In Trisomy 21 (T21), elevated levels of oxidative stress have the effect of reducing mitochondrial energy production which results in slow digestive processes 1, 2, 3. This is an adaptive response by the body to preserve essential cellular functions 2,4. In the right quantities, antioxidants and polyphenols from a healthy diet and supplements, improve the biochemistry of a person with T21 by reducing oxidative stress, improvong mitochondrial function, and as a consequence of this, improving digestion 5.
Studies on the addition of Selenium showed that it reduced oxidative stress in people with T21 6,7. The addition of Polyphenols Curcumin, Resveratrol and EGCg to the protocol supports strong, healthy mitochondria 8,9. Therefore a benefit of Nutrigenomic Intervention is to restore digestive processes by correcting the underlying drivers of oxidative stress and inflammation.
In addition, parents of children with T21 need to be aware that Hypothyroidism is associated with reduced stomach acid, reduced peristalsis (movement of food through the colon) and constipation. 19 Proper methylation is also essential for healthy digestive function. Poor methylation can result in digestive issues such as food sensitivities, inflammation and leaky gut. Methylation has a direct impact on mitochondria, which reduces blood flow to the stomach and digestive organs when compromised resulting in poor absorption and low stomach acid 20.
Fibre
Fibre is found in the cellular walls of fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, ancient grains and seeds. Along with adequate fluid intake, fibre moves foods quickly through the digestive tract, optimising normal function. Fibre draws fluid from the body to add volume to the stool. When increasing fibre in your diet you need to do it slowly and gradually. Fibre improves the health of the digestive tract by shifting the balance of bacteria from dysbiotic to healthy, which is often at the root of digestive issues and disease 15.
Hunter-gatherer diets were rich in fibre compared to the standard western diet today. In addition they experienced significantly lower cholesterol and glucose levels and lower rates of disease such as obesity and diabetes 11.
Chronic constipation is common in children and research shows that successful treatment is achieved using lifestyle changes such as a fibre rich diet, and not just with medication 12. Children who eat diets rich in fibre including fruits and vegetables have better bowel movements than those who don’t 13.
1) Fibre increases the bulkiness of stool and speeds the transit of food through the colon, 2) fibre is fermented by gut bacteria to produce short chain fatty acids (SCFA’s) (butyrate, propionate, acetate) which increase water retention and accelerate movement of food through the colon 3) SCFA’s decrease the colon pH increasing movement of food through the colon 4) fibre contains water. All these things improve the consistency and amount of stool produced 12.
Dysbiosis, an imbalance in gut bacterial populations, was found in children with constipation, especially elevated Clostridia and Enterobacteria, which is rarely found in healthy children 12. Probiotics which treat constipation increase the levels of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria which produce lactic, acetic and other acids lowering the pH of the colon and improving transit time. Probiotics are also anti inflammatory and immune enhancing, which may improve constipation. However a diet rich in antioxidant rich polyphenols has the same effect.
Food allergies to cow’s milk are associated with constipation, and studies show that symptoms resolve after eliminating cow’s milk 14.
The following foods are listed as some of the best sources of dietary fibre: all beans, pulses or legumes, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, berries, kiwifruit, prunes, avocado, chia and flax seeds, 100 percent unprocessed grains, broccoli, cooked greens and winter squash 15. (see Infographic attached)
Green Leafy vegetables are rich in fibre, nutrient dense, low in calories, rich in magnesium and contain high amounts of water and should be consumed daily to avoid constipation 15.
Green kiwifuit increases frequency and ease of bowel movements, stool volume and softness 14. Kiwifruit is high in fibre and enzymes which stimulate upper gastrointestinal motility, as well as peptides and phytochemicals with biological effects 14.
Prunes are high in fibre and polyphenols which increase their laxative effect. Japanese prunes increase stool frequency and bowel movements in rats 16.
Fresh figs are a great source of fiber. Figs have a near perfect balance of soluble and insoluble fiber, and they are associated with lower blood pressure and protection against macular degeneration 14.
Persimmons and bananas due to their high amounts of tannins, can inhibit bowel movements and reduce small intestine enzyme activity and should be avoided in children with constipation 17, 18.
Parents need to encourage their children to eat a high fibre, antioxidant rich diet to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and ensure optimum digestion, bowel movement and gut health 10. A child who has poor digestion and gut motility won’t assimilate nutrients from supplements and detoxification programs to their potential. Establishing a healthy diet rich in clean water, and fibre rich foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, ancient grains and seeds is a crucial step to optimising your child’s health.
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9 Lara Gibellini, Elena Bianchini, Sara De Biasi, Milena Nasi, Andrea Cossarizza, and Marcello Pinti, “Natural Compounds Modulating Mitochondrial Functions,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2015, Article ID 527209, 13 pages, 2015.
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11 Pontzer H, Wood B.M., Raichlen D.A., Hunter‐gatherers as models in public health. Wiley Online Library, 03 December 2018
12 Bae SH. Diets for constipation. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2014;17(4):203–208. doi:10.5223/pghn.2014.17.4.203
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14 Crowley ET, Williams LT, Roberts TK, Dunstan RH, Jones PD. Does milk cause constipation? A crossover dietary trial. Nutrients. 2013;5:253–266.
15 https://draxe.com/high-fiber-foods/
16 Na JR, Oh KN, Park SU, Bae D, Choi EJ, Jung MA, et al. The laxative effects of Maesil (Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc.) on constipation induced by a low-fibre diet in a rat model. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2013;64:333–345.
17 Bubba MD, Giordani E, Pippucci L, Cincinelli A, Checchini L, Galvan P. Changes in tannins, ascorbic acid and sugar content in astringent persimmons during on-tree growth and ripening and in response to different postharvest treatments. J Food Compos Anal. 2009;22:668–677
18 Shiga TM, Soares CA, Nascimento JR, Purgatto E, Lajolo FM, Cordenunsi BR. Ripening-associated changes in the amounts of starch and non-starch polysaccharides and their contributions to fruit softening in three banana cultivars. J Sci Food Agric. 2011;91:1511–1516
19 Daher R, Yazbeck T, Jaoude JB, Abboud B. Consequences of dysthyroidism on the digestive tract and viscera. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(23):2834–2838.
20. cited Mon 3 June 2019
