Digestion & Health

Question 1

The Digestive System:

Question 2

Oral Cavity:

Answer 2

• where digestion starts
• Chewing breaks down food into smaller chunks and triggers the salivary glands to release saliva containing the enzyme Amylase, which breaks down starches.
• Salivary amylase starts breaking down long carbohydrate chains (polysaccharides), found in starchy foods, into smaller sugar chains. Optimal pH is ~7 and inactivated when enters stomach (unable to be utilized).

• The pH in the mouth can be lowered by factors such as refined sugars, meat and dairy, as well
as processed foods, chewing gum, cigarettes, coffee and alcohol, chronic stress and being sedentary. Exposure to heavy metals from sources such as dental amalgams lowers the pH in the mouth, too.

Question 3

Stomach:

Answer 3

Question 4

Stomach Acid:

Answer 4

• Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) has a pH of 2-3.
• Zinc, Vit. B6 are required to produce HCl. Zinc sources are nuts, seeds (esp. pumpkin seeds), eggs, oysters, fish and meat. Vit B6 sources are whole grains, sunflower, seeds, legumes, walnuts, green vegetables, carrots, potatoes, avocado, fish.

• Stomach acid performs the following actions:

• Breaking down proteins (pepsin) and fats (lipase).
• Triggers pancreatic juice and bile release into the duodenum (via ‘CCK’) when the acidic chyme enters the small intestine.
• Eliminates micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, protecting against infection

Question 5

Low Stomach Acid:

Answer 5

• Low HCl leads to poor protein digestion, resulting in protein putrefaction in the small intestine.
• Protein putrefaction creates compounds called ‘polyamines’ which are implicated in colorectal cancer.
• Undigested food allows bacteria to proliferate in the small intestine (where they would not normally reside in large numbers)
– Small Intestine Bacteria Overgrowth (SIBO).
• Reduced gastric activity results in less intrinsic factor (a glycoprotein secreted in the stomach), compromising B12 absorption.

Low stomach acid can present as:
• Bloating, belching and flatulence within 1-2 hours after meals.
• Abdominal pain and ‘fullness’ after eating, with foul smelling stools.

Question 6

Cholecystokinin (CCK):

Answer 6

• As chyme is ‘drip-fed’ through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum, CCK is released.
• CCK: a hormone released from the duodenal wall, triggering the release of pancreatic juice and bile.
• CCK also induces a sense of satiety (fullness).
• The initial presence of the acidic chyme in the duodenum is a key factor in CCK release, meaning that low stomach acid can ultimately significantly impair digestion.
• Chyme has a pH of about 2. It is usually acted upon quickly by bicarbonate, which is secreted by the pancreas and liver. This neutralises chyme and creates a pH of about 6.5 in the duodenum.

Question 7

Small Intestine:

Answer 7

Question 8

Brush Border Enzymes:

Question 9

Intestinal Absorption:

Answer 9

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are only absorbed once they have been digested into their simplest forms. This emphasises the importance of optimal function in areas such as the mouth, stomach, pancreas and gall bladder especially.

• E.g. proteins need to be chemically digested in the stomach and then in the small intestine into amino acids.
• Carbohydrates (single sugars) and amino acids enter blood capillaries of the small intestine to be sent to the liver.
• Fatty acids including fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K) are digested in the small intestine and enter lymphatic capillaries.

Question 10

Pancreas

Answer 10

The pancreas is an accessory digestive organ that has both exocrine and endocrine functions.

• The key exocrine function of the pancreas is to produce enzymes that digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats. These enzymes are secreted into the small intestine.
• Pancreatic enzymes are imperative for digestion and are part of ‘pancreatic juice’ (1.2-1.5L / day).

• Pancreatic enzymes include:

• Pancreatic Amylase: carbohydrate-digesting.
• Pancreatic Lipase: fat-digesting.
• Proteases (trypsin, chymotrypsin): protein-digesting.

Question 11

Digestive Enzymes: Summary

Question 12

Over-Eating: Bernard Jensen

Answer 12

• Bernard Jensen found that undigested materials are stored in the mucus-secreting lining of the intestines, impairing the absorption and delivery of nutrients to body tissues. The thicker the lining of undigested materials, the worse the absorption of nutrients.
• This would create an optimal environment for parasites and candida to flourish, as well as under-nourishing body tissues and organs.
• Supporting detoxification is key to aid the body’s elimination of these wastes. Intermittent fasting and dietary changes to minimise the digestive system load are also important. Jensen also recommended vegetable broths.

Question 13

Gallbladder:

Answer 13

Question 14

Biliary Tree:

Question 15

Liver:

Question 16

Liver Detoxification:

Answer 16

2 phases

Question 17

Liver Detoxification: Phase I

Answer 17

• Most toxins that arrive inside hepatocytes undergo Phase I detoxification. It involves converting volatile toxins into smaller substances that are also more water-soluble. This is important for excretion.
• CYP450 enzymes create an active binding site on the toxin or hormone, so that it can be conjugated (in phase II).
• When Phase I is complete the toxin is oxidised. Free radicals are being formed and must be neutralised by anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, C and E to protect against oxidative damage.
• To support this process, digestion should be optimised to ensure that the co-factors and anti-oxidants needed are liberated from food.

Question 18

Liver Detoxification: Phase II

Answer 18

• Involves “conjugation”: chemical reactions which modify reactive toxins to make them safe and excretable by binding a chemical group to them. The bound toxins are then pumped into the blood or bile for excretion mostly via the kidneys or bowels.
• Nutrients including sulphur (e.g. garlic and onions), magnesium, B vitamins are required for phase II. Whilst herbs such as dandelion, milk thistle and liquorice root support liver detoxification.
• The key antioxidant for neutralising free radicals in the liver is Glutathione, which is a tripeptide formed from cysteine, glycine and glutamine.
• The body eliminates wastes via the bowels, urine, sweat and exhalation.

