The saying,  ”you are what you eat,” is a true statement. Better yet, the beginning of your health, begins in the GI tract (Gastrointestinal tract), especially when it comes to the small intestines and the content that makes their way through this first and far most important organ in our body. The SI (small intestines), plays rather an important role in the GI tract for its participation in all aspects of digestion, absorption and transportation of food.

The small intestines produces enzymes which mixes with enzymes from the pancreas and the gallbladder to break down food in smaller components. This is also where the proteins are converted into amino acids, carbohydrates into simple sugars, and fats into smaller units, readily to be absorb into the blood. The quality of our blood depends largely on the extent to which it receives adequate nutrition- depending on our diet and the functioning of the small intestines- and this brings us to the importance of this organ.

The inside of the small intestines is covered with finger like projections known as, villi. The villi increases the absorption area and they act as filters, preventing toxins to be absorbed back into the body. When the small intestine is full of toxins, the lining and the villi are damaged and defective. Then digestion is impaired and slows the amount of adequate nutrients absorbed, sending your body into Mal-Absorption, which results into loss of vitamins and minerals. In such a situation diarrhea compounds the problem, leading to numerous symptoms like, body pain, skin rash, abdominal distension, smelly stool and weight loss.

Because the small intestines takes part in almost all aspects of digestion, the absorption of iron from the food into the blood is also impaired. Iron helps transport oxygen to the cells around the body, and in such a case, the low levels of iron means low levels of oxygen in the blood. And when the levels of oxygen is low in the blood, it leads to various diseases which sadly includes cancers which thrives in oxygen depleted cells. Fat burning also depends on the amount of oxygen we carry in the blood and with low amounts, the metabolism is slow and therefore we end up storing a lot of fat, and weight increase is the result. Problems in the case of the elevated levels of VLDL (very low denstiy lipoproteins ) and LDL ( low density lipoproteins) which leads to increased risk of atherosclerosis, the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes, very common in cases of low levels of oxygen in the blood.

When the small intestines in the lower abdomen are filled with water and excessive fluids, it will put pressure on the nerves in the lumber and weaken the lymphatic system and because of luck of movement in the abdomen, it causes an overload of toxicity and tension in the drainage leading to sickness, body aches etc. When the energy in the small intestine is depleted, one usually suffers from absorption difficulties and possibly malnutrition. Other complaints includes, fatigue in the hip and legs, headaches and migraines, lower back problems, abdomen discomfort (between the pubic bone and naval). Also too much energy in the small intestines can cause stiffness in the neck in the morning, so you may what to keep it balanced.

Protecting The Small Intestines

In most cases the small intestines are injured by heavy spicy food, animal fats, bacteria, preservatives, the list would go on. The hot spicy food creates heat in the small intestines which is the main cause of diarrhea which would result in loss of vitamins and minerals. Excessive animal fat diet can lead to fat coating the tiny villi, preventing filtering and nutrients proper absorption, and risking the cells surrounding the area to be undernourished. A diet high in artificial and commercially prepared products will damage the intestinal flora population, essential for the digestion process.

Acidophilius, a bacteria found in live yogurt can help to maintain levels of valuable intestinal flora. Chewing the food more before swallowing will help the break down of food before it reaches the intestines, relieving the small intestine from doing the all job of breaking down, in other ways, less stress for the SI . Special exercises for the small intestines helps to eliminate congestion and allows the smooth flow of energy, not forgetting the benefits of improved digestion and elimination process. breathing exercises, acupressure and reflexology are also good for the release of the congestion of the digestive system. These exercises must be advised by a certified doctor and performed by a certified practitioner, because the SI is also a very sensitive organ.