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Digestive System Flashcards

0
Q

carbohydrate and fat digestion begins with

A

Enzymes contained in saliva

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1
Q

Name the three salivary glands and their locations

A

Sublingual - under tongue
Submandibular - along inner surface of mandible
Parotid - slightly inferior and anterior to each ear

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2
Q

Caries/cavities are likely caused by lack of which vitamins?

A

K2 & D

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3
Q

What dietary changes can be helpful for a person with dental caries? (Include supplements and daily amounts)

A

Elimination of grains
Mineral-laden foods and supplements
Vitamin K2: 1mgdaily per 100lbs w largest meal
Vitamin D: 3000 iu daily, testing blood in 6 weeks to reach 50-79ng/ml

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4
Q

Gingivitis might be a sign of ____ or _____.

A

Vit c deficiency, anemia

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5
Q

Which antioxidant (in what amount) is helpful for gingivitis?

A

CoQ10: 300mg daily

Or Ubiquinol 50-100mg daily

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6
Q

What dietary addition can be helpful for gingivitis?

A

Blueberries (berries in general), 1/2-1 cup daily

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7
Q

What herbal preparation can be helpful for gingivitis?

A

White oak bark and calendula tea with tea tree oil as mouthwash several times daily.

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8
Q

What are some causes of stomatitis? (6)

A 
Chemical irritation
Mouth breathing
Cheek biting
Chemotherapy
Radiation treatment
Bacteria, viruses, fungi
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9
Q

What supplement can be helpful for stomatitis (in what amounts) and why?

A

B-vitamins, because they have action on epithelial regeneration

Methyl b-12: 5000mcg 2x daily
5-MTHF (folate): 1mg 2x daily

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10
Q

What herbal preparation can be helpful for stomatitis and why?

A

Bee propolis spray acts as a liquid bandage, creating a barrier.

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11
Q

What is cheilitis and what are some causes of it?

A

Cracking and inflammation of lips and corners of mouth

Caused by infection, allergies, or nutrient deficiencies.

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12
Q

What nutrient deficiencies most often cause cheilitis?

A

Vitamins B2, B6, folate

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13
Q

What is candidiasis and what symptoms does it cause? Who is commonly affected by this?

A

Also called thrush, caused by a fungal infection by Candida albicans, catalyzed frequently by antibiotic use.

affects primarily newborns and those with suppressed immune systems.

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14
Q

What are some treatment options for candidiasis?

A

Probiotics in water, switches several times daily.
Probiotics (1-3 capsules) taken with each meal.
Eliminate sugar rich foods, though not all carbs.
Coconut oil - eat and pull with.

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15
Q

What are effective treatments for cold sores (herpes simplex infection)?

A

L-Lysine 10,000mg 2x daily

Lemon balm or St. John’s wort tincture/salve made with tincture externally.

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16
Q

Role and parts of pharynx

A

Transports food between the mouth and esophagus.

Nasopharynx - primarily respiratory functions
Oropharynx and laryngopharynx act as passageway for food, water, air.
Epiglottis covers trachea to prevent food from entering lungs

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17
Q

What causes food to travel down the esophagus?

A

Peristaltic contractions of two layers of muscles, one circular, one longitudinal

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18
Q

What prevents gastric juices from entering the esophagus from the stomach?

A

The lower esophageal or cardiac sphincter

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19
Q

List the four layers of the alimentary canal and their functions

A

Mucosa: contains cells which secrete mucus to protect and lubricate and cells which secrete enzymes for chemical digestion

Submucosa: soft connective tissue containing blood and lymphatic vessels and nerve endings

Muscularis externa: contains two layers of smooth muscle. In the stomach it contains a third layer of oblique muscle

Serosa: composed of a single layer of fluid-producing cells which lubricate the outer surface to reduce friction with abdominopelvic cavity

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20
Q

What is GERD?

A

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly, allowing gastric juices to reach the esophagus

Heartburn that occurs more than twice weekly may be GERD

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21
Q

What are both typical and atypical symptoms of GERD?

A

Typical: burning sensation in chest, regurgitation of food, chest pain

Atypical: frequent ear infections in adults, asthma (esp in kids), chronic sinusitis, chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, choking sensation at night, excessive salivation, pneumonias

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22
Q

A client comes to you with chronic sinusitis. They are salivating excessively and also have asthma. What may this be caused by?

A

GERD

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23
Q

What other issues/conditions is GERD closely associated with?

