Gastrointestinal Health: Digestive Insufficiencies Flashcards
Q: What is the pH level in achlorhydria, and what does it indicate?
A: Achlorhydria refers to the absence of stomach acid and is indicated by a gastric pH >7.0.
Q: What is hypochlorhydria?
A: Hypochlorhydria is low stomach acid production characterized by a fasting gastric pH above 3.0 (normal pH: 1.5–3.0).
Q: What are common signs and symptoms of hypochlorhydria?
A: Gas, bloating (often within 30 minutes after eating), heartburn, sensation of fullness, foul-smelling stools, diarrhoea, nausea after supplements, food allergies, brittle nails, and nutrient deficiencies like iron, zinc, folate, and B12.
Q: What are the implications of hypochlorhydria on nutrient absorption?
A: Hypochlorhydria leads to reduced absorption of minerals like calcium (lower bone density) and iron (leading to anaemia), as well as poor protein digestion, causing small intestinal protein putrefaction.
Q: How does hypochlorhydria increase the risk of bacterial infections?
A: A higher gastric pH reduces the stomach’s protection against bacterial infections, facilitating the survival of H. pylori and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (SIBO).
Q: What is a natural approach to managing hypochlorhydria?
A: Chew thoroughly, avoid overeating and drinking with meals, use apple cider vinegar before meals, eat zinc and B6-rich foods, and incorporate bitter foods and herbs like rocket, chicory, and gentian to stimulate digestive secretions.
Q: What are the precautions when supplementing with Betaine HCl?
A: Betaine HCl should not be taken with certain drugs or in cases of peptic ulceration. It can irritate sensitive tissues and should be taken with food, not on an empty stomach.
Q: What is the basic protocol for supplementing with Betaine HCl?
A: Start with 1 capsule (350–750 mg) with a protein-containing meal. Increase dosage gradually until a tingling or warm sensation is felt, then reduce the dose by 1 capsule and use that dose at subsequent meals.
Q: What is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)?
A: EPI is a deficiency of exocrine pancreatic enzymes needed for normal digestion, leading to nutrient malabsorption, especially fats.
Q: What are common symptoms of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)?
A: Bloating, belching, flatulence 1–2 hours after eating, steatorrhoea (greasy stools), drowsiness after meals, food intolerances, low zinc, B12, and folate absorption.
Q: What are some causes of pancreatic insufficiency?
A: Chronic stress, hypochlorhydria, chronic diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis), GI surgeries, diabetes, small intestinal wall damage, and exposure to xenobiotics like pesticides and BPA.
Q: What is the naturopathic approach to pancreatic insufficiency?
A: Chew food thoroughly, avoid overeating, correct stomach acid levels, and stimulate the vagus nerve with diaphragmatic breathing, humming, laughter, and using bitters like gentian and dandelion.
Q: What is Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)?
A: PERT involves supplementing with enzyme formulations, either animal-derived (e.g., pork pancreatin) or plant-based and microbe-derived enzymes, which offer better acid stability and a broader enzyme range.
Q: When should digestive enzymes be taken during a meal?
A: If a meal lasts:
<15 minutes: take enzymes at the start.
15–30 minutes: take half at the start, half midway.
30 minutes: take enzymes at the start, middle, and end.
Q: What is bile insufficiency, and what are its key symptoms?
A: Bile insufficiency is when bile synthesis or flow is compromised, leading to difficulty digesting and absorbing fats. Symptoms include steatorrhoea, intolerance to fatty foods, nausea, bloating, and cramping.
