Digestive & Elimination Health

Question 1

What are they key functions of the digestive system

Answer 1

The digestive system breaks down food through mechanical and chemical processes, absorbs vital nutrients required for metabolic balance, eliminates waste to maintain bodily functions

Question 2

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that the body uses for:

Answer 2

Growth, energy production, and tissue repair

Question 3

What are the 3 key processes of the digestive system

Answer 3

Digestion = mechanical & chemical breakdown of food; Absorption = uptake of essential nutrients into the body; Elimination = removal of waste products

Question 4

Salivary gland breakdown

Answer 4

Parotid, submandibular, sublingual

Question 5

Throat breakdown

Answer 5

Pharynx, vocal chords, esophagus

Question 6

Small intestine breakdown

Answer 6

Duodenum, jejunun, lleum

Question 7

Mouth breakdown

Answer 7

Palate, uvula, teeth, tongue

Question 8

Large intestine breakdown

Answer 8

Transverse colon, ascending colon, cecum, descending colon, sigmoid colon, rectum

Question 9

What is chemical digestion

Answer 9

When enzymes and gastric acids chemically degrade macromolecules into simpler components; key breakdown products are monosaccharides, amino acids, fatty acids

Question 10

What is absorption

Answer 10

After digestion, nutrients are absorbed primarily in the small intestine, with some absorption also occurring in the large intestine

Question 11

What do the small intestines absorb

Answer 11

Up to 90% of nutrients including glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, water

Question 12

What do the large intestines absorb

Answer 12

Fewer nutrients than the small intestines, mostly water, electrolytes, and some nutrients from waste materials

Question 13

What is elimination

Answer 13

After nutrient extraction, the leftover waste material moves into the large intestine for water reabsorption and eventual expulsion as feces

Question 14

What is effective elimination critical for

Answer 14

Preventing toxic buildup and maintaining the balance of gut microbiota

Question 15

Role of the large intestine

Answer 15

Maintain electrolyte balance, houses beneficial bacteria that further break down residual nutrients, produces essential metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)

Question 16

What is the impact of dysfunction such as inadequate chewing or reduced saliva production

Answer 16

Can lead to incomplete breakdown of macronutrients, impairs subsequent digestion and nutrient absorption, could lead to digestive discomfort, malabsorption, or nutrient deficiencies

Question 17

Roll of the esophagus and digestion

Answer 17

Food travels down the esophagus after being swallowed, peristalsis propels food into the stomach, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents food from moving back up the stomach; if LES down not properly close, it can lead to acid reflux and GERD

Question 18

What is the small intestine

Answer 18

The small intestine is the primary site for nutrient breakdown and absorption and is divided into 3 sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum

Question 19

Dysfunction in the small intestine

Answer 19

Causes: impaired enzyme production, inflammation, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), damage to villi; Consequences: digestive disorders, malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies, symptoms like constipation, bloating, etc.

Question 20

What does the liver do in relation to the digestive system

Answer 20

The liver produces bile, which emulsifies fats, making them easier to digest and it detoxifies harmful substances and processes absorbed nutrients before they enter general circulation

Question 21

What does the gallbladder do in relation to the digestive system

Answer 21

The gallbladder stores bile until its needed for fat digestion and releases bile into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of dietary fats

Question 22

Dysfunctions in the liver and gallbladder

Answer 22

Causes: inadequate bile production, impaired bile flow, cholecystectomy (experience significant digestive symptoms and need careful care); Consequences: fat digestion is impaired and bile flows directly into small intestines (in cases of gallbladder removal)

Question 23

What does the large intestine do in relation to the digestive system

Answer 23

Absorbs water and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, compacts waste into feces, stores feces in the rectum until elimination, houses the intestinal microbiota

Question 24

What does the rectum and anus do in relation to the digestive system

Answer 24

The rectum stores fecal matter and the anus (sphincters = ring-like muscles) control the release of feces

Question 25

What are the key bacterial groups in a healthy microbiome

Answer 25

Bacteroidetes, firmicutes, actinobacteria, proteobacteria

Question 26

What are drivers of low diversity dysbiosis

Answer 26

Genetic factors, antibiotic use, hepatic inflammation (liver), chronic stress, poor diet, environmental toxicants, lack of exposure to microbes

Question 27

What is low diversity dysbiosis

Answer 27

Low diversity dysbiosis refers to a decrease in the variety of microbial species in the gut, which is crucial for maintaining health

Question 28

What are health implications of low diversity

Answer 28

Gut-related disorders (IBS, IBD, SIBO), metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes, immune dysregulation and autoimmunity, mental health and gut-brain axis, increased susceptibility to infections

Question 29

What is pathogenic overgrowth dysbiosis

Answer 29

An imbalance where harmful or pathogenic bacteria proliferate beyond their normal range which disrupts the healthy balance of the microbiome - commonly seen in conditions like SIBO, candida, H. pylori, C. diff

Question 30

What is SIBO

Answer 30

SIBO is small intestinal bacteria overgrowth - when bacteria that normally resides in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine. This interferes with digestion and nutrient absorption. This condition is associated with bloating, diarrhea, gas, and nutrient deficiencies. SIBO can lead to malnutrition, leaky gut, and systemic inflammation

Question 31

What is Candida Overgrowth

Answer 31

Candida is a type of yeast and can overgrow and disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome. Systems are bloating, fatigue, sugar cravings, brain fog, and skin rashes. Chronic Candida overgrowth can trigger immune responses that lead to food sensitivities and autoimmune conditions

Question 32

What is Clostridium difficile (C. diff) Infection

Answer 32

C. diff is a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea, colitis, and inflammation of the colon. Overgrowth often occurs after antibiotic use when the balance of beneficial bacteria is disrupted. This can lead to severe dehydration and sepsis.

