1. Welcome to Game Dog Forum

    You are currently viewing our forum as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

    If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

    Dismiss Notice

The Gut: The Key to Health

Discussion in 'Health & Nutrition' started by Vicki, Jul 30, 2015.

  1. Vicki

    Vicki Administrator Staff Member

    The Gut: The Key to Health
    By W. Jean Dodds, DVM


    Hippocrates, the father of medicine, is quoted as saying, “bad digestion is at the root of all evil” and “death sits in the bowels.” What Hippocrates likely meant was that the GI tract, or “gut,” is responsible for much more than digesting food; it plays a vital role in creating and sustaining health. Nearly 2,500 years later, scientists are discovering that Hippocrates was right. You simply cannot have a “sick” gut and be truly healthy!

    The “gut”, which is made up of the stomach, small intestine and colon (large intestine), is actually a complex microsystem of “good” bacteria, or microflora. While bacteria also live in our mouths, on our skin and in our urogenital tract, more than 70 percent take up residence in the mucosal tissue lining of the gut, which is known as the gut-associated lymphoid tissue, or GALT. The trillions of beneficial bacteria inside the gut comprise a metabolically active organ—the largest immune organ in the body—and are important for a variety of essential functions, including regulating digestion, producing and metabolizing vitamins and other trace nutrients, and protecting the body from infection.

    The gut also contains pathogenic “bad” bacteria, such as E. coli. When the balance of good and bad bacteria goes awry, humans and animals can experience a myriad of digestive disturbances, including bloating, constipation or diarrhea, as well as abdominal cramping, surface erosions, and ulcers. But the relationship between gut bacteria and health extends far beyond the digestive system.

    For example, gut microflora serves as a significant barrier to infection from outside pathogens, preventing unwanted invaders such as food toxins, toxic chemicals, bad bacteria and fungi from entering our systems. A condition called “leaky gut” arises when the integrity of the gut’s mucosal lining is compromised, causing it to become permeable, or “leaky.” When this occurs, unwanted molecules are allowed to pass through. Since the body recognizes these molecules as foreign, it attacks them. Science is now learning that “leaky gut” likely contributes to a variety of autoimmune diseases, including Type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis.

    Other conditions linked to imbalances in the gut’s bacterial ecosystem include:

    Allergies
    Arthritis
    Autism
    Behavioral problems
    Colon cancer
    Inflammation
    Obesity

    A recently released study by the Cleveland Clinic exemplifies the important role of gut bacteria. The study found that some gut bacteria produce a compound called trimethylamine- N-oxide, or TMAO, while digesting lecithin found in foods such as egg yolks, liver, beef, pork and wheat germ. The researchers also found that blood levels of TMAO predict heart attack, stroke and death—independent of other risk factors. The fact that gut bacteria can cause heart attack, stroke and death, even in otherwise “healthy” people, is a true testament to their importance!

    Obviously, to create and maintain health, we want to keep the gut microflora in tip-top shape. But if the gut is teeming with trillions of good bacteria, what’s the problem?

    Many environmental factors can disrupt gut bacteria, throwing the balance between good and bad bacteria out of whack, including:

    Antibiotics
    Introducing new foods too fast
    Poor diet
    Stress
    Vaccination

    Fortunately, you can help keep your pet’s gut in tip-top shape by giving him probiotics.

    Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria. When ingested in sufficient numbers, probiotics colonize in the gut, thereby supplementing the existing beneficial microflora.

    Probiotics can provide many health benefits in pets, including:

    Aid in digestion
    Assist with food transitioning
    Boost the immune system
    Help manage stress colitis
    Prevent and manage diarrhea
    Prevent overgrowth of “bad” bacteria in the gut
    Promote overall intestinal health
    Reduce inflammation
    Replace “good” bacteria destroyed by antibiotics

    But don’t just run out and buy any product labeled “probiotic”. The product you purchase should meet strict standards, including:

    Contain live bacteria. The product is not a probiotic unless the bacteria are live.

    Contain multiple bacterial strains. Different strains of bacteria exert different biological activities. Look for a product containing at least 10 different strains.

    Is potent. When it comes to a probiotic, the more potent the better. While some products contain 1 billion beneficial bacteria per serving, I advise looking for a product containing at least 30 billion or more beneficial bacteria per serving.

    Is pure. A probiotic is designed to increase gut health. The last thing you want is a product that contains artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, sugar, salt, corn, wheat, soy or other undesirable ingredients.

    And please don’t share your probiotic with your pet. An animal’s intestinal tract contains species-specific microflora, so a probiotic that’s beneficial for you isn’t necessarily beneficial for your companion animal. Opt instead for a probiotic targeted specifically to your pet’s species.

    Supplementing your companion animal’s diet with a probiotic is a simple, safe and effective way to optimize gut health. You might just be amazed at the positive improvements these “gut bugs” can make!

    The Gut: The Key to Health | The Bark
     
    Vicki, Jul 30, 2015
    #1
  2. bounty

    bounty Big Dog

    Important thread everyone should read.
    Also good Gut bacteria feed on soluble fibre (prebiotics) creating buterate which not only is used by the gut as energy but is energy for many other cells in the body. So basically eating heaps of vegies is critical for good health.

    Anyway this is a huge topic that you can find info anywhere on the net. :-)
     
    bounty, Feb 21, 2016
    #2
  3. Jacob

    Jacob Top Dog

    I am into this big time almost a VEGAN. The second barin is in the stomach. Seratonin and Dopmanine are made here by 72 % if this is Poisoned by alcohol, bad food and other drugs you will bring forth major ailments ot to your body mental and physical. THIS IS THE BEST ARTICLE YET FOR THE COMMUNITY VICKY.
     
