Gastrointestinal System Flashcards
What is the main role of the digestive system?
It regulates the energy breakdown for the cells of the body
What is the definition of digestion?
The process in which substances are changed into forms that can be absorbed through the cell membranes
Where does the process of digestion begin, and how?
In the mouth. The teeth macerate the food and saliva binds it
What are the pharynx and the esophagus?
The pharynx (in which are included the nasopharynx, ornpharynx, laryngopharynx) and esophagus combined makeup the passageway to the stomach. No digestive process happens here.
What are the four parts of which the stomach is composed?
The cardiac, the fundus, the body, and the pyloric regions
What are the functions of the stomach?
To receive food via the esophagus, mix it with gastric juices, initiate digestion of proteins, carry on a small amount of absorption, move food into small intestine
What are the ten main organs that makeup the digestive system?
Mouth Pharynx Esophagus Stomach Small intestine Large intestine Liver Gallbladder Pancreas
What are the four types of gastric juices secreted in the stomach and where are they secreted from?
Chief cells secrete digestive enzymes
parietal cell secrete hydrochloric acid
Mucous cell secrete mucous to protect walls against pepsin
Chief cells secrete pepsin in form of pepsinogen. Pepsin is a protein splitting enzyme and most efficient in acidic environments.
What is the mixture of gastric juices and food called?
Chyme
What are the main functions of the small intestine?
Receives secretions from liver and pancreas, finalizes digestion of nutrients from chyme, absorbs different products of digestion, moves remaining residues to large intestine
What are the three pieces of the small intestine called?
The duodenum
The ileum
The jejunum
What are the finger like projections in the small intestines called and what do they do?
Villi, they increase the surface area of the intestinal lining while glands release a watery fluid that keeps the chyme moving. The increased surface area maximizes absorption of nutrients.
How long does it take for food to pass through the small intestine?
3-10 hours
What are the five main parts of the large intestine called?
cecum colon Ascending colon Transverse colon Descending colon Sigmoid colon, rectum and anal canal
What are the four basic function of the large intestine?
Reabsorption of water
Reabsorption of electrolytes
Formation of feces
Storage of feces
What’s the only organ that will regenerate itself if part of it is damaged?
The liver, up to 25 percent can be removed
What are some of the functions of the liver?
Conversion of glucose to glycogen
Conversion of non-carbohydrates to glucose
Oxidation of fatty acids
Synthesis of lipoproteins phospholipids and cholesterol
Conversion of carbs and proteins into fats
Conversion of hormones like insulin thyroxin adrenaline estrogen, etc
Dissemination of amino acids
Synthesis of urea
Sunthesis of blood proteins
Interconversion of amino acids
Stores glycogen vitamins a, d, b13 and iron
Remove damaged blood cells and foreign substances by phagocytosis
Alters chemical composition of toxins to try to expel them from body
Secretes bile which is necessary for digestion of fats, absorption of fat soluble vitamins (a d e f and k) and helps to assimilate calcium
What does the gall bladder excrete?
Bile and bile salts which enhance absorption of fatty acids and some fat soluble vitamins. It breaks down the fat globs that they form when they clump together which are hard to digest. This is called emulsification
What does the pancreas excrete and what do they do?
Pancreatic amylase- digests carbs
Pancreatic lipase- digests fat
Carboxypeptidase, chymotrypsin, trypsin- protein splitting enzymes
Nucleases-break down nucleic acid molecules
What is stomatitis and what are the herbal actions that can be used to treat it?
Any inflammatory condition of the mouth including canker sores and gingivitis. Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial Herbs for low immunity Demulcent herbs
What are some possible causes of canker sores?
Vitamin c deficiency decrease immune system Decreased digestive flora Increased sugar intake Food sensitivities Stress
What are some possible causes of gingivitis and what are some specific herbs for treatment of this condition?
Poor dental hygiene
Poor nutrition/high sugar
Hormonal changes may play a factor
B12 deficiency can cause bleeding gums
Astringent herbs are important to reduce swelling (white oak, yarrow)
Specific herbs include Myrrh and prickly ash.
What are the two type of Ulcers? What are the differences between the two?
Gastric/Peptic ulcers-found in lesser curvature of the stomach,pain worse after eating, frequently genetic, can lead to stomach cancer, constant pain
Duodenal ulcer-pain decreases after eating, often worst at night, significant link to H pylori bacteria. Antibiotics will treat. No increase in cancer rate.
What are some things you can do to treat ulcers?
