The basics of digestion
As Nutritional Therapists the gut is at the centre of health and it is core to all other bodily functions, poor gut health can manifest in other issues within the body and may result in higher toxic loads as well as other issues.
So what’s involved in digestion ?
Mechanical Digestion – Involves physical processes like chewing and gastrointestinal movements to break down food.
Chemical Digestion -Enzymes and digestive juices from various organs break down food into absorbable nutrients.
Nutrient Absorption – The small intestine absorbs essential nutrients, which are then used for energy, growth, and repair.
Waste Elimination – The digestive system, along with the liver and kidneys, eliminates waste and toxins from the body.
Immune Support – The gut houses a significant portion of the immune system, helping to neutralize pathogens. A healthy gut microbiome supports immune function.
Detoxification – The liver detoxifies substances, while regular bowel movements help remove toxins from the body.
Hormonal Balance – The gut is involved in hormone metabolism, affecting mood, energy, and reproductive health.
Mental Health – The gut-brain axis links digestion with mental well-being, influencing neurotransmitter levels and stress responses.
In clinic we see a lot of digestive issues, everything from the small intestine to the large intestine, constipation, diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s.
We are often asked – Are diseases like Crohn’s on the increase?
Here is what the epidemiological studies have to say
There are higher rates in North America, Europe, and other developed regions, and this has been increasing globally over the past few decades
Globally, 3-20 people per 100,000 have Crohn’s, with higher prevalence in the West, reaching 23.8 to 29.3 per 100,000 in the U.S
We see a higher prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) among White Americans, at 504 per 100,000, highlighting racial and ethnic disparities in IBD prevalence in the US.
Crohn’s can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract: 50% experience inflammation in both the terminal ileum and colon, 30% in the small bowel, and 20% only in the colon, with 25% experiencing other complications.
Can Crohn’s develop in later life? It can affect any age but is most common in young adults, affecting both men and women, with some studies suggesting slightly higher prevalence in females
For help with IBD, Crohn’s or other digestive issues contact us for support at
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