Detox & Gastro Health Flashcards
Complete to slide 110
Define detoxification. What is another word for it?
Biotransformation - the process of turning toxins into a less harmful or water soluble state.
The body has inherent detoxification processes, what 3 things can cause them to function inadequately?
- Interference with enzymes, hormones or neurotransmitters.
- Blockage of receptor sites.
- Oxidative damage.
State 3 aims to consider when working with someone who has clear toxic overload.
- Optimise secretion of stomach acid, bile, pancreatic juices.
- Restore microbiome.
- Repair gut integrity.
- Support liver detoxification.
How long is the small intestine, what is it’s function and what 3 parts make it up?
15-20 feet, majority of the absorption of the nutrients from food takes place in small intestine, made up of duodenum, jejunum and ileum.
What happens in the duodenum?
First section of the small intestine, food is mixed with bile produced by the liver and with other juices from the pancreas - much of the iron and calcium is absorbed here.
What happens in the jejunum?
Middle part of the small intestine responsible for digestion.
What happens in the ileum?
Last segment of the intestine where the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K plus other nutrients are absorbed.
What calls secrete HCL and what nutrients is this dependent on?
Secreted by parietal cells in the stomach wall - dependent on B6 and Zn.
State 3 actions of HCL in the stomach?
- Denatures proteins and enhances nutrient absorption.
- Activates pepsin from pepsinogen.
- Inhibit the overgrowth of Candida.
- Stimulates secretion of pancreatic juices.
- Supports barrier defence against ingested microbes.
State 3 things which increases HCL production?
- Protein.
- Fat.
- NSAIDS.
- Caffeine.
- Milk.
- Stress.
State 3 things which decreases HCL production?
- Aging.
- H.Pylori infection.
- Antacids.
- Low B6 and Zn.
- Chronic stress.
State 5 common signs and symptoms of low gastric activity.
- Burping/flatulence 2-3 hrs after eating.
- Bloating, feeling of fullness.
- Undigested food in stool.
- Foul smelling stools.
- Iron deficiency.
- Diarrhoea/constipation.
What is a peptic ulcer?
Defect in the gastric or duodenal mucosa that extends through the muscularis mucosa.
What causes a peptic ulcer?
Peptic ulcers (mucosal injury) occurs when the balance between the aggressive factors (peptic acid secretion) and the gastroduodenal mucosal defensive mechanism is disrupted by things like NSAIDs, alcohol, H.pylori.
State 5 common symptoms of a peptic ulcer.
- Epigastric pain - burning sensation occurs 2 hrs after food, relieved by food or antacids, causes waking.
- Nausea/vomiting.
- Belching and bloating.
- Heartburn.
- Chest discomfort.
- Weight loss.
- Haematemesis - vomiting blood.
State 3 risk factors for peptic ulcers.
- NSAID’s.
- Aspirin.
- Stress.
- Overuse of laxatives.
- Smoking.
What are the 2 go-to allopathic treatments for peptic ulcers?
- Proton pump inhibitors – which inhibit and suppress acid production.
- Antibiotics – to kill bacteria (H.pylori).
State 3 naturopathic ways to help peptic ulcers?
- Investigate food sensitivities (IgE found in peptic ulcers, avoid milk as stimulated stomach acid production).
- Increase dietary fiber - associated with reduced duodenal ulcers.
- Raw cabbage juice - glutamine, flavonoids etc reduces pain and reports can heal fully.
- Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea.
- Avoid hot/spicy foods.
What is GORD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn, acid reflux, dyspepsia etc). Occurs when amount of gastric juice that refluxes into the oesophagus exceeds the normal limit.
State 2 allopathic treatment options for GORD.
- Antacids.
2. Proton pump inhibitors.
List 3 risk factors for GORD.
- Chocolate.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol.
- Eliminate salicylate-rich foods (tomatoes, almonds, strawberries etc).
- Obesity - increased intraabdominal pressure.
List 3 symptoms of GORD.
- Heartburn - worse when laying down.
- Regurgitation.
- Dysphagia – a sensation that food is stuck.
State 3 naturopathic interventions to help GORD.
- Avoid lying down post meals.
- Elevate head off the bed by approximately six inches.
- Stop smoking and loose weight.
- Cabbage juice if ulceration suspected.
- Investigate food sensitivities.
What 2 supplements might you consider for someone experiencing GORD?
- Digestive enzymes.
2. Slippery Elm.
State 3 symptoms of low pancreatic enzyme secretion (which breaks down carbohydrates, proteins and fats).
- Fatty stools (steatorrhoea)
- Reflux.
- Bloating/pain.
- Drowsiness after meals.
- Loss of appetite.
State two foods we can eat which contain high levels of digestive enzymes and state the enzyme name.
- Pineapple - bromelain.
2. Papaya - papain.