Did you know? Our digestive tract has its own nervous system called the Enteric Nervous System and is now classed as our second brain.
The purpose of our digestive tract is to break down food into micro (vitamins and minerals) and macro (Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins) nutrients, to supply our bodies with energy for everyday life. When this system is not functioning properly, we do not absorb the appropriate amount of nutrients that is required for sustainable health. Over time, this may lead to lowered immunity, depression and anxiety, slower healing ability, chronic inflammation and eventually disease.
Common causes of Digestive issues are:
Candida Albicans
Candida is a yeast bacteria that lives in the stomach and thrives off sugar. High levels of stress, alcohol consumption and antibiotic use can create an overgrowth. This means that the yeast bacteria will over ride other good bacterias causing symptoms of bloating, gas, thrush, sugar cravings, nausea, irregular vaginal discharge, brain fogginess, low energy, fatigue and depression. Candida, has also been known to be a cause of infertility.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS represents a very common digestive problem and is characterized by chronic or recurrent pain associated with altered bowel motility. IBS can cause other stomach upsets like, gas, bloating and reflux. The main cause is stress and anxiety.
Celiac Disease
People with Celiac Disease have a severe immune reaction to Gluten, a protein present in wheat, barley and rye. When people with Celiac Disease eat Gluten an autoimmune response occurs that damages the little hairs in the the small intestine (villi). Damaged villi reduces nutrient absorption which can lead to malnutrition, decreased bone density, miscarriages and infertility.
Autoimmune Diseases
Our immune system is the body’s defense mechanism and fights to protect us from diseases. An Autoimmune Disease is where our immune system recognizes our own cells as a threat and starts to attack them.
Common Autoimmune Diseases are:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis a systemic inflammatory disorder that predominantly causes chronic inflammation to the joints
Hashimotos Hypothyroiditis
Hashimotos Hypothyroiditis is where the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed. Symtpoms include unexplained weight gain, slow metabolism, fatigue, brittle hair and nails, depression and sensitivity to cold
Graves Hyperthroiditis
Graves Hyperthroiditis is where the thryoid is forced to produce too much thyroxin hormone. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, irritability, fatigue, fast metabolism, sensitivity to heat, insomnia, racing heart beat, muscle weakness and eye disease.
Psoriasis
Characterized as patches of skin that multiple up to 10 times faster than normal skin cells, causing extreme redness and itchiness.
