To keep your Gastrointestinal tract happy, you need both pre and probiotics. What are they?
Prebiotics are foods that reach your colon intact.
Foods such as wheat, onion, garlic, artichokes, soy beans, bananas and fiber.
Probiotics are the foods we always hear about like yogurt and kefir. They are actually live microorganisms! There are some clinical reasons to take probiotics such as diarrhea, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease and lactose intolerance. Probiotics also help with such diseases as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Here are some tips from Elson M. Haas, MD on how to keep your gut happy!
Some Nutrients that help:
1. L-glutamine: this is a nonessential amino acid that is used for fuel by active cells in the body, especially the GI tract. Extra L-Glutamine is needed when you need to heal from GI disease.
2. Pantothenic Acid ( this is Vitamin B 5), needed for protein synthesis and ATP energy production. They are both involved in tissue healing. B5 also works together with Vitamin C to handle our stress and support our adrenal glands.
3. Ascorbic Acid- also known as Vitamin C. Essential for collagen formation and connective tissue repair along with wound healing and tissue strength.
4. Vitamin A- also known as retinol and Beta Carotene: Both are needed for normal growth, function and repair of epithelial that also include the GI mucosa. Taking both of these nutrients can ensure proper levels of Vitamin A.
5. Vitamin E- this is an essential antioxidant that defends cell membrane integrity and function. Vitamin E helps to protect active enzyme systems within the cells.
6. Zinc- essential to tissue health and repair, enzyme function and the integrity of cell membrane structure, and cell replication. Helps with the function and repair of GI lining. Zinc can be especially helpful in healing GI tissue inflammation.
7. Selenium- an important antioxidant for chemical detoxification. Selenium protects the GI tract cells from damage and allows for repair.
8. Quercetin – this is a bioflavonoid with antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects that is useful in reducing food allergy reactions and it also helps with tissue repair.
9. EFA- Essential Fatty Acids– They help to maintain the integrity of cell membranes and protect and heal cells and tissue. A good source is flaxseed oil.
Good sources: GLA – Gamma Linolenic Acid from evening primrose oil and borage oil. EPA Eicosapentaenoic Acid and DHA- Docosahexaenoic Acid from fish oils and unheated vegetable oils.
10. Inulin is a storage carbohydrate that is found in onions and Jerusalem artichokes that act as fuel for the colon, promoting healing and energy generation.
11. Aloe Vera – when purified and in the extracted juice form is soothing and healing to the GI tract.
12. Fiber– especially the soluble type such as pectins and gels from fruits and vegetables protect and promote the movement of feces through the GI tract without irritation. Insoluble fiber helps lesson gut toxicity.
Taken in part from: Haas, E. (2004) The New Detox Diet. Berley California. Celestial Arts.
Pre and probiotics: Taken in part from: Schlenker and Roth. ( 2011) Williams Essentials of Nutrition and Diet Therapy. Stl Louis MO. Elsevier- Mosby.