the intestinal system Flashcards
what % of body;s immune system is located in the intestinal system?
70%
where is absorption and elimination/excretion located?
absorption- small intestine
-elimination- large intestine
when does the intestinal system work best?
when full of water and fiber
what is the optimal transit time?
18-24 hours
how many pounds of fecal mater does the average person have in their colon?
7-25 pounds
- 3 pounds of bacteria in the colon
- a healthy colon is rare
what does good bacteria do?
- break down toxins and chemicals
- defend against parasites and pathogens
- maintain body pH
- process fiber and wastes
what are causes of imbalance of the intestinal system?
- low fiber, high processed foods diet
- insufficient intestinal bacteria
- hidden/unknown food stressors
- stress and anxiety
what are the effects of imbalance?
- candidiasis
- diverticulitis, poyps, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures
- food intolerances
- parasitic conditions
- toxic liver: PMS
what are recommendations for the intestinal system?
- adequate hydration
- fiber (30-40 grams/day)
- lubrication with EFAs
- whole foods diet and exercise
- create a routine that allows for bowel movements
- enzymes and bi-annual cleanses
what is the PS connection to the intestinal system?
overreaction and oversensitivity to situations
explain constipation
- hardened fecal matter that lines the colon wall
- self-intoxication via 5-15 pounds of toxic build up
- caused by low HCL, low bile, dairy intolerance, underactive thyroid
what is the PS connection to constipation?
holding onto the past
what are recommendations for constipation?
- relax bowel with Mg rich foods
- fiber
- EFAs
- probiotics and digestive enzymes
- aloe vera
explain diarrhea
-elimination of unwanted foods or microorganisms quickly
what are recommendations for diarrhea?
- activated charcoal
- bacterial repopulation
- bulk up with fiber
- replace water and electrolytes that were lost
explain probiotics
-fermented foods and supplements containing beneficial bacteria that can help body repopulate
what are the most important types of probiotocs
- lactobacillus acidophilus
- bifoidobacterium bifidum
- streptococcus faecium
how are probiotics depleted?
poor diet and antibiotic use
what do probiotics help with?
help with digestion, colon health, mineral absorption, body pH, nutrient production, inflammation, immune health
what are prebiotics?
- undigestible plant fibers that feed probiotics
- normally oligosaccharides
- examples: inulin (chicory root, asparagus, onions, raw oats, unrefined wheat and barely, jerusalem artichoke)
what is candidiasis?
- overgrowth of candida albicans
- yeast-like fungus that can infect the intestines, mucous membranes, urogenital tract, mouth, throat, skin or nails
what does candida albicans feed off of?
undigested sugar and carbohydrates
what are cause of imbalance of candida?
- diet high in refined/processed foods and too low in fiber
- history of antibiotic use
- long term use of medications, including birth control pills
- poor bowel health
- underactiive stomach
what are the effects of imbalance of candida?
toxins produced by the candida may lead to some of the following
- brain fog, fatigue and headaches
- irritability, and worsened PMS symptoms
- mood swings and cravings for sweets
- neurological problems
