With all the talk about food allergies, many of us may be curious if our diet is responsible for any uncomfortable digestive issues. While lactose intolerance is legitimate and confirmed, many Americans suffer from occasional or chronic digestive disturbances without a known cause. For those who suspect gluten but were told by their doctors that they do not test positive for a significant gluten intolerance, your health problems may indeed be caused by a sensitivity to gluten. Gluten is a protein found naturally in wheat, but exists in much higher quantities in modern, hybrid wheat varieties than the traditional wheat that humans are accustomed to consuming.
A new study in the journal BMC Medicine shows gluten can set off a distinct reaction in the intestines and the immune system in people who are not gluten-intolerant, meaning that many who suffer from a sensitivity to gluten are experiencing real symptoms regardless of a confirmed diagnosis. Many who test negative for gluten conditions may fear that their symptoms are psychosomatic, or “in their head.” This study proves that physical responses to gluten do cause legitimate symptoms, even though they may not show the same reactions of those who cannot tolerate gluten.
Researchers compared blood samples and intestinal biopsies from 42 subjects with confirmed intolerance to gluten, to 26 subjects with suspected gluten sensitivity, and 39 control subjects with no suspected sensitivity. Those with gluten sensitivity did not have damaged intestinal villi or a "leaky" gut seen in those with intolerance to gluten. In the gluten-sensitive group, their immune system responded by deflecting invaders, a reaction experts describe as a primitive function. Those with full gluten intolerance used a more evolved strategy called adaptive immunity, in which the immune system develops specific cells to fight foreign invaders.
Digestive problems are a real threat to overall health since you may not be absorbing all the nutrients from your food. Occasional digestive issues can also be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Necessary enzymes, accompanied with warming, supportive herbal extracts and minerals, help promote healthy digestion.
Integrative Digestive Formula® works to regulate, smooth, and strengthen the small intestine, moving digestion downward to help alleviate occasional heart burn, acid indigestion, gas and bloating. Zinc and chromium are included to increase digestive function, while natural extracts such as pomegranate, cinnamon, ginger and deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) work together to promote healthy digestion and liver function. The enzymes amylase, alpha-galactosidase, phytase, protease, invertase, and lipase all assist in the breakdown of food, while the medicinal mushrooms Hericium, Miatake, and Poria help to support the liver, maintain healthy blood lipids, and enhance immune function.
Integrative Digestive Formula® integrates the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tibetan herbal medicine, and modern medicine to create a gentle yet effective supplement that promotes healthy digestive function.*