As we age our digestive systems begin to degrade gracefully or not so gracefully. This degradation of our digestive systems is partly due to a reduction in the beneficial probiotic microorganisms and digestive enzymes. With reduced enzymes and probiotics we can not complete the digestion of the food we eat. Symptoms of incomplete digestion include bloating, gas inflammatory conditions, and vitamin deficiencies. This age-related decrease in the enzymes produced in our stomach, pancreas, and intestines can result in reducing the amount of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. These reductions can negatively affect our immune systems and our general health.
Age-related decreases in probiotics and enzymes that are friendly to our digestive system cause a second negative effect. Fewer friendly enzymes and probiotics upset the delicate balance in our digestive system between the beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. In order to reestablish the balance in our digestive systems, folks can supplement with good quality enzyme supplements taken with meals. Many who have taken this supplement path have found it to be effective in avoiding the negative consequences that result from the imbalance. In order to be effective a probiotic needs to meet several criteria. They must arrive alive, they must be able to survive in the digestive tract, and they must multiply once they reach the intestinal tract. The benefits of successful supplementing have improved the conditions of folks who were suffering from conditions including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, and both kinds of arthritis. This is very good news for improving digestive health and providing an immune system boost.