GI Tract

DO YOU FREQUENTLY SUFFER FROM DIGESTIVE DISCOMFORT?

If you are suffering from digestive discomfort, you are not alone; approximately 60 to 70 million Americans are struggling with digestive issues, representing about 22% of the US population [1].

HOW IS YOUR GI TRACT SUPPOSED TO FUNCTION?

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is responsible for taking in food, breaking it down, extracting and absorbing the nutrients contained in it, and disposing of waste. It is lined with special tissue that makes up the gastric wall. This lining contains a layer of cells that secrete the various substances that are involved in breaking down food and preventing harmful microorganisms from causing health problems.

Some of the essential substances that the cells in your GI Tract release, include:

• Hydrochloric acid (HCL), which is a corrosive acid that rids food of harmful particles and prevents bacteria from entering the gut.
• Protein that HCL breaks down into pepsin. Pepsin is an enzyme that promotes the digestion of protein. Once the protein is broken down, it is briefly stored in the stomach until it passes into the intestines.
• Mucus that protects the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This mucus ensures that HCL and pepsin do not damage the gastric wall.

The digestion and absorption of most nutrients (e.g., vitamins, minerals, etc.) take place in the intestines. Intestinal cells transport the nutrients into the bloodstream where they can be transferred throughout the body.

WHAT CAUSES THINGS TO GO WRONG IN THE GI TRACT?

There are several factors that may contribute to problems in the GI tract. For instance, when there is an imbalance in the essential substances, digestive problems may develop. Factors that may contribute to such an imbalance are:

• Exposure to certain bacteria. Certain bacteria can decrease the layer of protective mucus that is normally found in the gut and cause excess levels of HCL and pepsin to be produced. High levels of these two substances can eventually begin to destroy the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. If the intestinal lining is damaged, bacteria may enter the bloodstream where they can disrupt overall health. Damage to the intestine can also cause bowel function to deteriorate.
• An improper diet. For example, a fatty diet can cause an abnormal response to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, studies have shown that low levels of certain proteins that are involved in the growth and repair of the intestinal lining may also contribute to troublesome GI health [2].

When the normal activity of cells in the intestinal lining is disrupted, the level of certain substances that worsen inflammation may begin to increase. More specifically, improper cell function may lead to increased activity of substances such as interleukin 8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which are pro-inflammatory proteins [3].

Traditional nutrients for supporting GI health are probiotics. Probiotics supply the intestinal tract with healthy bacteria that target harmful bacteria and help return the intestinal environment to the optimal pH. However, probiotics do NOT stimulate the growth of new intestinal tissue or decrease the production of proteins such as IL-8 and TNF-alpha.

BENEFITS OF GASTROTENE™

Gastrotene™ is powered by 2-Beta Coxatene™, the only bio-active complex that stimulates the body’s natural processes for growing new intestinal tissue for a healthy gut. Once the new tissue begins to grow, this healthy environment supports the body’s efficient use of the other ingredients in this supplement. Glutamine provides nourishment and helps block the penetration of harmful bacteria in the GI tract into the bloodstream. Slippery elm coats the GI tract and promotes healthy bowel function and acid balance within the stomach.

Gastrotene™ is specially formulated to support GI integrity and promote optimal intestinal health by supporting a strong protective lining, the repair of damaged tissue, and the maintenance of a healthy internal environment.

LEARN MORE

• GI Health
• GI Products

References:

1. http://www.halsatips.com/pdf/5130029101.pdf
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4197994/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9720753