GI Sustain - 686g

Intestinal Health

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.

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 constipationcan be due to an imbalance of the intestinal bacteria. It is easy to upset this balance by improper diet or taking medications like antibiotics.

What is the intestinal lining?
The intestinal system is made up primarily of the small and large intestines. The intestinal system is where nutrients are absorbed to feed the organs, tissues and virtually every cell of the body. A properly functioning intestinal system is vital to overall health and well-being. The intestinal wall secretes mucus which forms a "membrane" or "lining" that coats the surface of the intestinal tract. This lining is essential to proper digestion, immune functions and overall health.

Why is the intestinal lining so important?
This lining serves many functions. Three of the most critical are:
- Lubricating intestinal contents.
- Helping with nutrient absorption by allowing properly digested foods to pass into the bloodstream
- Serving as a protective barrier

Where does this lining come from?
Every 3-5 days the intestinal system sheds and renews the cells that line the intestinal tract. The amino acid, L-glutamine, is the primary fuel for this process

L-Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the human body. When functioning properly, the body converts L-Glutamine into N-Acetyl Glucosamine, an amino sugar that is found in all tissues of the body. Much of the intestinal lining is composed of N-Acetyl Glucosamine, which serves to hold the cells of the intestinal lining together.

What can we do to achieve optimal intestinal lining health?
Much of the literature today suggests that supplementation with L-Glutamine and N-Acetyl-Glucosamine may be beneficial in the maintenance of proper intestinal permeability. It is suggested that as we age, we need more of these amino compounds to properly maintain this mucosal lining. Gamma-Oryzanol is a natural extract of rice bran oil. It is believed that Gamma Oryzanol helps maintain gastrointestinal health because of the strong antioxidant properties it exhibits.

A healthy intestinal lining helps determine the overall health of an individual. A healthy digestive lining plays a critical role in the absorption of beneficial nutrients and the blockage of unwanted compounds into the bloodstream.