In this training, Dr. Isabel Sánchez Claros, a physician specializing in microbiota and digestive disorders with an integrative and functional medicine approach, shares a profound insight into the origin of many current digestive problems. Her approach starts with a key idea: digestive health cannot be understood in isolation. The state of the gut is directly influenced by the patient's lifestyle—how they eat, how they sleep, how they manage stress, and what level of physical activity they maintain. After years of clinical experience and specific training in microbiota, Dr. Sánchez Claros explains how a large portion of modern digestive pathologies stems from an alteration of the digestive terrain, especially in the gastric and intestinal mucosa. This approach aligns with the vision of be levels, which seeks to address health problems at their root through nutrition, rest, healthy habits, and evidence-based supplementation. Key takeaways The current context of digestive health The modern lifestyle has a direct impact on the digestive system. Factors contributing to this deterioration: Disorganized eatingThe food industry has promoted excessive consumption and an increase in processed foods, reducing the nutritional quality of the diet. Irregular schedulesLate and heavy meals, combined with demanding work rhythms, hinder proper digestion. Chronic stressProlonged stress alters digestive regulation and promotes inflammatory processes. Poor sleep qualityDisrupted circadian rhythms affect metabolism and the digestive system. Sedentary lifestyleA lack of movement impacts intestinal motility and digestive balance. The combination of these factors progressively deteriorates the digestive system, especially the layer of mucus that protects the mucosa. Gastric mucosa and dysbiosis Alteration of the digestive mucosa is one of the first steps toward intestinal dysbiosis. When the gastroduodenal unit is altered, symptoms may appear such as: a feeling of slow digestion gas or belching abdominal or epigastric pain heaviness after meals constipation or diarrhea If this situation persists over time, inflammation of the mucosa can progress to atrophy. This weakened terrain favors the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and imbalances in the microbiota. Digestive physiology: how digestion actually begins Digestion begins even before consuming food. When we think about food, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, which sends signals to the stomach via the vagus nerve to initiate the production of acid and digestive enzymes. Therefore, eating calmly is key to good digestion. When we eat in a hurry or under stress: the production of digestive enzymes is reduced digestion becomes less efficient the risk of digestive inflammation increases The stomach has a protective layer of mucus that prevents gastric acid from damaging the mucosa. When this barrier is compromised, digestive lesions and alterations occur. Factors that damage the digestive mucosa Various elements can compromise the integrity of the gastric mucosa: MedicationsRecurring use of anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can cause gastric damage. Some antidepressants can also affect the mucosa. Chronic stressAlters digestive system regulation and enzyme production. Alcohol and tobaccoThese are two of the most aggressive factors for the digestive mucosa. Irritating foodsVery spicy or irritating foods can aggravate digestive inflammation. Prolonged use of proton pump inhibitorsMedications like omeprazole, when used for long periods without strict medical indication, can excessively reduce gastric acidity and compromise digestion. Helicobacter pylori and the digestive terrain Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that thrives in less acidic environments. It produces an enzyme called urease, which can damage the gastric mucosa and promote the development of gastritis. It is currently considered an infection that must be treated, but one of the most common mistakes is attempting to eradicate it without first preparing the digestive mucosa. If the digestive terrain is not repaired, antibiotic treatment can be less effective and more aggressive for the patient. Therefore, it is essential to restore the digestive mucosa first. Proposed solutions Restoration of the digestive mucosa One of the main strategies is to reinforce the integrity of the mucosa to recover its protective function. Some key ingredients used for this purpose include: Licorice extract (Gutgard)Promotes healing of the gastric mucosa, stimulates the production of protective mucus, and may help reduce symptoms of dyspepsia. QuercetinHelps regulate histamine release and improve intestinal permeability. ButyrateHelps regulate the microbiota and supports proper gut function. Vitamin D3Plays an important role in immune modulation and tissue repair processes. Digestive enzymesImprove food digestion and reduce the risk of dysbiosis resulting from incomplete digestion. Digestive plantsIngredients like fennel, lemon balm, chamomile, or ginger help reduce gas, inflammation, and digestive spasms. Intestinal cleansing and dysbiosis control Once the digestive terrain is restored, it may be useful to address the excess of pathogenic microorganisms. Some ingredients used for this purpose include: Essential plant oilsSuch as oregano, clove, peppermint, or mugwort, which have antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. Black cuminHas anti-inflammatory and microbiota-modulating effects. Sea buckthornContributes to the regeneration of the digestive mucosa. MolybdenumParticipates in detoxification processes related to sulfur compounds. Important conclusions Digestive health depends to a large extent on the modern lifestyle. Alteration of the digestive mucosa is one of the first steps toward intestinal dysbiosis. Factors like stress, poor diet, or the abuse of certain medications deteriorate the digestive terrain. Before addressing pathogens like Helicobacter pylori, it is essential to restore the digestive mucosa. Healthy digestion begins with proper habits: eating calmly, resting well, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. In short, digestive health begins with a strong digestive terrain and an intact mucosa. [PROD]digestya[/PROD][PROD]clean-gut[/PROD]
