The intestines are not only about digestion and immunity. They are also responsible for absorption, assimilation, and even the production of vitamin and mineral components.
Many people do not even bother to take care of the condition of the intestines - it is simply usually not thought about... Yet this can lead to deficiencies of certain elements.
The condition of the intestines and the absorption of nutrients
To begin with, thanks to the intestines we are able to absorb nutrients. When the processes of assimilating food in our intestines are disrupted, there is increased breakdown of cells, which in such circumstances do not receive adequate amounts of components allowing them to survive and function.
One of the factors affecting impaired absorption may be toxins or an unhealthy, highly processed diet. Unfortunately, at present it is much easier to get something poor to eat than to make the effort and eat a balanced, healthy meal. An excessive amount and activity of toxins or other pathogens (harmful bacteria, viruses, etc.) is, contrary to appearances, also not such a rare issue. The fact is that they lead, among other things, to damage to the intestinal villi, which are responsible for the absorption of nutrients.
Absorption processes are also affected by a persistently excessive amount of calories and sugar in the diet. Particularly dangerous is refined sugar, which unfortunately is present at quite a high level in the everyday diet of the average person. This leads, among other things, to the development and further progression of inflammation.
In addition to an increased risk of diseases with an inflammatory basis, we are dealing with impaired absorption, which can be extremely harmful in illness-related circumstances (even with an ordinary cold), when we experience a weakened immune system.
Not only absorption, but also production
The intestines also play a role related to the production of vitamins important for health and the functioning of the body. In fact, it is the intestinal bacteria that are responsible for the synthesis of vitamin compounds, although if we do not take care of the bacterial flora, this can also lead to deficiency states. Strains of bacteria residing in the intestines are able to synthesize some B vitamins (especially B1, B2, B6 and B12), and additionally vitamin K2.
The condition of the intestines is also related to the absorption of vitamin D3. Supplementation with it is indicated both for overall health improvement and for improving intestinal condition, as well as in circumstances of increased physical activity.
Of course, production within the body will not necessarily cover the basic requirement for nutrients. Nevertheless, impairing it may further deepen deficiency states.
And if we are dealing with impaired absorption and, in addition, synthesis, then at the same time we deprive the body of many nutrients, or at least greatly limit them. All the more so because a persistent deficiency of even one element can be dangerous to health.
Intestinal problems and deficiencies of specific nutrients
As is well known, prevention is the best medicine, and therefore remedial measures. Nevertheless, it is not always so rosy. Above all, one should focus on taking care of gut barrier integrity, optimizing the bacterial flora and eliminating / reducing inflammation.
Basically, it is about a comprehensive improvement in the condition of our intestines, for which, apart from dietary steps, we can use good probiotic preparations, prebiotics, sodium butyrate and colostrum or lactoferrin. Of course, one should also focus on replenishing deficiencies, although supplementation will also be important. Let us start, however, with which deficiencies we are primarily exposed to when inflammation ravages the intestinal area, and additionally when its condition remains deplorable. One of the more common deficiency states is a lack of magnesium, which in turn contributes to a deficiency of
vitamin D3.
This latter, in turn, has a significant effect on the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Impaired absorption of magnesium most often occurs in circumstances of leaky gut syndrome, also called “leaky gut,” as well as with frequent diarrhoea. Allowing a deficiency of this element can result, among other things, in problems with concentration, impaired transport of calcium and potassium ions, or reduced energy for action.
One could say that if magnesium, then zinc. In supplementation, they perfectly complement each other in the area of body regeneration. This element performs an activating function for various enzymes, including those associated with the alimentary and digestive system. A significant part of zinc supplied with food is absorbed in the small intestine and duodenum. As with magnesium, intestinal permeability, inflammation and chronic diarrhoea reduce the body's ability to absorb zinc.
Iron deficiency is one of the most dangerous possible deficiency states accompanying intestinal problems. It is important because it participates in oxygen transport and forms important enzymes and proteins crucial for the functioning of the body. Not to mention problems with sleep, concentration, immunity or fatigue... Iron is also called the element of physically active people.
Its absorption takes place in the upper part of the small intestine. In turn, intestinal problems and some components supplied with food, such as phytates or oxalates, significantly hinder this process. Proper secretion of gastric acids and the availability of vitamin C are also important.
Troublesome, chronic diarrhoea and inflammation may lead to deficiencies of potassium and calcium (especially in so-called inflammatory bowel disease). It is worth mentioning that with this type of problem there is quite often a simultaneous deficiency of calcium and iron. Both elements are competitive with each other in terms of absorption from the digestive tract.
Of course, as I mentioned, deficiencies of nutrients that are produced by the intestines or intestinal bacteria can occur - so above all, some B vitamins are involved. A great example is an insufficient amount of B12 in ulcerative colitis or folic acid in inflammatory bowel disease, during which sulfasalazine, a drug that limits the absorption of the aforementioned acid, is quite often used.
So what should be done?
- exclude pro-inflammatory ingredients,
- eliminate highly processed food,
- reduce sugar intake and eliminate refined sugar,
- eliminate / limit products containing problematic ingredients: gluten, phytates, oxalates, lectins, tannins,
- focus on high-quality healthy food,
- take care of the bacterial flora (probiotics and prebiotic products),
- take care of gut barrier integrity (sodium butyrate, colostrum / lactoferrin),
- support digestive functions,
- supplement vitamin and mineral components (high-quality products containing their appropriate forms).
