Gluten, found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and some other grains, is a protein which has an elastic-like quality to it. Think of kneading bread; gluten can be difficult to digest due to its structural makeup. The body has to work hard to break it down so it can be digested and absorbed without causing issues. A number of people have trouble digesting gluten, so let's look at some of the reasons why. Coeliac disease Coeliac disease is a condition close to my heart. Over the years I've...
“All disease begins in the gut.” - Hippocrates of Kos (c. 460 – c. 370 BC) knew that gut health was key to your overall health and many diseases and seemingly unconnected symptoms you may have, and this was over two centuries ago. Luckily, we now have the technology and scientific knowledge to address an unhealthy gut microbiome and to implement dietary steps to improve the balance of your microbiome and ultimately your health. Symptoms and...
About stomach acid Stomach acid, gastric acid, hydrochloric acid – these all refer to the acid that is naturally produced by the cells lining the stomach. Too frequently, stomach acid tends to get a bad press as it is considered to be the cause of many digestive symptoms; and consequently, medications that suppress its secretion are prescribed by the medical profession. This article demonstrates why we need stomach acid, why very often you may have too little rather than too much, the...
The gut barrier is our greatest physical barrier. It separates us from the outside world, covering a space of 400m² and requiring 40% of our energy. Its mission is to protect us from toxins and micro-organisms while allowing the passage of nutrients through it. Among the cells of our gut are the tight junctions or narrow junctions; these are one of the main mechanisms of regulation of the passage of substances into our interior (1). Intestinal permeability The tight junctions are not...
Have you heard of mindful eating and wondered 'what’s all the hype about?'. Well, there really is a lot of sense (and science) behind it. In short, it is really another way of saying slow down, pay attention to what you are eating, and focus on the act of chewing. It is easy to eat too much too quickly if you’re not paying attention, which can lead to bloating, gas, heartburn and indigestion, and indirectly to weight gain. Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to...
A high percentage of people are unable to digest gluten properly which causes a vast array of problems in the gut. When a food that contains gluten reaches your intestines, enzymes produced in gliadin and glutenin. As the peptides (gliadin and glutenin) make their way through your digestive system, your immune system in your gut, the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) reviews them for potentially harmful substances. When one doesn’t have an issue with gluten, the proteins are...
The health benefits of consuming fibre are nothing new. Most of us are aware it offers us protection against bowel cancer, against the development of diverticula and haemorrhoids and supports cardiovascular health and improves bowel transit. But how many people know it plays a vital role in all of the following:
The elimination of free hormones The binding of fats and the release of sugar into the bloodstream The regulation of inflammatory responses from the gastrointestinal flora and...
Creating ‘new year - new you’ healthy habits is definitely at the heart of health improvement, and this is a perfect time of year to overhaul your health and routines. For many people following my top six tips to better health can be the start of your new and improved future health! 1 - Hydrate Anecdotally we...
If you are suffering from unwanted symptoms such as gas, bloating, discomfort, acid reflux, skin issues, brittle nails and hair, low moods, a lack of energy or focus, or poor sleep; the low performance of your digestive system could be the reason! Water and digestive health Our bodies are made up of around 70% water and this water is used for any number of important functions in our body: from regulating our temperature to lubricating joints; from flushing out waste or cognitive functions....
Did you know that your digestive system is the most selfish of all your body systems, after your brain? In fact, it’s a bit like a child who thinks their friend is being unfair. It folds its arms and says “that’s not fair and I’m not playing anymore!”. When you don’t treat your digestive system with the respect it deserves, it will begin to shut you off and not play properly. As a result, digestive problems begin to click in. We may experience indigestion,...
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