occurs when small ulcers develop on the mucous lining of the large intestine.   The colon becomes unable to absorb nutrients and water.  Part of the underlying cause of colitis may be an autoimmune reaction.  This is when the body attacks its own cells.  Other causes include low dietary fibre, high dietary sugar, high-refined carbohydrate intake, food allergies, stress, unresolved emotional conflicts and antibiotic use.|

Support the intestine by:

·  Undertaking regular bowel detoxification.

·  Increasing dietary fibre and water intake to regulate bowel movements.

·  Eliminating all processed and refined foods from the diet.  Also avoid any food that you are sensitive to.

·  Reducing stress and increasing exercise, which promotes proper bowel functioning.

·  Using caution with food and water sources while camping and traveling.

·  Using nutritional and herbal supplementation.

Bowel cleansing removes excess build-up on the colon walls and repairs the intestinal lining.  If necessary, substances to kill infecting organisms can also be used.  One simple way to cleanse the bowel is by drinking a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon each morning.  Many herbs are helpful to restore intestinal health.  To heal the intestine, calendula, fennel, peppermint and slippery elm can be used.  To eliminate parasites clove, garlic or wormwood are often used.

Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes as food sources of fibre.  Supplemental fibre can be taken in the form of inulin, apple pectin and oat bran.  Drink 1.5 to 2L of filtered water daily.  Fibre and water are important to regulate bowel movements.

Do not use the following foods because they irritate the intestine; unfermented dairy products, wheat, animal fat, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, candy, processed food, additives, preservatives, citrus fruits, spices and sugar-free foods.  If you are celiac maintain a gluten free diet.  Some gluten containing foods are: barley, oats, rye, wheat, spelt, kamut, hydrolysed vegetable protein, texturized vegetable protein, hydrolysed plant protein malt, modified food starch, some soy sauces, grain vinegars, binders, fillers, excipients, natural flavours, hot dogs, gravies, luncheon meat, beer, mustard, ketchup, non-dairy creamer, white vinegar, processed foods, bouillon cubes, chocolate, bottled salad dressing, curry powder and seasonings.   If you have diverticulitis avoid grains, seeds, nuts, dairy products, sugar products, spicy food, fats, and processed foods.

Food that support intestinal health are vegetarian protein, raw vegetables and fruits, whole grains, brown rice, potatoes, carrots, turnips, soy products and green drinks.  Consume fermented products like yogurt, kefir, quark, buttermilk and natural cheeses to replenish the friendly bacteria that assist with nutrient digestion.  Broil or bake fish and meats instead of frying.  Steam vegetables lightly.

To counteract stress do regular exercise and deep breathing exercises.  Take time to enjoy your foods, chew well and eat in a comfortable environment.  Use a hot pack over the abdomen to provide more blood to the digestive organs.  If you have an inflammatory bowel condition only use heat therapy during the healing stage.

When camping or travelling take precautions to ensure the safety of your food and water.  Water filtration devices can be used with some water bottles or sterilizing pellets can be added to water.  Ensure all of the food that you eat is well cooked.  Do not eat raw produce that you have not cleaned yourself, including salad in restaurants.

Listed below are some of the nutrients and supplements that support intestinal health.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).