Archives for September 2014

September 19, 2014 by secure_admin Leave a Comment

The Small Intestine & Pancreas

Last week we talked about today’s increasing problem of producing an inadequate amount of hydrochloric acid. The effects of this deficiency are not only seen in the stomach but also in the next step in the digestive process, the small intestine and pancreas. From the stomach, the partially digested food, called chyme, continues on to the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. This is where most of the nutrients from food are absorbed into the bloodstream. But before assimilation can occur the food must be broken down int even smaller parts. This process is facilitated by digestive enzymes produced in the pancreas. These enzymes, help disassemble larger food molecules into smaller parts that can cross the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream.

Your pancreas was designed to produce these enzymes in adequate amounts to digest all the classes of food provided in a balanced diet. Some enzymes digest protein, others carbohydrates, and still others help break down fats. However, when the diet is regularly overloaded with a particular class of food the pancreas can have difficulty producing adequate amounts of the enzymes needed to digest it. Consequently, when these foods are not properly broken down, not only are they poorly assimilated but they also can create problems in the digestive tract as well as creating other metabolic problems. In our current dietary culture of excess carbohydrate consumption, many people have gastrointestinal issues (IBS) along with type II diabetes, both indications of pancreatic overload and dysfunction.

Although poor ole’ genetics often gets blamed for these conditions, the fact is that they are rarely caused by inherited genes but are mostly caused by lifestyle choices (which may in fact cause genetic changes!). Digestive enzymes can be a good short term fix for IBS but if you need to take them on a regular basis this could indicate that an underlying issue needs to be investigated. For most people this means taking an honest look at the food you are eating an making some changes. This doesn’t necessarily mean going ON a diet, but rather adjusting the amount or types of foods you eat most.

Tune in next week when we talk about the benefits of probiotics.

September 12, 2014 by secure_admin Leave a Comment

The Stomach

Last week we discussed the importance of paying attention to what we put in our mouths, how our saliva has special enzymes that start the digestive process by breaking down our food while we chew, and how cold drinks can cool our digestive fire. This week we look at the next step in the digestive pathway – the stomach.

Many people are intimately aware of the function (or malfunction) of their stomach due uncomfortable burning sensations (GERD/heartburn) and/or a bloated feeling that can be accompanied by gas; which can be embarrassing at times. Often people who struggle with these conditions become focused on the consumption of antacids or eliminating foods they feel might cause too much acid. They even might believe that by medicating away their symptoms their problems are solved. After all, that’s what the internet and TV ads say, right? Don’t believe it! Although specific foods or too much stomach acid my sometimes be problematic, they are typically not the cause of most people’s chronic digestive issues. And despite what you have probably heard, most people do not have too much acid, they have too little.

Stomach acid is extremely important to your health for several reasons. First, the breakdown and digestion of food. Many people think that stomach acid is only needed to digest protein. This is partially true because protein is digested by pepsin, which requires hydrochloric acid for its production; no hydrochloric acid, no pepsin. However, hydrochloric acid plays its primary role in the digestion of plant foods. Plant cells all have a tough cellulose membrane that must be broken down before you have access to the nutrients inside. Hydrochloric acid breaks down this woody fiber enabling digestion of fruits, vegetables, and grains. One frequently overlooked fact, stomach acid is extremely important in the sanitization of all the germ laden food we put in our mouths; all foods have bacteria on them, especially raw foods.

Without adequate stomach acid pathogenic bacteria can easily enter the small intestine and wreak havoc on your health.

I realize that all this information flies in the face of everything you have heard about stomach acid. But think about it this way: If too much acid were the cause of GERD then teenagers would have the highest rate of GERD, not older folks. Unfortunately, as we get older our stomach acid production typically declines….just like everything else. If you have GERD it is more likely that your problem lies in a malfunctioning valve at the top of your stomach. This problem can generally be caused by certain dietary habits that you are unaware of and is relatively easy to remedy with the proper advice and supplementation. Many people find that a tablespoon or two of organic unfiltered apple cider just before meals helps the problem. For others, hydrochloric acid (HCL) supplements such as Betaine HCL are expensive and effective. If these are not effective then you might need a more comprehensive program, not just an acid blocking drug.

To continue to better your over all health, check back next week for another Digestive health tip.

September 5, 2014 by secure_admin Leave a Comment

Last week we introduced the idea of better health through promoting a healthy digestive tract. In both early Western and Chinese medicine the GI track has been a large focus of treatment. Although most people don’t think about their gut until the situation is way beyond “normal”, low level chronic conditions like indigestion or constipation all point to the possibility of a more serious condition down the road.

After reading last weeks post, we now know that digestion doesn’t just happen in the stomach. Although the digestive juices in the stomach play an important roll your mouth is where it all begins. Which brings us to tip number one:

In the busi-ness of modern day society, we are all looking for that “quick fix” or “Miracle Pill”, if you will, not realizing the long term effect it has on our GI tract. But if you want to optimize your digestion, being mindful of what you put in your mouth is the first step toward creating better overall health.1. Digestion begins in the mouth so chew slowly and thoroughly. Enzymes are vital for digestion. The saliva that’s created as you chew contains enzymes that are catalysts for chemically converting foods to nutrients. By thoroughly mixing salivary enzymes with food you start the digestive process before the food ever even gets in your stomach. Consequently, it is important to restrict the amount of fluid consumed at meals so that the enzyme solution is maintained at an optimal strength. Further, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as well as Ayurveda, the digestive power is compromised by drinking cold drinks with meals. If you are going to drink anything at all it is best to have sips of warm water or tea.

Stay tuned for tip #2, coming next week…