Goji and Digestive Disorders You may be able to ignore a cold, a headache or a sore elbow, but a digestive problem is something else altogether. Whether it's gas, intestinal cramps, a bout of nausea or a chronic condition like irritable bowel syndrome, a gastrointestinal disorder commands your full attention. Some digestive conditions are merely annoying, but others, if left untreated, can affect the health of your entire body and can even become life-threatening. Researchers have only recently begun to understand the many and often complex diseases that affect the digestive system. This area of scientific research is highly active, as digestive disorders affect so many people. Digestive Disease Facts: 60 to 70 million Americans are affected by digestive diseases 191,000 people die each year 10 million people per year are hospitalized (13 percent of all hospitalizations) 6 million diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are performed (14 percent of all procedures) 50 million physician office visits occur 1.4 million people are disabled $107 billion per year is spent in direct medical costs, disability and mortality Source: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) Inside Your Digestive System The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a long, twisting tube that begins at the mouth and ends at the rectum. The digestive system also includes body structures and organs such as the salivary glands, liver, gallbladder and pancreas. The main purpose of the GI tract is to break down the foods you eat into molecules small enough to be absorbed through cell membranes. In that way, it provides the cells with the necessary energy for life and health. Digestion begins in the mouth when food is chewed. Food then enters the stomach, where it remains for one to six hours while it is converted by gastric juices into a partially digested liquid. The liquid passes into the small intestine where the process of digestion is completed by the action of pancreatic enzymes and bile from the liver. The nutrients from the food are absorbed into the bloodstream, and the remaining waste is transported to the large intestine for elimination. Common Digestive Disorders Every section of the GI tract is prone to its own unique disorders, some merely annoying, others potentially fatal. Fortunately, for all but a few, we now have simple treatments that will, at the very least, relieve the symptoms. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by a backflow (reflux) of acid stomach contents into the esophagus, due to a weakness in the muscle that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat (heartburn). The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth. This is called acid indigestion. Symptoms usually occur within an hour after eating and are most likely to strike when you lie down, bend or stoop. Occasional heartburn is common and does not necessarily mean you have GERD. If you experience heartburn more than twice a week, you may have GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Antacids are effective for immediate relief. They provide a more nutritionally sound short-term solution than do the acid blockers, which can interfere with your body's ability to absorb nutrients. Many people with GERD are also overweight, and successful long-term solutions involve losing weight to reduce pressure on the abdomen. Other tips: avoid tight clothing, don't lie down until two to three hours after eating, and elevate the head of your bed by 30 degrees. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and forgo high fat foods, caffeine, chocolate and smoking. Goji and Healthy Weight In a clinical study on goji, most patients lost significant weight. In another study, goji polysaccharides were shown to reduce body weight by enhancing the conversion of food into energy instead of fat. Gastroenteritisis an irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract. Its symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea brought on by exposure to bacteria, amoebas, parasites, toxins, certain drugs, enzymes or allergens in foods. Treatment usually includes bed rest, fluids, bismuth-containing products such as Pepto-Bismol® and anti-nausea drugs. Goji Fights Gastroenteritis-Provoking Allergic Reactions In a study reported in the Journal of the Beijing Medical University (1992), it was noted that goji reduced antibodies associated with allergy-type reactions. Gastritisis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, which is sometimes caused by eating irritating substances. Some people with gastritis have no symptoms, but many experience vague pain, a feeling of fullness, loss of appetite, belching, nausea and vomiting. Atrophic gastritis is a weakening of digestion caused by reduced activity of stomach cells. Treatment for gastritis consists of eliminating irritating foods, avoiding aspirin, and taking antacids if the condition persists. Goji Eases Gastritis Goji has long been used in the treatment of atrophic gastritis. Goji itself is easily digested, especially when taken in its highly bio-available juice form. Ulcers can occur almost anywhere in the esophagus, stomach or small intestine. Almost all stomach ulcers are caused either by a bacterial infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or by use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen). Most H. pylori-related ulcers can be cured with antibiotics. NSAID-induced ulcers can be cured with time, stomach protective medications, antacids and avoidance of NSAIDs. Spicy food and stress may aggravate ulcer symptoms in some people. Goji Fights Inflammation Without Stomach-Irritating Drugs Goji can restore the balance of the body's important anti-inflammatory SOD enzyme. Replenishing the body's anti-inflammatory enzymes with goji may eliminate the need to take anti-inflammatory drugs, which can irritate the digestive tract and cause ulcers. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) involves a problem in the workings of the muscles in the intestines, which is characterized by gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. Although it can cause considerable pain and discomfort, it does not damage the digestive tract, nor does it lead to more serious digestive diseases later, such as cancer. It occurs more frequently in women under age 35 and may be related to psychological stress. Treatment includes a diet high in fiber and low in fat. Certain gas-producing foods, such as those in the cabbage family, should be avoided, as should any other suspected irritants. Goji Beats Stress That Can Trigger IBS Adaptogens are herbs that help the body to adapt and to cope with stress. Goji is one of the most revered adaptogens in all of traditional Asian herbal medicine. Crohn's disease is an uncomfortable inflammation of the digestive tract. It usually attacks the small intestine but can also be found anywhere along the entire digestive tract. Crohn's disease causes pain, cramping, tenderness, gas, fever, nausea and diarrhea. The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America estimates that up to one million people may suffer from this disease, which is possibly caused by a hyperactive immune system. Goji Balances Immune Response It is important to remember that an autoimmune disorder such as Crohn's disease is not a result of either overactive or sluggish immune function; it is caused by immune abnormalities. Fortunately, traditional Asian medicine has long demonstrated that abnormal immune response can be treated successfully, without the need for harsh drugs. In Asia, the goji berry has been used as an immune system regulator for centuries. The noted ethnobotanist, Dr. James A. Duke, classifies goji as an immunomodulator - an enhancing substance that can balance and normalize abnormal immune response. Usual Dosage Level For all digestive disorders, research suggests a daily usage of 2 to 4 ounces of high-quality standardized goji juice, taken with meals.