| Ask Yourself… | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you often have gastric pain? | ||
| Do you frequently suffer from constipation or diarrhea? | ||
| Do you frequently have flatulence? | ||
| Do you suffer from hemorrhoids? | ||
| Do you have poor appetite? | ||
| Do you consume a lot of alcoholic drinks? | ||
| Do you feel stressed often? | ||
| Do you follow a regular diet, work and rest routine? | ||
| Do you suffer from excessive internal heat or halitosis? |
The digestive system houses a series of defenses similar to that of the respiratory system. The mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines all take part in the complex process of breaking down food and distributing energy and nutrients to various parts of the body. However, this same food can contain potentially harmful and even lethal microbes.
Lysozyme in our salvia is designed to kill harmful bacteria that enter the mouth. Macrophages, our scavenging immune cells, patrol the entrance to the digestive tract. The digestive tract is also lined with thick mucous membranes to trap foreign substances. Trapped substances are then driven from the body through a wave-like motion called peristalsis. The stomach lining secretes hydrochloric acid, one of the most corrosive of chemicals, to kill bacteria on contact.
In addition, beneficial organisms that live in the digestive tract provide protection against hostile substances in exchange for nutrients. However, even these beneficial organisms can pose a risk for those with a compromised immune system. E. coli, candida and other strains of bacteria that live harmoniously within the body can turn deadly if the immune system becomes weak due to stress, injury or an improper diet. These normal organisms, no longer kept in check by the body's natural defenses, can invade surrounding tissues and multiply out of control.
The digestive system must be treated with proper care to maintain its delicate balance and ability to defend the body. The digestive system is particularly affected by the food we eat and as such, a healthy diet is essential to its immune functions.