Monday, October 26, 2009

'Take care of your body, it's

the only place you have to

live'


Jim Rohn

A Healthy Digestive System

A Healthy Digestive System

The digestive system is the centre of health, so come in today and let me help you to achieve optimal wellness by restoring your digestive health.


 

Is your digestive system not feeling quite right?

Do you only pay attention to your digestive system when there is a problem? Maybe after you have eaten a large meal and feel bloated? Or perhaps you pay attention to your digestive system only when you have had changes in bowel movements, like diarrhoea or constipation? If this is the case, some digestive support in the form of a probiotic could be useful. Probiotics are "good bacteria" that help keep your digestive system in good condition. Digestive problems are often a sign that the bacteria in your digestive system are out of balance, and since your digestive system is the centre of health, it is extremely important that you keep it healthy!


 

Did you know?

Did you know that you have over 400 species of good bacteria inside your digestive system and they weigh up to 3kg? In fact, you have more bacteria living inside you than you have cells in your entire body! There are approximately 100 trillion bacteria in your digestive system, the vast majority of which live in your bowel. The balance of all these bacteria is essential for your health and wellbeing.


 

Good bacteria can protect you!

Your digestive system is in constant contact with the outside environment through the food that you eat. In your lifetime, you will eat approximately 22 tonnes of food. This food and the fluids you consume could be carrying potential pathogens that could make you sick. Good bacteria can protect you from getting sick from these potential pathogens.


 

Balance is essential for health…

It is essential for health and wellbeing that the bacteria, or flora, in your digestive system is kept in a healthy balance. An imbalance of flora within the digestive system can lead to many common symptoms including:


 

• Poor digestive function

• Diarrhoea

• Constipation

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Bloating

• An increase in allergies and eczema

• Chronic disease


 

How do good bacteria keep you healthy?

Good bacteria aid in:

• Breaking down food and producing nutrients.

• Absorption of nutrients.

• Maintaining the motility of the digestive tract, ensuring good bowel motions.

• Inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria.

• Maintaining a healthy immune system.


 

Not all probiotics are created equal…

Different strains of good bacteria are clinically proven to have different benefits. Some help to prevent and repair damage to the wall of the digestive system due to pathogens in food, bad bacteria and some medicines. Other strains increase the density of the protective mucus in the digestive system and protect it bacterial damage, particularly from E.coli bacteria. Unlike some bacteria, some probiotics can survive the acidic conditions of the digestive system and are able to adhere to the intestinal wall, ensuring its effectiveness. Some probiotics can also boost the natural defence mechanisms of the body by promoting good health within the digestive system, encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria which has been shown to decrease the risk of stomach upset, including diarrhoea, in both adults and children and can also shorten the duration of diarrhoea if you do get sick.


 

Is your baby at risk of developing eczema?

If you are pregnant and you, your partner or someone in your immediate family has eczema or allergies, then your baby may also be at risk of developing eczema. Fortunately, there is something you can do to reduce this risk. Research has shown particular probiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding decreases the risk of your baby developing eczema! If your child already has eczema or allergies, giving them the correct probiotic may alleviate their allergic symptoms.


 

Which probiotic is suitable for you?

As you can see, maintaining good bowel flora is an important key in maintaining health and wellbeing. Good bowel flora can be achieved by taking probiotics. However, not all probiotics are the same and it is important to use the right probiotic for you. I will be able to prescribe the right probiotic for your health needs.


 

MELBOURNE NATUROPATHIC WELLNESS
Marisa Camilleri - Naturopath
Melbourne             Suite 15 / 12 Collins St       9663 5940
Williamstown      95 Douglas Parade              9397 7885
marisa@naturopathicwellness.com.au

www.naturopathicwellness.com.au

 
 

* Specialist in Fat Loss, Wellness & Preventative care * Naturopathy * Herbal Medicine * Homeopathy * Nutritional & dietary advice * Ear candling * Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA)