Nova Articles

The gastrointestinal system, a complex network of organs and glands which extracts nutrients and water from the food that we eat so that they can be used by the body, processes the food in six phases. First, it mentally prepares the stomach for the meal that we are about to eat. Then, it takes food into the body, followed by moving that food through the GI tract. Next, it breaks down the food with both mechanical and chemical processes and then absorbs the digestive food into the vascular and lymphatic systems for distribution to the cells. Finally, the indigestible substances and waste products are eliminated from the body. Digestion itself is divided into two categories, those being mechanical and chemical. Mechanical digestion is the physical movement that assists chemical digestion. After the initial breakdown by chewing, food is churned by the smooth muscles of the stomach and small intestine, allowing it to mix with the enzymes that start the chemical reactions. Chemical digestion, on the other hand, is a series of chemical reactions that break down large carbohydrate, lipid, and protein molecules into smaller molecules that can enter blood vessels. In order for optimal digestion to occur, all of these processes must work together. If any part of the system under or over-performs, physical problems will most likely occur.

Enzymes are extremely important to digestion because without them digestion could not take place and the food we eat could not be absorbed into our bodies to be utilized. Enzymes, which are complex proteins that are produced by living cells and can be found in digestive juices, start chemical reactions in the body. They act on food by breaking it down into simpler components that can be used by the body for energy. If digestive enzymes don’t work adequately, inadequate digestion will result which is thought to be a significant cause of food allergies. When food is not digested completely it can initiate allergic reactions in the body, causing inflammation and immune sensitivity and lead to chronic inflammatory conditions and certain types of arthritis.

There are many enzymes that are part of the digestion process. However, there are three main enzymes that are involved in digestion. These are amylase, protease, and lipase. Other enzymes, including sucrase, lactase, and maltase are very important for secondary function in digestion. Amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates, can be found in saliva and pancreatic secretions. It initiates digestion of dietary starches and breaks down starch into several simpler molecules. Disaccharides including lactose, maltose, and sucrose, are broken down into simple sugars by lactase, maltase, and sucrase. These simple sugars can be absorbed through the small intestine to help with energy production. Proteases, which break down protein, cause protein digestion to begin in the stomach. The stomach’s acidic environment activates the protease pepsin, which is deactivated in the alkaline environment of the intestine. Proteins are further broken down by pancreatic enzymes into amino acids in the intestine. Lipases break down fat into essential fatty acids. Fat digestion speeds up in the second part of the small intestine with the help of the pancreatic lipases. These lipase enzymes are responsible for the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Animal enzymes, especially those that are derived from pig enzymes are very similar to human digestive enzymes. Animal enzymes are much more sensitive to pH extremes; therefore many animal enzyme formulas sold as dietary supplements contain bicarbonates to protect the enzymes from stomach acid. Plant derived enzymes, on the other hand; come from fungal and botanical sources. They are able to survive a broad range of pH differences and provide a larger range of activity in the gastrointestinal tract. Plant enzymes are often preferred by those who wish to avoid animal-derived products.

Along with these, there are many other dietary supplements that are effective in supporting digestive health, specifically probiotic supplements, which offer numerous health benefits. Probiotics are non-toxic, live bacteria that are necessary for life and do not cause disease. The most commonly studied probiotics are those from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium group. Because these two probiotic groups have the ability to break down lactose, they are known as lactic acid bacteria. These probiotics can be found in many foods and dietary supplements. In our intestines we have colonies of bacteria called microflora, which is associated with good health when they are normal. However, changes in intestinal health are often associated with a weakened immune function and an imbalance in the natural microflora is often linked with various diseases such as yeast infections and colon cancer. By orally ingesting probiotic bacteria, we help to support the composition and metabolic activities of the microflora found in the large intestine. These microflora help the digestive process through fermentation, protection against disease-causing bacteria, and stimulation of certain immune system components. Probiotic bacteria have also demonstrated anti-cancer properties in many studies. Results have shown that people taking L. acidophilus fermented milk have a much larger number of intestinal Lactobacilli, which in turn decreases the risk factors associated with colon cancer.

Lactose is an important sugar that is converted to lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria. Many people have lactose intolerance as a result of genetics, gastrointestinal disease, or a decline in the amount of intestinal lactase levels that are associated with aging. Lactose intolerance is caused by an inability to digest lactose because of a failure of small intestine cells to produce lactase (the enzyme needed to digest lactose). Those who are deficient in lactase accumulate non-absorbed lactose in the GI tract, drawing water and electrolytes into the gut. This leads to bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients. Lactic acid bacteria support the breakdown of lactose by enhancing the activity of lactase, therefore improving digestion and tolerance. Although probiotic bacteria usually survive passage through the stomach, they do not permanently colonize in the body. Therefore, to ensure optimal support of the digestive system, these probiotic bacteria need to be replenished. To do so, they should be ingested regularly in order for their health-promoting effects to continue. Digestive enzymes and probiotics can be found at your friendly online vitamin store.

Please visit VitaNet Health Foods, VitaNet sells digestive enzymes to boost health. Please link to this site when using this article.

