Chronic Inflammation: Causes And Solution To Eliminate Pain

Chronic inflammation is a persistent and long-term inflammation in the body. Unlike acute inflammation, which is very common and is short-lived, chronic pain can last for months or years. It can affect different organs, tissues, or systems in the body and is associated with various health conditions. When chronic inflammation occurs in the digestive system, it is determined by typical symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. Now the question arises, what causes it?

Causes Of Chronic Inflammation

Generally, inflammation is responsible for severe pain. It occurs when there is chronic activation of the immune system. Although the immune system is responsible for taking care of the entire body, it is highly active and responsive in the small system. Around 85 per cent of the immune system is influenced by the small intestine. The small intestine is responsible for the connection between the outer world and the inner world. When we consume food, which is an external material, it is finally absorbed in the small intestine. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we consume while also serving as a barrier to protect against harmful substances and pathogens.

The small intestine acts as a selective barrier to prevent the entry of harmful substances, toxins, and pathogens into the bloodstream. The intestinal epithelial cells are tightly joined together, forming a physical barrier. Additionally, the mucus layer and antimicrobial peptides secreted by the small intestine help protect against microbial invasion. The gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) present in the small intestine plays a crucial role in immune surveillance and defence against pathogens.

When the integrity of the small intestine is lost, large undigested proteins enter the bloodstream and activate the immune system, which causes inflammation. Usually, people stop consuming the food they are sensitive to so that inflammation can be prevented. Do you think it is a permanent solution? Well, the answer is No! When we stop consuming one food and select alternatives, there are very high chances that people can develop sensitivity towards that food too.

A Solution To The Chronic Inflammation

The best solution to chronic inflammation is to improve the integrity of the small intestine. It is necessary to understand that the digestive system acts like a highway and damage to the barrier of the small intestine acts like a pothole. The undigested proteins enter the bloodstream and worsen the situation. Now, what can be the solution to this problem? The ultimate solution to preventing chronic inflammation is nutritional supplements such as L-glutamine and digestive enzymes. This takes around 12 weeks.

Impact Of L-Glutamine On The Digestive System

L-glutamine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the digestive system. It can have several effects on the digestive system, including:

Intestinal Barrier Function

L-glutamine is a primary fuel source for the cells lining the small intestine. It helps maintain the integrity and function of the intestinal barrier. The cells of the intestinal lining use L-glutamine to maintain their structure, tight junctions, and mucus production, which are important for preventing the entry of harmful substances, toxins, and pathogens into the bloodstream. L-glutamine also supports the repair and regeneration of the intestinal lining, promoting overall gut health.

Immune Function

L-glutamine plays a role in modulating immune function in the digestive system. It supports the proper functioning of immune cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which is involved in immune surveillance and defence against pathogens. L-glutamine helps regulate the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory immune responses in the gut, supporting immune homeostasis.

Gut Barrier Integrity During Stress

During periods of physical or psychological stress, the integrity of the gut barrier can be compromised. L-glutamine has been shown to help maintain gut barrier function and reduce intestinal permeability in stressful conditions. It supports the repair of damaged intestinal cells and assists in preserving barrier function even under stress.

Gut Microbiota Balance

L-glutamine can influence the composition and balance of the gut microbiota. It provides a source of energy for certain beneficial bacteria, promoting their growth. A healthy and balanced gut microbiota is essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.

Digestive Health And Function

L-glutamine is involved in various aspects of digestive health and function. It can help alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by supporting the repair of the intestinal lining and reducing inflammation. L-glutamine may also contribute to the healing of digestive ulcers, such as those associated with conditions like gastritis and peptic ulcers.

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Role Of Digestive Enzyme Supplement

Digestive enzyme supplements are designed to support the digestive process by providing additional enzymes that aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients. While the body naturally produces digestive enzymes, certain conditions or factors can lead to inadequate enzyme production or function. In such cases, digestive enzyme supplements can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Here are the potential roles of digestive enzyme supplements:

• Enhanced Digestion: Digestive enzymes, such as amylase, protease, and lipase, help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, respectively. By supplementing with these enzymes, individuals with insufficient natural enzyme production can improve the breakdown of food molecules, facilitating more efficient digestion.
• Nutrient Absorption: Proper digestion is crucial for optimal nutrient absorption. By improving the breakdown of food into smaller, absorbable molecules, digestive enzyme supplements can enhance the absorption of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• Alleviation of Digestive Discomfort: Some individuals may experience digestive discomforts, such as bloating, gas, or indigestion, due to impaired digestion. Digestive enzyme supplements can help alleviate these symptoms by aiding in the digestion of food and reducing the fermentation of undigested substances in the gut.
• Support for Specific Conditions: Certain medical conditions can lead to impaired enzyme production or function. For example, individuals with pancreatic insufficiency, cystic fibrosis, or certain gastrointestinal disorders may have reduced enzyme activity. Digestive enzyme supplements can help compensate for the lack of natural enzyme production and support digestion in these conditions.
• Dietary Support: Some individuals may have difficulty digesting specific types of food, such as lactose in dairy products or gluten in wheat. Digestive enzyme supplements formulated to target these specific substances, such as lactase for lactose intolerance or gluten-specific enzymes for gluten sensitivity, can aid in the digestion of these components and reduce associated symptoms.

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