A

SIBO, dysbiosis, hypochlorhydria

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24
What is the best natural treatment protocol for GERD?
DGL licorice chewables, 4 tablets before meals, 3 x daily while addressing root cause.
25
What is diffuse esophageal spasms and what are the symptoms?
Caused by uncoordinated contractions of esophageal muscles, causes difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, very intense chest pains
26
What is a good protocol option for diffuse esophageal spasms?
Antispasmodics (cramp bark 3-5mL 3x daily) Magnesium Address potential food allergies
27
What are the four functions of the stomach?
Temporary holding area for food Secretes gastric juices and enzymes to begin chemical digestion of food Regulates the rate of entry of chyme into the small intestine Absorbs small amounts of water/substances (alcohol)
28
Name the four regions of the stomach
Cardiac: surrounds lower esophageal sphincter Fundus: lateral & slightly superior to cardiac region, serves as holding area Body: mid portion of stomach Pylorus: funnel shaped terminal end which empties through pyloric sphincter into the small intestine
29
How long does it take for stomach to empty following a meal?
Around 4 hours.
30
What are gastric juices composed of?
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) Pepsinogen Mucus
31
Which cells secrete HCL? Which secrete pepsinogen? What do these gastric juices break down? How does pepsinogen rely on HCl?
Chief cells secrete HCl, parietal cells secrete pepsinogen. HCl activates pepsinogen into pepsin, which breaks down protein. HCl breaks down connective tissue.
32
Endocrine cells in the stomach secrete what hormone and for what purpose?
Gastrin; stimulates gastric gland secretion
33
The stomach secretes ________ which allows vitamin b12 absorption.
Intrinsic factor
34
Activity of the stomach is controlled by the _______ nervous system, specifically the _____ nerve.
Parasympathetic; vagus
35
What are the three phases of gastric juice production?
Cephalic: sensory stimulation stimulates parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates gastrin release, which stimulates gastric gland activity Gastric: 2/3 of gastric juices are secreted as food enters stomach and distends stomach walls, which signals stomach to release remaining gastric juices Intestinal: food enters duodenum. Distention and acidity irritates, stimulating intestinal hormone release which slows gastric juice production until bolus leaves duodenum.
36
Describe the activity in the Cephalic phase of gastric juice production
sensory stimulation stimulates parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates gastrin release, which stimulates gastric gland activity
37
Describe the activity in the gastric phase of gastric juice production.
2/3 of gastric juices are secreted as food enters stomach and distends stomach walls, which signals stomach to release remaining gastric juices
38
Describe the activity which occurs in the intestinal phase of gastric juice production
food enters duodenum. Distention and acidity irritates, stimulating intestinal hormone release which slows gastric juice production until bolus leaves duodenum.
39
What is the function of the hormone secretin and where is it released?
Stomach releases secretin to signal pancreas to release bicarbonate in order to neutralize stomach acid. Signals stomach to produce pepsinogen.
40
What is the function of the hormone CCK and what organ produces it?
Small intestine produces CCK to signal pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. Causes gallbladder to empty.
41
What is the function of the hormones ghrelin and leptin?
Ghrelin is produced on an empty stomach to stimulate appetite Leptin is produced in a full stomach to promote satiety
42
What are commonly shown symptoms in someone with hyperchlorhydria?
Acute, burning, sharp pain Red tongue Usually <35 years old
43
What remedies are appropriate for someone with hyperchlorhydria?
Cooling (peach, meadowsweet) or cooling nervines (catnip)
44
What are common symptoms in someone with hypochlorhydria
Dull pain usually starting about an hour after eating Pink/pale tongue More common >45 years old, but rampant compared to hyperchlorhydria
45
What are appropriate remedies for someone with hypochlorhydria?
Digestive bitters and pungent herbs (gentian, goldenseal, Angelica, ginger, cinnamon) Address nutrient deficiencies (chloride, zinc, thiamine)
46
What are the most frequent causes of hypochlorhydria?
Use of proton pump inhibitors, antihistamines and H-pylori; nutrient deficiencies
47
Hypochlorhydria will result in (increased/decreased) alkaline phosphatase. Alkaline phosphatase is dependent on what mineral?
Decreased; zinc
48
What are symptoms of a Hiatal hernia?
Lessened ability to take "belly breaths," expansion of the diaphragm Potential worsening of GERD, may lead to esophageal ulcers.
49
What three things should be avoided with a hiatal hernia and why?
Caffeine, alcohol, smoking--all three of these create tension in the digestive system.
50
What is a helpful protocol for someone with a hiatal hernia?
Nervines and antispasmodics (2 drops of lobelia in warm water) Massage of stomach with dandelion flower essence oil Breathing exercises Addressing suppressed anger Eating small meals Avoiding food/drink 3 hours before bedtime