- decrease stress
- avoid alcohol and tobacco
- reduce sugar and salt intake
- keep a food diary to keep track of which foods make ulcers worse
- bananas and cabbage juice have both been shown to heal ulcers
- increase fibre
- avoid drugs like aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofin)
What are some herbal actions that are used to treat ulcers?
Demulcents (soothing mucosal tissues) Vulnerarys (healing tissue) Acid reducimg Anti-inflammatory Anti-microbial
What are esophagitis and esophageal reflux and what are some of their symptoms? List some possible causes
Esophagitis is the irritation of the mucosa of esophagus. Esophageal reflux refers to the relaxation of the sphincter allowing gastric comtemts into esophagus.
- burning sensation
- difficulty swallowing
- coughing
- choking feeling
- heart burn
Can be caused by eating disorders, alcoholism, hiatus hernias or low stomach acid
What are some ways to treat esophagitis
- reducing irritants (alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, etc)
- raise head during sleeping
- avoid eating 2 hours before bed
- weight can be a factor
- avoid tight clothes and activities that put pressure on the abdomen
- chew food well and eat slowly
- stress reduction
What are some herbal actions that can be used to treat esophagitis? What action is contraindicated in this case?
Demulcent Anti-inflammatory Vulnerary Carminative Astringents to tone sphincter
Contraindicated: bitters
What is gastritis and what are some potential symptoms?
List some potential causes
A broad term for irritation/inflammation of gastric mucosa (not an ulcer)
Pain in stomach
Nausea-sometimes vomiting
Burning sensation
Causes: Bacterial infections (esp. H. Pylori) Ingestion of caustic substances Meds like aspirin and non-steroidal pain meds, Alcohol Drug allergies Food poisoning Physical stress
What are some lifestyle modifications you can use to improve gastritis?
Avoiding irritants including sugar, caffeine, salty and spicy foods and smoking
Light meals, no fibre
What are some herbal actions that can be used to treat gastritis?
Demulcent
Anti-inflammatory
Carminative
acid balancing (Filipendula ulmaris- meadow sweet is the herb of choice)
What are some supplements that are beneficial for gastritis and ulcers?
N-acetyl cysteine Vitamin c Vitamin a Zinc Glutamine (for ulcers)
What is cholecystitis and what are some herbs that are specific in its treatment? What are some actions that can be used to treat it?
An inflammation of the gall bladder and presence of calculi in gall bladder or bile duct. Can be acute or chronic. Chronic usually presents as pain and tenderness near the bottom right ribcage, indigestion and nausea may also be present.
Acute manifests as intense pain and vomiting with a potential fever. This may indicate calculi in gall bladder.
Specific herbs: Chionathus virginicus (fringe tree) Chelone glabra (balmony) Veronicastrum virginicum (black root) Euonymus atropurpureus (wahoo) Cheldonium majas (greater celendine) Fumaria off. (fumitory)
Actions: Anti-inflammatory Anti-spasmodic Antilithic Tonics Demulcent Hepatic tonic Cholegogues (used with caution to avoid over stimulation of gall bladder. Use only with chronic) Antithetic (for dissolving calculi- cleavers, stone root, boldo, etc)
What are some lifestyle modifications that can be used to help treat cholecystitis?
Addresing food allergies Low fat high fibre diet to reduce cholesterol and eliminate constipation Decrease sugar 6-8 glasses of water daily Slowly Reduce weight if necessary Digestive enzymes with meals Small amounts of red wine before meals Castor oil packs to abdomen for pain Supplement with Choline, b-complex, vit c, and for low stomach acidity p-Betaine HCL
What are the main causes of liver disease?
Viral or bacterial infection
Hepatoxic chemicals (alcohol, drugs, pollutants, etc)
Parasite infections
What are three conditions associated with the liver and what are they?
Jaundice- yellow discoloration of tissue, usually caused by bile obstruction
Hepatitis-inflammatory response of the liver to viruses, bacteria; parasites and chemicals
Cirrhosis- result of widespread fibrosis of liver tissue that results in nodule formations
What are some of the generalized symptoms of liver conditions?
Weakness Fatigue Fever Weightloss Loss of appetite Nausea Tenderness and distention of right upper abdomen Indigestion Itchiness White coating on tongue Pale feces swollen lymph nodes
What virus is a common cause pf liver problems? What herbs are specific for addressing this cause?
Herpes virus Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) Hyssopus officinale (hyssop) Hypericum perfoliatum (st. johns wort)
What herb has been shown to regenerate liver cells particularly when damaged by alcohol?
