Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Healthy Digestive System

A balance lifesytle and diet help to maintain a healthy digestive system.

Excessive stress, for example, is thought to contribute to poor digestion. If food is not broken down or absorbed properly, it is thought to irritate the lining of the intestines, causing them to become 'leaky'.

Food molecules and toxins then pass into the bloodstream, causing problems in other part of the body, depleting the immune system and leaving you vulnerable to illness.

Poorly digested food in the intestines is also thought to upset the intestinal balance, leading to an overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria.



Improvement digestion is the key to good health because of the knock-on effects this has on the rest of your body. Vitamin B6 and zinc are needed to produce digestive enzymes, and calcium and magnesium help to reduce excess stomach acid (which causes indigestion). Acidoplilus improves the activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

What is Vitamin B6?
A group of water-soluble substances that work together and are converted into th active form pyridoxine in your body. Vitamin B6 is popular with women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome as it is thought to regulate levels of sex hormones.

How it works?
Breakdown of food and the production of energy in the body with the present of Vitamin B12. It helps to reduce skin inflammation and keeps your teeth and gum healthy.

Deficiency symptoms
- water retention
- Anxiety, irritability and depression
- Muscle cramp
- Anaemia

Food Sources
A regular intake of vitamin B6 is essential, as it is excreted in the urine. B6 is present in many foods, but is easily destroyed by storing, processing food and cooking.

- bananas
- chicken
- fish
- brussels sprout
- potatoes
- wholemeal bread
- green, leafy vegetables
- bake bean


To be continue - Zinc