NUTRITIONAL BITS AND PIECES

The Digestive System

The Digestive System comprises the digestive tract from the Mouth through to the anus, together with all of its associated organs and glands. It is the means by which ingested food is broken down in the alimentary canal into a form that can be absorbed and assimilated by the tissues of the body.

Biological Functions of the Digestive System

The ultimate purpose of Digestion is to break large pieces of Food down into molecules small enough to pass unhindered into the Bloodstream and further into individual Cells throughout the body:

The Digestive System is also responsible for chemically altering substances to allow their utilization by the body (i.e. metabolism) - only Vitamins, Minerals and Water are used by the body in their raw state without alteration.

These Substances may Enhance the General Health of the Digestive System

Amino Acids

Glutamine may help to maintain the health of the Digestive Tract. 

Enzymes

Ficins (an enzyme present in Figs) may improve the general function of the Digestive System. 

Microorganisms

Bifidobacteria bifidus may improve the health of the Digestive System.  Lactobacillus acidophilus may improve the health of the Digestive System. 

Vitamins

Folic Acid may enhance the general health of the Digestive System. Some digestive disorders may be a symptom of Vitamin B5 deficiency. Vitamin B12 may enhance the general function of the Digestive System.

Volatile Oils

Apiol may stimulate the Digestive System (by increasing Blood Circulation to the Digestive Tract). These Foods/Herbs may Enhance the Health of the Digestive System

Fermented Soybean Products

Miso may improve the general function of the Digestive System (due to various Enzymes in Miso). 

Fruit

Apple (juice) may improve the general function of the Digestive System. Figs may enhance the function of the Digestive System (due to the Ficins content of Figs). Grapefruit (juice) may improve the general function of the Digestive System. 

Grasses

Wheat Grass (juice) may improve the general function of the Digestive System.

Herbs

Astragalus may improve the general function of the Digestive System. 

Balm (tea) may improve the general function of the Digestive System (due to the Volatile Oils content of Balm).Basil may improve the general function of the Digestive System. Chamomile may improve the general function of the Digestive System.Catnip may improve the general function of the Digestive System (according to folklore).Chives may improve the general function of the Digestive System.

Cloves may improve Digestion. Gentian may improve the general function of the Digestive System. Ginger may improve the general function of the Digestive System references Goldenseal may improve the general function of the Digestive System. 

Horseradish may improve the general function of the Digestive System. Linden Flower (tea) may improve the general function of the Digestive System. 

Paprika may improve the general function of the Digestive System. 

Parsley may increase blood circulation to the Stomach, thereby increasing the absorption of nutrients (due to the Apiol content of Parsley). Peppermint (tea) may improve the general function of the Digestive System. Spearmint (tea) may improve the general function of the Digestive System. 

Mineral-Derived Supplements

Bentonite Clay may adsorb toxins in the Digestive Tract preventing their absorption into the body.

Seeds

Caraway Seeds may improve the general function of the Digestive System (due to the Volatile Oils content of Caraway Seeds). Coriander Seeds facilitate the digestion of Carbohydrates. Fennel Seeds may improve the function of the Digestive System.

Flax Seeds enhance the function of the Digestive System.

Vegetables

Carrot (juice) may improve the general function of the Digestive System. Daikon may improve the function of the Digestive System (due to the Diastase enzyme content of Daikon). Eggplant may enhance the function of the Digestive System. 

Garlic may improve the general function of the Digestive System. Potato (juice) may improve the general function of the Digestive System.