Gastrointestinal

The stomach and intestines are primarily responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption. However, the digestive organs have many other important functions. For example, 80% of the body's own defense cells are located in the intestines. Important messengers and hormones are also produced there, and the transmission of numerous nerve impulses in the intestines has even led scientists to speak of a separate autonomous nervous system based in the intestines - the so-called "abdominal brain". There is lively communication between the intestines and the brain via the "gut-brain axis". Among other things, the intestinal bacteria supply important micronutrients for the brain.

Trillions of bacteria live in the large intestine and that is a good thing. The best known and most important strains are: bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and bacteroides. Together with numerous smaller bacterial strains, they form the intestinal flora. Only an intact intestinal flora helps the intestine to perform its tasks properly. The ratio of the above-mentioned bacteria container be disturbed by antibiotic treatment, foreign bacteria or an unhealthy lifestyle and container lead to gastrointestinal complaints. If the bad intestinal bacteria take over as a result, the natural acidifying flora disappears or becomes unbalanced. If this condition persists over a longer period of time, digestive problems container occur. Flatulence, stomach pain, diarrhea and even leaky gut syndrome container occur.

Health claims for improved digestion exist for the food supplements calcium and the enzyme lactase. Calcium contributes to the normal functioning of digestive enzymes. The enzyme lactase contributes to improved lactose digestion in people with lactose intolerance. But also for Some B vitamins (biotin, niacin and riboflavin) and vitamin A container be used for a health claim: They contribute to the maintenance of normal mucous membranesAn intact intestinal mucosa is essential for our health. Among other things, it has the important task of warding off unwanted substances. If this intestinal barrier is no longer intact, the entire organism container be weakened. The immune system is constantly on standby to fight these foreign bodies. If this condition persists over a longer period of time, diseases such as leaky gut syndrome and other chronic diseases container arise.