The Digestive System

The process of digestion begins in the mouth and is completed in the large intestine. It occurs as food is taken in, broken down, sorted and reprocessed,all in an effort to convert it into a usable, absorbable form that can be circulated throughout the body to nourish cells and create energy.  

The major organs of the digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, small intestine and colon. Each of these organs works in a unique way, but they share a common purpose: to help digest food and absorb nutrients. These exist in the form of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Each nutrient type is handled by the digestive system differently, and each gets broken down at a different point during the digestive process; but all are aided by the presence of enzymes.

Digestive enzymes are organic substances that speed up the chemical reactions that break food down into smaller, more usable particles. Without enzymes, body functions would happen too slowly to sustain life. Some enzymes are produced by the body, and others come from the foods we eat. This system is subject to many weaknesses and inadequacies. These include digestive transit times that may be too fast or too slow, a lack of sufficient enzymes and probiotics, and a deficiency of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Luckily, we can combat these through diet, exercise, adequate water and fiber intake, regular detoxification and supplementation.

Since there are more organs in your digestive system than in any other, it makes sense to support them with quality supplements.

The Digestive Pack is an excellent choice for the majority of digestive issues.

The Digestive Pack includes the following products:

  
Save 10% OFF Wholesale when you purchase the pack!

 
  • Food Enzymes is a broad-spectrum enzyme combination to supplement the body's production of the enzymes necessary to digest all food types, except lactose (milk sugar). For example, pepsin is used for the digestion of proteins in an acid environment, provided by betaine hydrochloride (HCl); pancreatin is produced by the pancreas to digest proteins, carbohydrates and fats in alkaline environments; mycozyme digests starches; papain and bromelain digest protein; bile salt makes fats soluble and prepares them for further digestion by lipase.

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  • Bifidophilus Flora Force provides billions of beneficial intestinal microorganisms that offer a whole range of health benefits. This product contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum plus two additional strains, L. casei and L. rhamnosus for a more complete probiotic formula and added support for the immune system. NSP added fructo-oligosaccharides (short- and long-chain), which support the growth of these beneficial organisms to ensure the potency of this product. Each capsule provides a good balance of 4 billion beneficial microorganisms.

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  • Gastro Health (formerly Herbal H-p Fighter) is designed to both inhibit the growth of dangerous Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and to sooth the stomach irritation and discomfort H. pylori causes.

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    Research scientists rocked the medical world with the discovery that many stomach ulcers are actually caused by H. pylori. The conventional opinion was that stress was the prime causative agent. It was formerly believed that stress increased the stomach acid which caused ulcers. Now we know that H. pylori infection causes persistent stomach inflammation, known as chronic superficial gastritis, that if left unchecked will lead to painful ulcers.
      Ulcers and their symptoms reign as one of the most common ailments in the U.S. Medications such as Tagamet and Zantac are among the best selling pharmaceuticals in the nation. Unfortunately, such drugs merely treat ulcer symptoms. They can relieve the burning sensation, gas and upset stomach that typically accompany ulcers, but they do nothing about the ulcer itself. Moreover, any antibiotic that might be prescribed to treat an H. pylori infection would not only kill the bad bacteria but would also kill off the friendly flora needed by the body's digestive system.
      Gastro Health combines four herbs that may help support the digestive system during times of stomach distress, strain and discomfort. Scientific studies have shown three of these herbs -- pau d'arco extract, cloves powder extract and Inula racemosa powder -- actually inhibit the activity of H. pylori bacteria. These same herbs have been shown not to inhibit other friendly bacteria that exist in the digestive and intestinal tracts. This formula also contains deglycyrrhizinated licorice extract (DGLE). Clinical studies show DGLE to be capable of helping sooth stomach irritations and associated discomfort.
     Recent research has shown that the H. pylori bacteria may be responsible for many other stomach problems in addition to ulcers, including GERD. Individuals who suffer from GERD who are not helped significantly with digestive enzymes (and by better chewing habits) may find that Gastro Health can help their condition.

    For more specific issues concerning digestion see Part 2 Coming Soon!