Question 33

What is metabolic and weight issues

Answer 33

Overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the intestines can contribute to metabolic dysregulation which can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Question 34

What is intestinal inflammation and immune dysregulation

Answer 34

Overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria can trigger chronic low-grade inflammation in the gut, which can spread and contribute to autoimmune diseases, allergies, and chronic inflammation.

Question 35

Drivers of loss of beneficial bacteria

Answer 35

C-section and lack of breastfeeding, lack of physical activity, aging and immuosenescence, sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disruption

Question 36

What are the 3 common probiotic strains

Answer 36

Lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium longum, saccharomyces boulardii

Question 37

Benefit of probiotic lactobacillus acidophilus

Answer 37

Supports digestion, immune modulation, inhibits growth of pathogenic microbes, and relieves symptoms of IBS

Question 38

Benefit of probiotic bifidobacterium longum

Answer 38

Promotes anti-inflammatory effects, synthesizes B vitamins, and improves barrier function

Question 39

Benefit of probiotic saccharomyces boulardii

Answer 39

Effective in managing diarrhea and maintaining intestinal health, especially following antibiotic use

Question 40

Benefit of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Answer 40

FOS are short chains of fructose molecules naturally found in foods like onions, garlic, asparagus, and bananas. Highly fermentable by commensal bacteria including Bifidobacterium. They are resistant to digestion in the upper GI tract which allows them to be fermented by beneficial bacteria in the large intestines

Question 41

Benefit of prebiotic Inulin

Answer 41

Inulin is a longer-chain form of fructose polymer found primarily in foods like chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, and leeks. This prebiotic serves as a substrate for fermentation in the large intestines and promotes the excretion of butyrate.

Question 42

Benefit of prebiotic Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)

Answer 42

GOS is another longer-chain polymer that is formed by Beta-galactosidase transgalactosylation. It feeds beneficial bacteria in the microbiome and helps regulate it. Can help prevent diarrhea or intestinal obstruction, regulate the intestinal floral, promote the growth of Bifidobacteria, help prevent cancers, improve lipid metabolism, improve mineral absorption, and modulate the immune system

Question 43

Benefit of prebiotic Resistant Starch

Answer 43

Resistant starch is a form of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon intact, where gut bacteria ferment it. It is found in foods like green bananas, cooked and cooled potatoes, and certain grains like oats and barley. They support the production of butyrate, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce the risk of colon cancer, improve digestive health

Question 44

Benefit of prebiotic Pectins

Answer 44

Pectins are a type of soluble fiber found in high concentrations in fruits like apples, oranges, and berries. They are also found in higher concentrations in gently cooked fruits. Pectins are partially digested by commensal microbes, reduce inflammation, support intestinal motility, lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids, and improve constipation and diarrhea

Question 45

What are key markers of the OAT (Organic Acids Test - urine)

Answer 45

Fungal markers, bacterial markers, nutrient deficiencies, energy production and mitochondrial function, detoxification

Question 46

What is the SIBO breath test

Answer 46

A non-invasive diagnostic tool used to assess the presence of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine Hydrogen gas production, methane gas production, combined hydrogen & methane

Question 47

What is Zonulin testing

Answer 47

Zonulin is a functional marker used to assess increased intestinal permeability. It is a protein that regulates the tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells. Elevated levels can indicate increased intestinal permeability which may indicate gastrointestinal and system health issues

Question 48

What does a stool test tell us in functional medicine

Answer 48

High steatocrit indicates too much fat in the stool. This is a sign that the digestive system is not breaking down and absorbing fat adequately. Low levels of elastase-1 indicate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes which leads to poor breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

Question 49

What are key nutrients for digestion and gut health

Answer 49

Glutamine, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vit D, magnesium, aloe vera, collagen, B vitamins, vit C, digestive enzymes, betaine HCI

Question 50

What are the 2 types of fiber and what are their benefits

Answer 50

Soluble and insoluble fiber which help with bowel regulation, nutrient absorption, and gut homeostasis

Question 51

What is soluble fiber

Answer 51

Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like consistency during digestion., Examples include plant pectin, beta-glucans, and gums. Sources are oats, flaxseeds, chia seeds, apples, carrots, psyllium husk, legumes, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes. They slow digestion for better nutrient absorption and blood sugar regulation. Also improves diarrhea

Question 52

What is insoluble fiber

Answer 52

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water well. It comes from the outer skins of plants and includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. It comes from whole grains, brown rice, quinoa, cruciferous veggies like broccoli & cauliflower, nuts, seeds, outer skins of fruits. Increases stool mass (preventing constipation), moves food along the digestive tract, and promotes detoxification.