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Digestive enzymes may be in short supply in some people, especially as we age. Using a digestive supplement can aid the body in the breakdown of foods, enhance absorption, and support efficient digestion. If you suspect that you are not digesting food properly (gas, bloating and unsated hunger can be symptoms), I would consider taking a digestive supplement with your meals. Proactyzme Plus by Nature’s Sunshine is one of the few I have found that is compatible with my system (www.naturessunshine.com). Your local health food store or healthcare practitioner should have more information about digestive supplements and help you to decide if you could benefit from one, and which one is best for you as there are many great brands to choose from.
If you have digestive issues, suffer with yeast infections, have irregular bowels or use antibiotics regularly or for any length of time, you may want to consider a Probiotic. The human intestinal tract contains billions of intestinal flora that live in delicate balance with each other (good and bad bacteria), and in symbiosis with us. They can aid in the breakdown of food so it is more easily absorbed, aid digestion and promote immunity. When the balance of these microorganisms is disrupted imbalance is created in the body affecting digestion, immune functions, and elimination of toxins, to name a few . Replacing these beneficial intestinal microorganisms (such as lactobacillous acidophilus) can help to rebalance your system. Nature’s Sunshine has two products, Bifidophilus Flora Force and Probiotic Eleven. Jarrow makes one of the few products that can be kept at room temperature called, Jarro-Dophilus-EPS Enhanced Probiotic System. Jarrow products are available at many health food stores, or at www.bcn4life.com. Your local health food store should have a large selection of quality brands for you to choose from, and can offer guidance as to which product would work best for your situation.
Yogurt with live active cultures can also help to replace and maintain these necessary microorganisms. Make sure the label says “active yogurt cultures” or it may be just another over-processed, over-sweetened “junk” food. Remember that antibiotics kill the good bacteria along with the bad, which can disrupt the balance of intestinal microorganisms - make sure that you take a probiotic and/or eat lots of live active culture yogurt when taking them. Other foods high in probiotics are Japanese miso, tempeh and some cheeses.
If you want to learn more about probiotics and how they can be useful to your overall good health check out The Probiotics Revolution by Gary Huffnagle. |
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