The intestine plays a crucial role in the functioning of our body and its multiple roles. It allows for the absorption of all the necessary nutrients for the proper functioning of cells.
Consequences of a deficient digestive system
The place of the intestine is crucial in the functioning of our body, and its role is multiple. On the one hand, it is responsible for the absorption of all the necessary nutrients for the proper functioning of our cells. On the other hand, it has an immune role that allows the intestine to block access to pathogenic bacteria, viruses, as well as macro-molecules mainly from food. In nutritherapy, when a person suffers from one or more disorders, we first search for the cause before implementing medication. It is therefore necessary to ensure the proper functioning of the intestine by implementing a first-line approach.
Ensuring the quality of the intestinal flora
In this perspective, it is essential to ensure the quality of the intestinal flora. The billions of bacteria that inhabit us live thanks to us, but we also live thanks to them! These bacteria play a significant role in the proper functioning of the immune system. They are capable of keeping potentially pathogenic elements at bay, producing antibiotics to prevent infections, balancing our transit, optimizing digestion, and absorption of micronutrients. Then it is necessary to ensure the good permeability of the intestinal mucosa.
What is intestinal permeability?
Intestinal permeability is ensured by a simple layer of cells called enterocytes. These enterocytes are very tight and allow for selective permeability. Only "authorized" elements (vitamins, minerals, small-sized amino acids) are allowed to pass through according to well-established biochemical protocols. Unfortunately, some factors related to our lifestyle deteriorate this permeability: stress, medication intake, chronic alcohol consumption, intense exercise, infections, food intolerances, age, etc. All these factors contribute to breaking down the cement between enterocytes, making the intestine porous. Immunity as a whole is then disturbed. The body is thus more easily infected by bacteria or viruses. Undigested large molecules pass through the intestinal barrier, overloading the liver's activity. A low-grade intoxication sets in. The consequences are numerous. Not to mention pathologies, many disorders appear: chronic fatigue syndrome, migraines, tendonitis, cramps, myalgias, functional bowel disorders, sleep disorders... If the patient suffers from several disorders at the same time, it is not reasonable to give medication for each symptom. It is more relevant to search for the causes, and one of the causes may be the disturbance of intestinal integrity. There are simple solutions that, when implemented as a first-line approach, can save a lot of time in resolving disorders.
How to improve intestinal flora?
Two things should be done simultaneously for a period of 1 to 3 months depending on the severity of the symptoms: provide supplementation with probiotics from qualitative strains and a daily intake of 3 g of glutamine. Probiotics will allow for the reconstitution of a balanced flora. Glutamine will provide sufficient energy for the renewal of enterocytes and will allow for the reconstitution of tight junctions ensuring good intestinal permeability. Thus, many discomforts will disappear on their own. It will then be sufficient to resort to a lighter maintenance treatment with 3 g of glutamine once or twice a week, and to be content with 3 to 4 courses of probiotics per year.