ABSTRACT
Next to the brain, the gut is often considered to be the second most important organ of the body, being the center for whole body nutrition and well-being. However, unlike the brain, which is not exposed directly to environmental factors, the gastrointestinal system is the primary site of interaction between the host immune system and numerous external factors, including both beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms, poisonous substances, pollutants, and carcinogens. e ancient physician Hippocrates (460-370 ..) said, “All diseases begin in the gut,” and Phillipe Pinel (1745-1828) said, “e primary seat of insanity lies generally in the region of the stomach and intestines.” Such statements emphasize the importance of gut and body health from very early
13.1 Introduction 251 13.2 Green Tea Catechins and Gut Microflora 252 13.3 Green Tea Catechins and Gastric Inflammation 255 13.4 Green Tea Catechins and Gastritis 257 13.5 Green Tea Catechins and Gastric Cancer 258 13.6 Metabolism and Bioavailability in the Gut 259 13.7 Conclusion 260 References 261
times. e gut is considered to be the largest immune organ needed to maintain one’s health (Kraehenbuhl and Neutra, 1992). In the modern world, factors including stress, poor diet, illness, pharmaceuticals, and even the natural aging process can have a detrimental effect on the gut, which may lead to discomforts such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and infections. Anything having an effect on gut health in turn has a major influence on the immunity system, bowel management, weight management, and the overall health of the whole body. e old saying of “You are what you eat,” which is derived from “Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te diraj ce que tu es” (Anthelem Brillat Savarin’s Physiologie du Gout ou Meditations de Gastronomie Transcendante, 1826), or “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are,” emphasizes the importance of the gut and the relation between food and one’s behavior.