51
What is gastritis and what are the most common causes?
Inflammation of the stomach; often caused by overeating, stress, medications (NSAIDs, steroids), alcohol abuse, microbial infection
52
What are common symptoms of gastritis?
Abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, sometimes diarrhea (most often in cases of self-limiting viral infection)
53
What protocol would you use for a client with gastritis?
``` Remove all irritating foods/medications Bland diet of soft foods/liquids Marshmallow powder cold infusion (most antiinflammatory mucilant) Peach tea (cold infusion) Goldenseal Licorice ```
54
Esophageal ulcer vs Peptic ulcer vs duodenal ulcer causes
Esophageal: contact with gastric juices, NOT H. pylori Gastric: 60% h. Pylori, 40 % NSAIDs, alcohol, stress Duodenal: 90% h. Pylori
55
Symptoms of peptic ulcer
``` Loss of appetite Weight loss/gain Gnawing, burning pain Black, tarry stool containing blood Anemia Vomiting blood (coffee grounds) Occasional nausea/vomiting ```
56
What is the best course of action for someone with blood in the stool or vomit?
7-14 day course of clarithrymycin and metronidazole with H2 blocker or PPI
57
What protocol would you recommend for someone with a history of ulcers with no active bleeding?
A bland diet when pain is present Avoidance of caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, cigarettes Avoidance of gas-forming foods and foods high in roughage Herbs: Dandelion root tea Aloe Vera juice w/o leaf 2 Tbsp Marshmallow powder w/ 1 tsp goldenseal powder in water 3x daily If H pylori is present: clove, neem, goldenseal
58
_______ is a white, milky substance which is absorbed through the _______ found in villi,
Chyle, lacteals
59
The pancreas secretes _________ which _________ chyme.
Sodium bicarbonate; neutralizes
60
What are the pancreatic enzymes and their functions?
Trypsin: breaks protein fragments into amino acids Amylase: finishes conversion of starches into sugars Lipase: breaks triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol
61
What are the three main categories of small in testing pathologies?
Malabsorption Inflammatory disorders Infectious diseases
62
What are symptoms of celiac disease?
Pain/discomfort in the digestive tract, chronic constipation and/or diarrhea, failure to thrive in children, anemia, fatigue.
63
What percent of people have no intestinal symptoms with celiac disease?
20%
64
What is leaky gut syndrome?
A condition characterized by increased intestinal permeability, specifically in the small intestine.
65
What is zonulin and what is its role in leaky gut syndrome?
It is the protein responsible for reducing the effectiveness of tight gap junctions in the intestines, thereby increasing permeability.
66
What are some symptoms of leaky gut syndrome?
Autoimmune disorders (mostly caused by dysbiosis), pain in multiple joints, chronic allergies, chronic skin conditions, chronic fatigue, chronic depression, malaise, migraines, brain fog, food allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities
67
What are the two categories of causes of leaky gut syndrome and examples of each?
Direct: medications, diet, infections Indirect: stress, hormonal, nutrient deficiencies
68
What are medications with direct and indirect causal links to leaky gut syndrome?
Direct: antibiotics and antacids Indirect: NSAIDs, steroids
69
How do thyroid hormones play a role in leaky gut syndrome?
Decreased thyroid hormones results in decreased MMCs
70
What is SIBO?
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is a condition where an abnormal amount of bacteria (>100,000/mL) occupy the small intestine
71
How does SIBO inhibit digestion?
The bacteria in the small intestine inhibit damage the enzymes which break down disaccharides, leaving them undirected to feed bacteria, which produce gases and acids which cause discomfort in the abdomen,
72
What two things do small intestinal bacteria produce and how do these affect the digestive system?
Methogen: produces constipation, peristalsis inhibiting Hydrogen: produces IBS symptoms, peristalsis inhibiting
73
What are some symptoms of SIBO?
Bloating/fullness with or without belching, abdominal pain and cramps, constipation and/or diarrhea, heartburn, GERD, IBS, nausea, malabsorption issues (fat in stool, b12/iron deficiency), leaky gut symptoms
74
What are some causes of SIBO?
Low HCl production Poorly functioning MMCs Ileocecal valve malfunction
75
What is hypochlorhydria? What are its causes?
Low HCl and pepsinogen production Caused by h-pylori, antacids, stress, nutrient deficiencies
76
What are MMCs and what are some causes of their inhibition?
Migrating motor complexes, waves of activity which sweep bacteria into the colon in fasting state.
77
What are some causes of MMC inhibition?
Anatomical, infection, disease, medications, stress
78
What is IBS and what is the main cause?
Irritable bowel syndrome, causes alternately tense and relaxed bowel movements. Caused primarily by SIBO.
79
What are some symptoms of IBS?
Nausea, abdominal pain, cramps, flatulence, altered bowel function, hyper secretion of colonic mucus.

Western Herbalism (8 decks)

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