Digestive System

Question 1

When does most of the absorption of nutrients occur?

Answer 1

In the small intestine.

Question 2

What are a few common causes of acid reflux/Heartburn/Indegestion?

Answer 2

1. Being overweight (chronic)
2. Lack of digestive enzymes
3. H.Pylori (need to see a specialist)

Question 3

______ can cause weight pretension, bloating, etc.

Answer 3

Constipation

Question 4

Lack of what can cause constipation?

Answer 4

Hydration and fiber

(for any further recommendations, clients may need to see doctor, don’t recommend laxatives)

Question 5

What are some common causes of diarrhea?

Answer 5

Bacteria, illness, food sensitivities or allergies (need to see doctor), or overhydration

Question 6

What is a parasympathetic system?

Answer 6

The required state for healthy digestion (resting—sitting down, phone off, etc.). Also called the body’s rest and digestive system.

Question 7

What are the three components of healthy digestion?

Answer 7

1. Water
2. Fiber
3. Movement

Question 8

Why is water important to digestion?

Answer 8

Keeps food/waste moving through body and enables healthy gut biome

Question 9

Why is fiber important to healthy digestion?

Answer 9

Enables healthy gut biome (good bacteria feeds on fiber) and keeps digestive tract regular

Question 10

Why is movement important to healthy digestion?

Answer 10

The stomach muscles move food along, but getting up and moving helps food move better

Question 11

What are ways to improve digestion?

Answer 11

1. Relax and chew food
2. Fiber & Hydrate

Question 12

Why is relaxing and chewing food important to digestion?

Question 13

Why are fiber and hydration important to digestion?

Answer 13

It keeps food and waste moving through the body. Constipation can often be linked to not enough of one of these.

Good to start by adding food-based fiber products before recommending supplements.

Question 14

How can digestive enzyme supplements improve digestion?

Answer 14

It can help if digestive enzymes or stomach acid is not up to par. Typically good to recommend a client see a doctor

Pineapple contains some digestive enzymes that can aid with digestion

Question 15

What are some good steps when addressing digestive issues?

Answer 15

1. Recommend they see a doctor
2. If they have seen a doctor or the issues are acute, ask the following questions:
   a. Do they suffer from digestive discomfort?
   b. Are they regular? (1-3 times/day)
   c. What is the consistency of their stool?
3. Make recommendations
   a. Heartburn: see a specialist or try removingirritants (corn, wheat, soy, dairy, etc.)
   b. Constipation/Diarrhea: fiber (oats, greener bananas, bread, etc.) water, movement
   c. Others: Refer to a specialist for testing

Question 16

What may be a good first step for a fitness coach who is looking to loose body fat and is suffering from constipation (very compliant with macros and avoids dairy)?

Answer 16

Analyze their fiber, water, and movement habits (check their fruit/veggie and water consumption and their movement habits).