The Amazing Body Systems: Digestive & Immune System
The System functions:
The digestive system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the entire body. Food passes through a long tube in the body known as the alimentary canal or the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). Accessory organs of the digestive system include the teeth, tongue, salivary glands, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Six major functions take place in the digestive system:
Ingestion
The intake of food through the mouth. The mouth and stomach are responsible for storing food while it is waiting to be digested.
Secretion
The digestive system secretes approximately 7 liters of fluid throughout the day. This includes saliva, mucus, hydrochloric acid, enzymes and bile which are used to moisten and breakdown food.
Mixing and Movement
This includes three main processes to move food through the digestive tract and increase absorption. They include swallowing, peristalsis and segmentation.
Digestion
Digestion is the process of turning large pieces of food into its chemical components. This begins with chewing food and is continued through the muscular mixing that takes place in the stomach and intestines.
Absorption
Absorption begins in the stomach with simple molecules like water and alcohol being absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Most absorption takes place in the walls of the small intestine.
Excretion
Finally, the excretion of waste removes indigestible substances from the body so that they don’t accumulate in the gut.
The immune system is the body's defense system against viruses, bacteria and fungi. The immune system works to keep harmful agents out of the body and attack those that enter.
Associated organs: Salivary glands, pancreas, liver, gallbladder
What you can do to help support a healthy Digestive & Immune System:
Recommended Dietary Supplements:
- Essential D
- MyFloraDaily Prebiotic
- MyFloraDaily Probiotic
- Nopalea
- Vital C
- Zamu Protect
Amazon Herb Supplements:
- Aqua Algae
- Camu Gold
- Enviro Defense
- Fiberzon
- Fiberzon Capsules
- Fortify
- Illumination
- ProDigest
- Rainforest Treasure Tea
Essential Vitamins & Minerals:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B6
- Biotin
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Foods to include:
Fruits
- Raspberries
- Pear
- Apple
- Banana
- Figs
Vegetables
- Spinach
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Artichoke
- Carrots
Protein/Dairy
- Wild Caught Salmon
- Pasture Raised Chicken
- Greek Yogurt
- Kefir
Nuts & Seeds
- Nuts
- Seeds
Miscellaneous
- Daily morning cleanse: 8–12oz of lemon water.
NOTE: Be sure to do your best to shop organic, grass-fed, free-range, unprocessed and low sodium.
Foods you should avoid or limit:
Do your best to read the labels on packaged food. If the names are too hard to pronounce, they are likely chemical based ingredients and not very good for you.
- Processed and high-sodium foods such as cured ham, bacon, sausage and potato chips
- Foods that contain all-purpose flour such as pizza, bagels, pretzels, white bread and flour tortillas
- Foods containing artificial sweeteners like Sucralose such as yogurt, cereal, whole grain muffins and bread and microwave popcorn
- Beware of “reduced sugar” labels which are usually loaded with artificial sweeteners such as fruit juice, ketchup, jams, jelly, syrup, soda, sports drinks, ice cream and salad dressings
Artificial sweeteners you should try to avoid:
- Sucralose
Recommended activities:
Physical activity is essential for good health. New studies show even 15 minutes of elevated heart rate from activity has numerous benefits. Find activities you enjoy doing and aim for at least 15 minutes 4 to 5 times per week.
CARDIO: Biking, Hiking, Walking, Running, Swimming, Dancing, Zumba
STRENGTH: Weight Training, Pilates, Vigorous Yoga, P90X, Crossfit, Barre
FLEXIBILITY: Yoga and Stretching