List some other herbs that are specific for liver repair (hepatic tonics)
Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) 2000 mg capsules twice a day
Carduus marianus (milk thistle) Cichorium intybus (chicory) Cynara scolymus (globe artichoke) Schosandra chinesis (chinese magnolia vine) Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice)
Besides hepatic tonics what are some other actions used to help heal the liver in a state of distress?
Anti-inflammatory Alternatives Lymphatics Cholagogues If indicated: anti-microbials
What are some lifestyle modifications that can be used to help heal the liver
Avoiding toxins- alcohol, tobacco, drugs
Small low fat high fibre meals eaten frequently
6- 8 glasses of water to help with flushing amd cleansing
Supplements: choline, b complex, vit e, vit c amd for those with herpes virus-lysine.
What are some potential causes of diarrhea?
Diet high in sugar, caffeine, allergies, low in fibre
Poor mastication of food
Meds including so,e anti-biotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, some vitamins
Ingestion of toxins like food poisoning
Infections (e.coli, candida, giardia)
Inflammatory bowel disease (crohns, colitis, celiac)
What lifestyle modifications would you use to help treat diarrhea?
- maintain electrolytes and hydration (juice diluted with water and a bit of salt is a good way)
- avoid solid foods for first 24 hours and start back with foods like apple sauce, grated cabbage and rice to solidify stool
- chamomile or fennel tea for cramping and irritation
What herbal actions are used to treat diarrhea?
Astringent (rubus spp leaf, blueberry)
Bulking herbs (psyllium, flax)
Anti-microbial
What are some common causes of constipation?
Poor diet, low fibre, high refined sugar Dehydration Food allergies Stress and depression Bowel diseases like IBS and diverticulosis Drugs (opiates, antacids, iron supplements, some anti-convalescent and anti-depressants) Lock of exercise and mobility GI obstruction
What are the four types of laxatives and what do they do?
Hydrophilic/osmotic laxative (bulking)- draw water to them from tissue and soften and bulk stool (psyllium, flax)
Hepatics/chologogues/choleretics (aperient)- improve bowel function by stimulating liver and gall bladder to produce more bile. (Bitter herbs)
Bowel tonics and mucous strengtheners (cathartic)- slightly irritate wall of intestine, increasing peristalsis that help tone muscle. Short term use only (14 days) (cascara sagrada, senna)
Contact stimulants (purgatives)- significant irritation to wall of colon, dramatic increase in peristalsis and expulsion. Single dosage. (Cape aloe, mineral oils)
What are some lifestyle modifications that will benefit the treatment of constipation?
Diet- more water, high fibre, low sugar
Exercise
Acidophilus supplements to re-establish gut flora
Add dried fruits, especially prunes
What are some common symptoms of IBS
Abdominal bloating and tenderness Flatulence Alternating diarrhea and constipation Nausea Headaches, back aches and fatigue
What are some common contributing factors to IBS
Food sensitivities
Psychogenic disorders (stress/anxiety etc)
Antibiotic therapy/ candida overgrowth
Fibromyalgia/ chronic fatigue syndrome
Most commonly seen in females in their 20’s and 30’s
What are some lifestyle modifications for treatment of IBS
Small frequent meals, high fibre, low fat
Food diary for addressing food sensitivities
Allergy elimination diet
Daily bulking laxative can decrease flare ups
Digestive enzymes with each meal
Enteric coated peppermint oil caps 30 min b4 meals
2 cloves garlic daily
2000 mg evening primrose oil
Acidophilus daily
Stress management
Castor oil packs
Massage w/ chamomile and marjoram essential oils on abdomen
What herbal actions are useful for IBS
Bitters Carminatives Anti-spasmodics Demulcents Digestive tonics Nervines if stress related
What is inflammatory bowel disease and what are the three main types?
A general term for an inflammatory condition affecting the intestines
Ulcerative colitis/ Crohns disease
Diverticulosis/diverticulitis
Celiac disease
What are some typical symptoms of ulcerative colitis/Crohns disease
Mucous filled, often bloody, diarrhea Abdominal pain Fever Anemia Weight loss Malabsorption syndrome Dehydration Malaise Ulcerative colitis generally affects colon while crohns can result in lesions in the last part of the small intestine and first part of the colon Considered autoimmune disorders
What are some lifestyle modifications for treatment of ulcerative colitis and crohns disease and celiac disease?
High fibre, low sugar diet
Food journal to address sensitivities
Liquid multivitamin
Green dirinks, spirulina are important
High nutrient herbs (alfalfa and nettle) should be drank as tea.