    Jacob, Feb 21, 2016
    #3
  4. siccen

    siccen Big Dog

    I'm not trying to be rude when I say, I don't think being a vegan has any advantage for nutritional health, especially in dogs!
     
    siccen, Feb 21, 2016
    #4
  5. Jacob

    Jacob Top Dog

    You eat according to to your lifestyle or for your workout or for whatever purpose you need to achive and not just eat and eat eat as the way the world does now for pleasure. FOOD IS YOUR BEST MEDICINE. MIKE Tyson has gone VEGAN i dont want to get into how good it is for the body but if you have good health you can extend this into other parts of your life. You will peak mentally emotionally and physically. Alot of Olympians are Vegans and Vegatarians cause the human body peaks on this diet.THIS DIET IS NOT FOR DOGS. I hope you were joking when you said that siccen hey hows it up there in dreamland
     
    Jacob, Feb 21, 2016
    #5
  6. siccen

    siccen Big Dog

    Do you know where you're at? I thought we were discussing dog gut health, and the like. You are on a dog forum. Try to stay on topic.
     
    siccen, Feb 21, 2016
    #6
  7. Jacob

    Jacob Top Dog

    you ever heard of chit chat think outside the box thats where we talk about it all. if you have nothing to offer on the subject dont say anything just keep on dreaming
     
    Jacob, Feb 21, 2016
    #7
  8. CajunBoulette

    CajunBoulette CH Dog

    Put it in chit chat section, health and nutrition is dog health and nutrition.

    Sent from my HTC Desire 626s using Tapatalk
     
    CajunBoulette, Feb 21, 2016
    #8
  9. siccen

    siccen Big Dog

    Another really good source of probiotics, and digestive enzymes is green tripe. I found a shop in my town that will sell me chopped up green tripe in these 5 pound chubs. They also mix some trachea, and gullet with the green tripe as well if you want. I cut theese chubs up into pattie cakes and toss em in the freezer. I like to use both pill, and tripe for my dogs probiotics needs. I try and mix it up.
     
    siccen, Feb 22, 2016
    #9
  10. GK1

    GK1 Big Dog

    GK1, Feb 22, 2016
    #10
  11. Saiyagin

    Saiyagin Chihuahua

    The gut is one of the keys to good health in both humans and dogs. Its just a shame that too many main stream doctors dont give a fuck about finding the cause of the problem instead only relying on fucking (chemicals) medicines with dozens of side effects that only treat the symptoms and not the cause. Majority of Primary Care Doctors in America are a fucking JOKE and get away with murder unless they are caught red handed with irrefutable proof/evidence hence why so many people are now seeking ALTERNATIVE treatments on there own.
     
    Saiyagin, Feb 22, 2016
    #11
  12. c_note

    c_note CH Dog

    I TOTALLY AGREE!!! I went to the hospital TWICE THIS WEEKEND due to a stomach issue I have. I asked the doc what I could do? He gave me more meds and told me to see another doctor/specialist.... We'll see how that goes
     
    c_note, Feb 23, 2016
    #12
  13. Jacob

    Jacob Top Dog

    Why cure you and put themselves out of job. Pharmacutical companies pumping out meds 24 hours a day fix your one problem and create another. Im not sure if they get incentive everytime they perscribe meds.
     
    Jacob, Feb 23, 2016
    #13
  14. AGK

    AGK Super duper pooper scooper Administrator

    They get kick backs and perks for pushing certian drugs.
     
    AGK, Feb 23, 2016
    #14
  15. stinkrock

    stinkrock Top Dog

    That is very true. The company that makes sends reps. to doctors office with free samples. When my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's her doctor would give her 3 months worth of med. at a time. An since I was paying her bills. Never had a bill for the pills. One day I asked about it an he told me He was very fawned of my grandmother so he didn't charge her for it. An then he gets it for free so He wouldn't feel right making me pay.

    I really think that's the way the company test their meds. But anyway she past on now she was 86.
     
    stinkrock, Feb 23, 2016
    #15
  16. Saiyagin

    Saiyagin Chihuahua

    As the Fonz would say Exactomundo LMAO....Guess which drugs they get the most kick backs from? C to the H to the E to the M and O. LMAO
     
    Saiyagin, Feb 23, 2016
    #16
  17. TROTLINE

    TROTLINE Top Dog

    EXCELLENT post!!! The gut and the heart!!!! Either one of those aren't right your go'n down hill!! I always include greens in my feed! A well balanced diet is key!!!
     
    TROTLINE, Feb 23, 2016
    #17
  18. Jacob

    Jacob Top Dog

    Hell ya if you strong you could help your family become strong.MENTAL FITNESS, SPIRTIUAL FITNESS, PHYSICAL FITNESS aint no stopping now.
     
    Jacob, Feb 24, 2016
    #18
  19. TROTLINE

    TROTLINE Top Dog

    It dos'nt have to be expensive either! Collards, Mustard, Spinach, Kale, when it's in season it's cheap! mix out several different types bag and freeze A couple days worth at A time measure according to the size of your yard! When I had A big yard I'd do the same with horse meat! Then just add A High quality kibble! When it gets cold I give them A warm meal add chicken or beef cubes, with hot water! Better yet if your in A place substitute Char Dog Salmon just cook it down great for them in the winter!
     
    TROTLINE, Feb 24, 2016
    #19
  20. Jacob

    Jacob Top Dog

    greens for all creatures hell ya
     
    Jacob, Feb 24, 2016
    #20

Share This Page