Are you really what you eat? Part 2

'You are what you eat' is a phrase used by health professionals constantly, the meaning behind it is self-explanatory and I’m not going to disagree. However I think it needs rewording because it doesn’t tell the whole story. 

Someone who has implemented poor habits for 20 years and changes their diet will not magically change in a fortnight, and a total turnaround in physique will take longer. Unfortunately those wanting a total body transformation tend to hit a plateau in their training. They feel fit, they have bags more energy, their diet is clean and they exercise hard, so why would their weight change not follow suit?

Most people take their digestive system for granted, they think that whatever goes into their mouths will automatically be digested and entered into their system. This is not the case because, like every other part of your body, if it is not given the correct care it will degrade and become less effective. The fact of the matter is if you aren‘t in your 20‘s, you have too much stress in your life, don't consume enough fibre, regularly suffer from digestive discomfort or you rely on antacids to cure heart burn then you could have low stomach acid secretion.

Adequate stomach acid is necessary for three main reasons
1. It is necessary to digest protein properly
2. It is required for the secretion of digestive enzymes in the intestines
3. It helps with the absorption of most essential nutrients
4. It contributes to a healthy balance of hormones
5. It regulates gut bacteria

So what can be done? The chances are that most won't have even considered this as an option, but there are some simple steps to identifying and correcting a deficiency. Firstly you need to take an HCl test, your trainer will talk you through this if you would like to. Then once you have established a dosage of HCl it needs to be taken with every meal. This increase of acidity in your stomach will allow you to absorb the nutrients in your diet. Following this your body will start to increase the amount of stomach acid produced naturally until supplementation is unnecessary.

What can you expect if you correct a deficiency? Faster results, more energy, better sleep, and without meaning to sound too grandiose, an improvement in every aspect of your health.

'You are what you eat', I think a more appropriate but altogether less catchy phrase should be 'You are what you eat, digest and absorb'. Though I doubt it will catch on.



Refs
http://chriskresser.com/what-everybody-ought-to-know-but-doesnt-about-heartburn-gerd

http://tahomaclinicblog.com/the-digestive-theory-of-aging/

http://metabolichealing.com/key-integrated-functions-of-your-body/gut/lack-of-adequate-stomach-acid-what-you-don-t-know-could-be-causing-major-distress/

Kassarjiam, Z., Russel, R. Hypochlorohydria: A factor in Nurtition. Annual Reviews of Nutrition 1989. p271-285


https://www.facebook.com/JeffLynchRwlGymCoach
@JeffLynchRWL