Increase fluids, decrease high caffeine drinks
Increase b vitamins especially folic acid and b-12 to reduce risk of colon cancer
Acidophilus daily
Vit d deficiency link. Supplement
Castor oil packs for pain
5 ml each of flax seed, slippery elm and psyllium powder mixed with water or food is very healing to digestive system
What herbal actions are beneficial during and post crohns and ulcerative colitis flare ups
During: demulcents, mild astringents to reduce mucous and stop bleeding, anti-spasmodics for cramps, anti-inflammatory for irritation and vulnerary to heal lesions
After: bitters, tonics and alterative to improve overall function of GI system
What are diverticulitis and diverticulosis and what are some common symptoms?
They refer to formations of diverticuli (herniated or bulges of small pockets of mucosal tissue which can become filled with morbid matter and inflamed of infected) and are very common in people over 50. When the pockets become inflamed or infected they are called diverticulitis
Abdominal pain in lower left quadrant
Constipation alternating with diarrhea
Fever
Anemia
What are some lifestyle modifications for treating diverticulitis and diverticulosis?
Managed best by ensuring regular bowel movements. Fibre supplements and increase in dietary fibre are important
Avoid food that can become trapped in pockets (seeds, nuts, popcorn)
Grains should be well cooked and veegied cooked or shredded for better digestion. Nut and seeds should be ground
Soothe inflammation then add fibre back to diet
Essential fatty acids assist in healing tissues
Increase fluids
Acidophilus daily
Same fibre mixture for crohns is helpful here
What are some symptoms of celiac disease and what are some supplements that are helpful for this condition?
Cramping Diarrhea Abdominal pain Bloating Weight Loss Malaise
High risk for anemia, osteoporosis and infertility
Liquid multivitamin Essential fatty acids Calcium Magnesium Iron Zinc Vitamin k B-supplementation to replace sources from grains
What is leaky gut syndrome and what are some of its potential causes?
An increase in the permeability of the intestinal lining. Suspected as a major factor in food sensitivities, arthritis, asthma, headaches, digestive issues and chronic fatigue. Once larger molecule pass through gut into body the body begins a typical immune response… Inflammation and antibody antigen reactions
- alcohol and caffeine
- contaminated foods (e.coli and other parasites)
- dyes and preservatives
- refined carbs
- antibiotics
- meat additives
- NSAIDS (ibuprofin, aspirin, etc)
What are some common symptoms of Leaky Gut syndrome? What are some disorders linked to it?
Bloating Food allergies Sinusitis Slow thought process Headaches Lethargy Fluid retention Weight gain Diarrhea/constipation Flatulence Yeast overgrowth
Chronic fatigue syndrome Rheumatoid arthritis Asthma Multiple sclerosis Fibromyalgia Vasculitis Crohns disease Addisons disease Lupus Thyroiditis Diabetes Vitiligo Raynauds disease
What are some lifestyle modifications for treating Leaky gut syndrome?
Diet: avoid refined foods, gluten, high saturated fat, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, fermented foods as well as nuts and seeds. This will help reduce inflammation of digestive tract. Embarking on allergy or candida diet may be helpful
Probiotics lactobacillus and bifidus are vital for 6-8 wks
The slippery elm/flax/psyllium combo will help heal digestion
Green foods and drinks (blue algae, spirulina, chloryphyll) to help replenish body and support recovery
Essential fatty acids for inflammation and heali
Deficiences linked to magnesium, selenium, zinc and copper so supplementation may be necessary. A full range liquid vitamin is best.
Support proper digestion with betain HCL, bitters, acv before meals or L-glutamine
What are some herbal actions that are useful in treating leaky gut syndrome?
Demulcent Vulnerary Tonics Alterative Anti-inflammatory
What are some common causes and symptoms of hemorrhoids?
Causes:
- diet low in fibre
- pressure on portal veins from pregnancy, weight, sitting too long
- genetics
Symptoms:
- irritation
- discomfort and itching
- pain and inflammation
- bleeding
What are some lifestyle modifications and additions to help heal hemorrhoids?
- increase fibre and fluid intake
- exercise to eliminate pelvic congestion
- sits bats with achillea and comfrey can help decongest and heal pelvis
- suppositories made with cocoa butter and asteingent herbs inserted at night can provided localized relief
- comfrey and horse chestnut salve can relieve the itch
What herbal actions are beneficial in treating hemorrhoids?
Pelvic decongestanta Vascular tonics Alternatives Bulking laxatives Astringents Digestive bitters
What are some common parasite found in the body and what are some common symptoms?
Giardia Amoeba Cryptosporidium Round worm Hook worm Pin worm Tape worm
Symptoms: Abdominal pain and cramping Diarrhea Gas Weightloss
What is the main goal in treating parasites and what are three specific herbs for achieving this goal? What else can be helpful in treatment?