With rugged ion-plating and surgical-grade stainless steel housing, the Invicta Subaqua Noma is as tough and durable as its namesake would suggest, “best under pressure” and developed for seaborne expeditions with water resistance rated at 50 ATM. Even though most watches do not exhibit or comprehend with sea life, the closest watch with that technique can considerably be really few Casio watches that has built in reliability towards water pressure. Even with that added function, it might not be enough to handle heavy pressures underwater. Fortunately modern times has found a way to add the extra shock and window to suppress such pressures nonetheless there’s no telling how long it will last.

Its brushed unidirectional ratcheting bezel is engraved with raised and polished Arabic numerals at five-second intervals, lending the Invicta Subaqua Noma with a serious look which is professional and suitable for all occasions. A round sunray dial is available in colors to match its wrist strap of field brown or mushroom black. Luminous index markers trimmed in silver tones are positioned by the hour readings, with subdials stationed at two, six, and ten o’clock and a date window at four. A handy tachymeter, for determining speed over distance, encompasses the whole dial.

A specific version for example the Invicta Subaqua Noma III can be had with distinct subdial designs. One model features two adjacent subdials that form a figure-eight, whilst 3 subdials on one more are located as the points of a triangle, each variously displaying the day, month, and moon phase. Some Subaqua Nomas are even analog-based. An interesting cosmetic feature that could be found is the arched gateway encompassing the crown, with some models sporting two knobs or pushers next to it.

The bracelet is offered in two-toned color schemes of gold and black, gold and silver, and black and blue. A model like the Reserve Subaqua features a three-link bracelet with crescent shapes on the central link for a visually distinguishing touch. Reserve Subaquas can also element such cosmetic motifs like a skeleton dial or diamond highlights. But whether a Reserve or a Noma, the diver’s buckle on a Subaqua is simple but sturdy, and all Subaquas bear an exceptional mineral crystal when cost is considered. Invicta’s own Trinite brand of luminous paint is employed on the hour and minute hands for fantastic visibility in conditions of low light.

The Subaqua bears a pedigree of technical excellence stretching all the way back to the 1837 vision of Invicta founder Raphael Picard, who established the brand in La Chaux-de-fonds, Switzerland, to provide precision Swiss timekeeping at moderate price-points. Invicta is Latin for “invincible,” and their modern and trendy Subaqua line of automatic watches are engineered to last whilst remaining inexpensive. Most people will buy them for the looks, nonetheless, which are really handsome indeed. Engineered for precision but styled for fashion, an Invicta is appropriate for any occasion and just about any task.

Other than the weekly trimming and grooming, fingernails and toenails get little or zero attention. Most of the time, only those who are preoccupied with painting their nails with different colors or embellishing them with beads or precious gems are the ones who really take notice of the general well-being of their nails. In fact, not many are aware that nails are good indicators of one’s health conditions. The color and state of your nails may be telltale signs that you are stricken by some serious illness.

Here are some nail textures and colors to look out for:

Clubbing Of Nails

You will know that your nail is clubbed if there is no slight slope between your nail and your nail bed. Instead of a slope, you actually see a small mount. Furthermore, your nails usually curve or swell outward because of the thickening of the skin around your toenails or fingernails.

The diseases associated with clubbing of fingernails include heart problems, lung-related illnesses and even colon or gastrointestinal conditions. Most of the time, you will experience shortness of breath and other signs of serious problems before nail clubbing is manifested. However, not all people with clubbed nails automatically have the abovementioned diseases. The best thing to do when you see that your nails are clubbing is to consult your doctor, especially true if you are feeling physical discomforts and changes in your general health.

Pale Nail Beds

A healthy nail bed usually has pinkish or reddish tinge. Thus, when you see that your nail bed is pale or a little bit white, then you may need to increase your iron intake because you might be suffering from anemia. If you suspect you have anemia, you can always eat food rich in iron; you can try mussels, liver, shrimp, sardines, oysters, beans, and pumpkin seeds. Before taking any supplement or medications, again, it would be wise to first ask your physician.

Thick Jaundiced Nails

If you are taking antibiotics for a long time now, you should not be too worried if your nails are a bit thick and yellow. Some forms of antibiotics can make the nails become discolored. However, if you are not taking any medication and your nails are still thick and discolored, then you might have problems with your lymphatic system, lungs, or thyroid gland.

If your nails are yellow, but you see a slight blush on the base, you might be suffering from diabetes. If your nails are displaying such changes and you are overweight, are not too fond of exercising, have a pear shaped body and love to eat junk food, then you should start asking your doctor what you can do to prevent the onset of this dreaded disease.

Pitting Of The Nails’ Surface

As you age, it is normal to see slight pitting or formation of minor ridges on your nails. However, if the ridges on the surface of your nails are more pronounced and your nails are thickened, then you might be facing inflammatory arthritis or problematic skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis. According to experts, some 10% of psoriasis cases commence with the pitting of the nails.

Nail fungus is another problem that can be associated with pitting of the nails. However, you will know that you are indeed suffering from fungi infestation if the affected nail smells bad, is brittle and yellowish, with some white or brown specs.

If you suspect that you have nail fungus, you must go to a dermatologist and have it checked. If left untreated, this problem can spread to other nails and could cause pain and deterioration of the affected nails.

Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.thearticleinsiders.com.