The term 'gut' refers to the gastro-intestinal or GI tract. This is a passage over 20 feet long which starts at the mouth and ends at the anus.

Without a properly functioning gut (intestinal tract), a lot of the nutrients in your food may end up in the toilet bowl. That is why some people who take vitamins may complain that they have not noticed any difference in their health and well-being. That is why I use and recommend a programme of nutritional supple-ments called the Cellular Nutrition Programme, which ensures that you not only get the right nutrients, but that they are readily absorbed and available for your cells to utilise.

YOUR GUT SHOULDPROTECT YOU

Most people put between three to five pounds of food into their bodies every day. Some of this may be harmful as modern foodstuff contains food additives such as colouring agents, preservatives and flavour enhancers, contaminants like insecticides, hormones, anti-biotics and other drugs, and even germs of various types.

Fortunately, the gut has a sophisticated defence system to protect us from harm called GALT (Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue). GALT contains more immune system cells surrounding the gut that any other system in the human body. Despite this, we often overburden and contaminate our gut which is sometimes life threatening. The young are particularly vulnerable because their immune system is not yet fully developed.

YOUR GUT IS ALIVE

Over 500 different types of bacteria may be found in your intestines — some 'good' guys and some 'bad' guys. However, they live together in a delicate balance and are extremely important not only to the gut, but also to the health of the entire body.

Many things can produce a disturbance, for example: antibiotics; too much sugar, or too little fibre in the diet; stress; and some foods like dairy products. This creates a condition called dysbiosis which may lead to digestive problems like gas, bloating, food allergies, inflam-mation or ulceration, cramps and diarrhoea and/or constipation.

Many seemingly unrelated illnesses like arthritis, allergies, nervous system disorders andauto-immune diseases may be related to disturbances in the function of your gut.

TIPS FOR A HEALTHY GUT

Seven servings per day of fresh fruit and vegetables is the ideal. Aim at 25 to 30 grams of fibre daily. Be wary of chemical food additives, excess sugar and dairy products. Supple-menting with the soy-based Cellular Nutritional Programme is very useful.

Fluids. Drink lots of clean water, coconut water, herbal teas, natural fruit and vegetable juices. As a rule of thumb, aim at drinking half an ounce of fluids per pound of your body weight per day. Add more in hot weather and when you exercise.

Regular cleansing, particu-larly of the colon, is important. Constipation should be avoided but be very careful about the use of strong laxatives.

Aloe vera is extremely good for the entire digestive system. I use a convenient, pleasant-tasting drink made from aloe and other herbs. It is healing, gently cleansing and soothing. By using aloeI have avoided prescribing any anti-acid medication or any 'gas medicine' for my patients.

Probiotics - put back the good bacteria into the gut along with additional fibre. These bacteria actuallyfeed on the fibre producing substances that are important for a healthy colon. I use a supplement, which contains acidophilus and lactobacillus bacteria in a fibre blend. Natural yoghurt is also a useful source of probiotics.

Eat smaller meals more frequently. Try not to overburden your intestines at any one time. As my grandfather used to advise, you should leave the dining table feeling that you could have had a little bit more.

Good stress management. Many gut problems are stress-related. Regular exercise, yoga, relaxation exercises and self-help techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique are all helpful for a healthy gut.

Take care of your gut and it will take care of you.

You may email Dr Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com, or listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on POWER 106FM on Fridays at8 pm. The programme streams live on the Internet.