The pancreas produces enzymatic excretions required for the digestion and absorption of food. Enzymes secreted include Lipases for digestion of fat, Amylases for digestion of protein and Proteases for the digestion of starches. The pancreas secretes about 1 and a half litres of juices into the intestines, daily.
Where pancreatic deficiency exists, a number of products are available, below, to supplement digestive enzymes.
Did you know that each of us has around 100,000,000,000,000 bacteria in our intestines?
That is 10 times the number of cells in our body, and can weigh around 1.5 kg! This 'microflora' consists of both friendly probiotic bacteria and bad pathogenic bacteria that co-exist in a complex ecosystem. Having a healthy balance of probiotics over pathogens plays an important role in digestion and immunity.
Friendly bacteria support digestion in several capacities. A healthy balance of friendly bacteria in the intestines provides specific enzymes needed in the digestion of particular substances, produces B complex vitamins and vitamin K, and improves the absorption and uptake of minerals and nutrients in the diet.
A healthy balance of friendly bacteria also helps maintain overall immunity as up to two-thirds of the body’s immunity is managed in the intestines. Where there is a healthy balance of friendly bacteria in the intestines, acidity is high which hinders the growth and survival of bad bacteria, and enables the growth of friendly bacteria to multiply and exclude the bad bacteria.
However, the balance of bacteria in the intestines is fragile and can easily be disrupted by several factors such as ageing, antibiotics, environment and diet.
We have several products, below, to supplement your "friendly" bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation is recomended by many nutritionists and health practitioners.
