Digestive Issues
Digestion is where nutrition begins—or fails. Everything downstream depends on this.
You can't absorb what you can't digest.
Digestive dysfunction creates nutrient deficiencies that affect every system in the body. Low stomach acid, bile insufficiency, enzyme deficiency, and gut dysbiosis can all block absorption of the nutrients you eat.
The perfect diet means nothing if your digestive system can't break it down and absorb it.
The digestive breakdown
Low Stomach Acid
Stomach acid is essential for protein digestion and mineral absorption. Low acid (hypochlorhydria) causes bloating, reflux, and nutrient deficiencies. Zinc and B1 deficiency make it worse.
Bile Insufficiency
Bile emulsifies fats for absorption. Without adequate bile, you can't absorb fats or fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Gallbladder issues and liver congestion are common causes.
Enzyme Deficiency
Pancreatic enzymes break down proteins, fats, and carbs. Magnesium deficiency, pancreatic stress, and aging all reduce enzyme production.
Gut Dysbiosis
Imbalanced gut bacteria create inflammation, produce toxins, and damage the intestinal lining. SIBO allows bacteria to consume nutrients before you can absorb them.
Critical nutrients for digestive function
These nutrients directly support digestive capacity and gut healing.
SIBO: The Hidden Nutrient Thief
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) puts bacteria where they don't belong—in the small intestine where nutrient absorption happens.
These bacteria consume B12, iron, and other nutrients before you can absorb them. They ferment carbohydrates, causing bloating and gas. SIBO is a common cause of IBS symptoms and stubborn nutrient deficiencies.
"If you're supplementing but levels aren't improving, consider whether something is stealing your nutrients."
Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
The gut lining should be selectively permeable—letting nutrients in while keeping everything else out. When this barrier breaks down:
- 1Undigested food proteins enter the bloodstream
- 2The immune system reacts, triggering inflammation
- 3Food sensitivities and autoimmune reactions develop
- 4Systemic inflammation affects the brain and other organs
Restoring digestive function
Support stomach acid
Betaine HCl with meals can help if acid is low. Zinc and B1 support natural acid production. Don't suppress acid unless truly necessary.
Optimize bile flow
Bitter herbs stimulate bile. Ox bile supplements can help if the gallbladder is removed or sluggish. Taurine and glycine support bile production.
Heal the gut lining
Glutamine, zinc carnosine, and vitamin A support gut barrier repair. Removing inflammatory foods gives the gut a chance to heal.
Address dysbiosis
Test for SIBO and other gut infections. Rebalance the microbiome with targeted interventions, not just random probiotics.