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HealthPassport.net attended the conference Food and Digestive Health, during which food and gastrointestinal specialists took stock of current knowledge on this subject. Held in Montreal, the event was organized by Initia1. We present to you, in a few parts, an overview of the big ideas issued during the conference:
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June 15, 2009 – The human being would not have only one brain, but two: in addition to its gray matter, its gastrointestinal system “is nothing less than a second brain, so much its action is complex and vital ”.
This is what Dr Emile levy2, as part of the Aliments et santé digestive symposium, held in Montreal by the organization Initia.
“The intestine literally speaks to the brain, to ensure control over insulin, blood sugar or satiety, to illustrate Dr Levy. The gastrointestinal system is no less than the brain in playing a major role in the immune, endocrine and metabolic planes. “
This is why he believes that we must give as much importance to our digestive system as to our gray matter.
How? ‘Or’ What?
“The digestive system is the main gateway to the various diseases that affect us,” he says. It is therefore through nutrition that we can play on diseases and other health problems, including obesity. “
The focus of many diseases
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“No less than 60% of the population suffers from gastrointestinal problems, to varying degrees. “ Denis Roy |
In fact, there is a link between the state of the intestinal flora and the appearance of several types of diseases, including skin allergies and asthma, certain cardiovascular disorders, autism and most of the diseases of the body. digestive system, including Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
In this regard, it is known that irritable bowel syndrome can be related to diet or stress. But a new avenue of research is emerging. According to Professor Denis Roy3, it is thought that irritable bowel syndrome could also be caused by infections, including those caused by salmonellosis and Clostridium difficile.
“Although the science is not categorical on this subject, one can already think that the consumption of prebiotics and probiotics could confer some protection against these infections, in addition to alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in those who are affected, ”says Roy.
According to him, the effect of prebiotics and probiotics lies in their ability to reduce intestinal inflammation.
Prevention “through the stomach”
Evoking the preponderant role of the gastrointestinal system on all vital functions, Jacques Goulet4 believes that intestinal hygiene is just as important to health as mental and public hygiene.
According to him, the bacteria that make up our intestinal flora are 10 times more numerous than the number of cells that make up the human body. To protect yourself from disease in general, you must therefore feed these good bacteria properly.
“To promote internal hygiene, we must consume foods that maximize the proper functioning of the digestive system, ie fruits and vegetables, fiber, as well as probiotics,” he concluded.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. The Dr Émile Lévy is Scientific Director of Research in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center.
2. Formerly known as the Foundation of Governors, Initia is an organization for disseminating cutting-edge knowledge and know-how. For more information: www.initia-qc.org
3. Denis Roy is a full professor at the Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF) at Laval University.
4. Jacques Goulet is a microbiologist and professor in the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at Laval University.
