Digestion, assimilation and absorption of food are extremely important to make sure that your body receives rid of the essential micro and macronutrients. Poor digestion leads to poor assimilation and absorption and may result in many chronic health issues. As a Toronto-based holistic nutritionist, I feel that poor digestion is in the root of most chronic health difficulties and that a powerful digestive system is critical for optimum health and longevity.
Digestion
Therefore optimising the digestive system function is generally a priority in my customers’ holistic nutrition program. The health of the digestive tract is highly determined by the creation of optimum amounts of stomach acid”uric acid” or HCL. HCL is created by the parietal cells of the gut and is an integral element for digestion of fats and proteins in addition to the absorption of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium zinc in addition to vitamin B12.
Since HCL production is the stimulation to pancreatic secretions containing the vast majority of enzymes which actively breakdown foods, low levels can endanger the entire digestive process. When we eat more often than required, over eat fats and proteins or consume too much junk food, the stomach acid secretion starts to decrease.
Stress
It may also be a factor that stimulates acid secretion. Long term chronic stress may also lead to decreased stomach acid. One reason that anxiety can cause rapid aging is that it reduces HCL creation and weakens digestion. As we age our HCL creation and digestive enzymes also decrease. What are the symptoms of low HCL production by the gut? Decreased HCL production can result in poor digestion with symptoms like bloating, gas and distress after rich meals.
Low HCL production can also be associated by a number of other health problems like iron deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, gall stones, eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and periodontal disease. Poor breakdown of foods may also predispose to gut inflammation and leaky gut syndrome that predispose to overall allergies and food allergies. With low stomach acid there may be an increase in bacteria, yeast sand parasites growing in the intestines. This can lead to lowered resistance and degeneration in the body.
Remember
Low stomach acid is a state which can be dependent on your natural health practitioner. Dealing with this issue may be an integral element in improving your health and reversing nutrient deficiencies. Fortunately it can be adjusted in most people by eating a balanced diet, reducing daily stress and particular nutrient supplementation. Herbs like rosemary, peppermint and ginger can also be great for such condition. Optimum HCL production is very important for your wellbeing and enduring vitality and longevity. Correcting low stomach acid levels may also reverse several nutrient deficiencies and ensure a healthy digestive tract.