Question 19

Large Intestine:

Answer 19

Question 20

Where are Nutrients absorbed?

Answer 20

Question 21

GALT:

Question 22

Large Intestine: Microflora

Answer 22

Question 23

Intestinal Barrier & Leaky gut:

Answer 23

• When damaged, the tight junctions become ‘leaky’. This allows large molecules including undigested proteins to enter circulation before being broken down into their simplest form (amino acids).
• Furthermore, the cell membranes of some gut bacteria can also abnormally enter the blood, leading to excessive immune responses, potentially including allergies and autoimmunity.

Question 24

Dysbiosis:

Question 25

Germ Theory 🆚 Terrain Theory:

Question 26

Migrating Motor Complex (MMC):

Answer 26

• The Migrating Motor Complex is a distinct pattern of electromechanical activity in the smooth muscle between the stomach and distal ileum during the periods between meals.
• It is thought to serve a “housekeeping” role and sweep residual undigested material through the digestive tube.
• The MMC opens the pyloric sphincter (exit of the stomach) and increases gastric, biliary and pancreatic secretions.
• These secretions also aid in the cleansing activity of the MMC and assist in preventing Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth.

Question 27

Digestion & Elimination:

Answer 27

Question 28

Vagus Nerve:

Question 29

The Gut-Brain Axis:

Answer 29

• The brain and gut develop from the same part of human embryonic tissue and therefore share many nerve endings and chemical transmitters❗️
• Nearly every chemical that controls the brain has been identified in the GIT.
• Serotonin plays a role in peristalsis, secretion, sensation, with over 95% of it produced in the GIT. Furthermore, due to its association with mood, this explains a possible link between poor gut health and depression.
• Dysbiosis (see earlier) can also influence serotonin manufacture in the gut through affecting the availability of tryptophan and cofactors (needed for its production). For example, antibiotic use can affect mood negatively.

Question 30

Digestion & Vitamin B12:

Question 31

The Digestive Tract & Vitamin D3:

Question 32

Digestion: Cellular Health

Question 33

Digestion: Bone Health

Question 34

Digestion: Muscle Health

Question 35

Digestion: Cardiovascular Health

Answer 35

Question 36

Digestion: Endocrine Health

Question 37

Digestion: Nervous System Health

Question 38

Cancer:

Answer 38

Risk factors:
90-95% of cancers are attributed to the environment and lifestyle. Risk factors include:
• Chronic inflammation (i.e. a disease / lifestyle-induced).
• Radiation (e.g. medical, microwaves, phones).
• Compromised detoxification and elimination
pathways (e.g. liver dysfunction).
• Chronic stress and obesity.
• Smoking and alcohol.
• Medications e.g. antibiotics, immunosuppressants.
• Heavy metals (e.g. aluminium, mercury, lead).
• Cosmetics (e.g. parabens).

Question 39

Energetics:

Answer 39

• Illness or a pathology can be described as a blockage or insufficiency of the Vital Force.
• The understanding of energetics is directed at finding out where this force is blocked or depleted and working to restore the flow.
• Energetics can also be applied to remedies, especially food and herbs.
• For example: herbs can be hot, cold, moist or dry. They can match or complement conditions found in the body and constitutions of people. E.g. a fever is a HOT condition; fatigue and pallor are COLD.

Question 40

Ayurveda & Digestion:

Answer 40

Question 41

Digestion in TCM:

Answer 41

• Alongside the Spleen, the Stomach plays a vital role in digestion.
• The function of the Stomach is to ‘rot’ and ‘ripen’: the Stomach completes the processes of rotting (of meats) and ripening (of fruit, vegetables and grains) that also occur in nature.
• Key to this is the concept of Stomach Fire, which closely resembles the Western notion of stomach acid.
• Without sufficient Stomach Fire, foods are improperly ‘cooked’ – digestion is poor and nutrients won’t be properly absorbed.
• From a TCM point of view, the stomach is at the origin of all fluids and plays a crucial role in immunity (e.g. by providing fluids to mucous membranes and for sweat).

Question 42

Spleen Friendly Diet:

Answer 42

• The Spleen likes warm and well cooked meals such as soups and stews.
• Warm wet breakfasts such as porridges and congees are ideal to hydrate. They are also most efficient in improving muscle health and boosting immunity.
• Avoid drinking liquid with meals and energetically cold foods (e.g. fibre-rich raw foods and smoothies). These cool Stomach Fire and lead to incomplete digestion and absorption.
• Avoid dampening foods such as gluten, refined sugars and dairy.
• Well-cooked whole grains, naturally sweet vegetables (cooked or steamed, or as soups or stews) and warming herbs and spices all nourish the digestive system.
• wet cooking methods, eg. steaming
• warming herbs and spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cumin, caraway seeds, thyme,
bay leaves, mustard seeds, celery seeds and cardamom.
• Naturally sweet foods support and strengthen the digestive system, eg. wholegrains, legumes, root veg.

• Sugar cravings indicate Spleen Qi deficiency; giving in to them will further compromise the digestive system and over time lead to ‘Damp’ and ‘Heat’- candida, weight gain, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Question 43

Chinese Medicine Clock:

Answer 43

Question 44

Naturopathic Investigations: Front Mu Points

Answer 44

• Front Mu points are used both in diagnosis and treatment. They become tender spontaneously or on pressure when their related organ is diseased.
• Apply gentle pressure on a Front Mu point to diagnose any organ imbalance.
If tender, massaging the point with your thumb for two minutes can help.