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Expert interview If the intestine is ill - everything is sick
A statement that makes one sit up and take notice: Can disorders in the intestine also cause problems in other areas? Yes, they do - and to a far greater extent than previously thought. Our gut is a very influential, own microcosm. What effect this has on our entire health is described by Dr. med. med. Jörn Reckel under the apt title "Gut gut - all sick". We have with Dr. med. Reckel conducted an interview about this.
"Gut gut - all sick" is the title of your book. What is behind this statement?
The gut affects everything in our entire body, including the psyche. He can never be seen alone on his own. Which is why one should always think about the intestine in case of health problems - even if it causes no complaints. A holistic view and treatment of intestinal complaints is therefore essential. Because: Numerous complaints, such as joint disease and even depression, can go back to disorders of the intestinal flora. This is because gut bacteria secrete substances that can damage all areas of our body.
If the intestine is ill, everything is sick. (Image: pixelaway / fotolia.com) Important for answering your question is also that the intestine in its interior does not belong to our body - even if it is difficult to imagine. But the fact is that the interior of the intestine is for us the outside world. I always say that the intestinal bacteria live on us, on our mucous membrane, and not in us.
Have problems with the intestines increased?
Over the last three decades certainly. This is mainly due to the food habits, which are known to have not changed for the better. To describe bowel problems as "common diseases", as it often happens, is certainly exaggerated. The public's interest in the topic of the intestine has simply increased, which is also shown by the great media attention and is thereby increased.
What can bring the intestinal flora out of its healthy balance?
The most significant causes of a disturbed intestinal flora are damage caused by taking antibiotics. Their worst side effect is the impairment of the bacterial balance in the intestine. Thus, intestinal disorders occur very often after previous infections that have been treated antibacterially. Another important role is played by the diet: too many carbohydrates, especially from wheat and thus too much gluten, can disturb the intestinal flora. This also applies to foods that are heavily processed industrially and thus denatured.
Permanent stress also has an impact on the bacterial population in the gut. This can lead to the fact that the digestion is going on too fast or on the contrary blocked and thus slowed down. The often suspected involvement of the psyche should not be overstated. Much more often it is the other way around: Disorders of the intestinal flora have a negative effect on mental health. As mentioned, depression can be caused by it. For example, 90 percent of the good-mood hormone serotonin is produced by the intestine - but only if it is healthy! If there are problems here, there is not enough of the important nerve messenger available - with the corresponding effects on our mental state.
What role do food intolerances play??
One major: incompatibilities of certain substances in our diet, such as gluten, milk protein or lactose, are important triggers for disorders of the intestinal flora. Because this affects the digestion and the utilization of nutrients and fermentation and decay processes can occur with massive gas formation.
Which diet is recommended for the health of the intestinal flora?
Best one with low strength - that is, carbohydrates should be reduced. It is also important not to eat too much fiber. Because we can not digest without a strong intestinal flora. In practice, this means as little raw as possible, but better to eat cooked and steamed foods, because heated fiber is easier to digest.
I also advise with respect to the indigestible fiber to bread made of finely ground grain instead of roughly crushed. Meat and fish provide valuable protein and are therefore recommended; especially since it is relatively unproblematic for the digestive processes in the intestine. In addition, meat and fish are good for satiety and this helps to eat less carbohydrates. Last but not least, care should be taken not to eat late in the evening and not too lavishly. The well-known saying "in the morning like a king, in the evening like a beggar ..." has indeed a great justification.
How is the micro-ecological therapy you have modified??
The ecosystem in the intestine is brought back into balance. To achieve this, we use probiotics. These swallowable preparations deliver specific bacteria. Thus, they regulate the disturbed intestinal flora: desired bacterial cultures are strengthened, while undesirable ones are suppressed. In this way, the flora can recover and even restore the healthy balance. Of great importance among probiotics are those with lactic acid bacteria. Because most of the pH in the intestine is too basic, so the environment is not sour enough. Lactic acid brings the pH into the acidic area and ensures that, among other things, harmful putrefactive bacteria are pushed back. Often I also use a preparation that releases oxygen. This displaces bacteria that do not tolerate oxygen. These fermenting and decaying anaerobes can mess up the intestinal flora in excess.
They also give digestive enzymes to clean up the intestinal flora.
Why?
Digestive enzymes play an important role in my micro-ecological therapy. Because they ensure that the digestion is optimal - the food is so well broken down. The less of it left for the fermentation and decaying germs, the better it is for the balance of the desired intestinal flora. Frequently used are pancreatic enzymes (pancreatin, main ingredients are lipases, amylases and proteases). Since the stomach digestion is usually involved in the problems in the intestine, I often prescribe a combination of gastric enzymes (pepsin) and amino acids. The enzyme preparations are then taken for at least four weeks.
What brought you to the idea of this book?
I had the idea in my head for a long time. Ultimately, my audience, the listeners on my doctors and non-medical practitioner seminars, then provided for the implementation. Because they asked me again and again, whether the contents of the lectures are not available in writing. When I got the request from the publisher and a co-author put to the side, the matter was clear. Thank you for the interview, Dr. Ing. Reckel.