Making sure all of the parasites are killed while supporting the GI system. Repeat treatment until all parasites are dead.
Juglans nigra (Black walnut) Tanacetum vulgare (Tansy) Artemisia absinthium (worm wood)
Equal parts ground and put into capsules. 1 cap three times daily
Acidophilus and Raw garlic are also beneficial in treating parasites.
Take all of these for ten straight days, stop and take herbal laxative for next two days. Wait five days and repeat two more cycles.
What is a specific plan for elimination of tape worms?
1/2 cup ground pumpkin seeds, wait 45 mins and drink 30 ml/ 1 oz of castor oil. Make sure you are home for atleast 4-6 hours (expulsion will occur) Repeat in three days and again in ten.
Name two herbs that are antihelmintics (produce death or elimination of parasites)
Artemisia absinthium (wormwood) Allium sativum (garlic) Juglans nigra (black walnut) Tanacetum vulgare (tansy) Inula helenium (elecampane)
Name two herbs that are alterative (blood cleansers)
Arcticum lappa (Burdock) Calendula officinalis Taraxacum officinalis radix (dandelion root) Urtica dioica (nettles) Berberis vulgaris (barberry)
Name two herbs that are antacid
Chamomila recutita Acorus calamus (sweet flag) Filipendula ulmaris (meadow sweet) Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot)
Name two herbs that are anti-spasmodic
Chamomilla Mentha spp (mint) Viburnum opulus (crampbark) Zingiber off (ginger) Acorus calamus (sweet flag)
Name two herbs that are antiemetics (reduce nausea and vomiting)
Chamomilla Chelone glabra (balmony) Melissa off. (Lemon balm) Mentha spp (mint) Zingiber off (ginger)
Name two herbs that are anti-inflammatory
Calendula off. Chamomilla Curcumin longa (turmeric) Filipendula ulmaris (meadowsweet) Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal)
Name two herbs that are carminative
Chamomilla recutita Mentha spp Zingiber off Rosemarinus off Lavandula off
Name two herbs that are demulcent (membrane soothing)
Aloe vera Althea off (marshmallow) Chamomilla recutita Calendula off Ulmus fulva/rubra (slippery elm)
Name two herbs that are astringent
Calendula off Rubus spp Geranium maculatum (cranesbill) Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) Centaurea cyanus (corn flower)
Name two herbs that are bitters
Achillea millefolium (yarrow) Chelone glabra (balmony) Hydrastis candensis (goldenseal) Berberis vulgare (barberry) Taraxicum radix (dandelion root)
Name two herbs that chologogues/choloretic (increase bile flow from liver and gall bladder)
All nitters Chelidonium majus (greater celandine) Chionanthus virginicus (fringe tree) Fumaria off (fumitory) Eupatorium purpureum (gravel root)
Name two herbs that are liver tonics
Carduus marianus (milk thistle) Centaurea cyanus (corn flower) Chionanthus virginicus (fringe tree) Cichorium intybus (chicory) Oenothera biennis (evening primrose)
Name two herbs that are emetics (vomit inducing)
Ipecachuana cephaelis (ipecac) Lobelia inflata (lobelia) Urgine maritima (squill)
Name two herbs that are aperient laxatives (promote natural BMs)
Arcticum lappa (burdock) Chelone glabra (balmony) Galium aparine (cleaver) Rumex crispus (yellow dock) Taraxacum radix (dandelion root)
Name two herbs that are osmotic/bulking laxative (draws fluid to stool)
Linium usitassisimum (flax seed)
Oat or wheat bran
Plantago psyllium (psyllium seed)
Ulmus fulva/rubra (slippery elm)
Name two cathartic laxatives (powerful irritants)
Aloe vera Cassia angustifolia (senna) Rhamnus frangula (alder buckthorn) Rhamnus purshiana (cascara) Ulmus glutinosa (alder)
Name two purgative laxatives (drastic laxative action)
Aloe africana (cape aloe) Ricinus communis (castor oil) Phytolacca spp (poke root)
Name two herbs that are sialogogues (stimulate salivation)
All bitters
Echinacea spp
Zanthoxylum amer (prickly ash)
Zingiber off. (Ginger)
Name two herbs that are stomach tonics
Angelica archangelica Centaurea cyanus (cornflower) Acorus calamus (sweet flag) Erythreum centure (centaury) Filipendula ulmaris (meadowsweet)
Name two herbs that are anti fungal
Allium sativa (garlic) Calendula off Echinacea spp Artemesia absinthium (wormwood) Thymus vulgaris (thyme)
