Therapeutics 1 - Mouth, Oesophagus, Stomach Flashcards
Q: How does poor oral health affect digestion?
A: Poor oral health, along with problems with chewing and swallowing, can impair digestion and affect other body systems.
Q: Why is proper chewing important for carbohydrate digestion?
A: Proper chewing stimulates the secretion of salivary amylase, which helps digest carbohydrates.
Q: What can tooth decay and gum disease do to the digestive process?
A: They can prevent proper chewing, making food harder to digest.
Q: How is oral health linked to cardiovascular and reproductive health?
A: Microbes from the mouth can spread to other body systems, potentially affecting cardiovascular health and microbiomes in organs like the vagina.
Q: What are some treatment approaches for maintaining oral health?
A: Daily oral hygiene, using oral probiotics, antimicrobial herbs, and mucilaginous herbs are recommended approaches.
Q: What is the benefit of using mineral salt rinses for oral health?
A: Mineral salt rinses, like Himalayan salt, help maintain oral health.
Q: What role do oral probiotics play in oral health?
A: They promote a balanced oral microbiome.
Q: Name two herbs that can be used for treating tooth and gum diseases.
A: Cloves and sage can be used as antimicrobial herbs for treating tooth and gum diseases.
Q: How can mucilaginous herbs help with gastro-oesophageal reflux?
A: Herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow root soothe the mucous membranes, helping alleviate reflux symptoms.
Q: What are the main substances used by the stomach to break down proteins?
A: The stomach uses hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin to break down proteins.
Q: Name one cause of low hydrochloric acid (HCl) production in the stomach.
A: Chronic stress can reduce HCl production.
Q: How can aging affect hydrochloric acid (HCl) levels in the stomach?
A: Aging can decrease HCl production, impacting digestion.
Q: What are some potential consequences of low stomach acid levels?
A: Low stomach acid can lead to poor protein digestion, protein putrefaction, and increase the risk of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
Q: What are some treatments to improve low stomach acid production?
A: Treatments include using herbs and spices, digestive bitters, stress reduction techniques, apple cider vinegar before meals, and consuming zinc and vitamin B6-rich foods.
Q: How can deficiencies in vitamin B6 and zinc affect digestion?
A: Deficiencies in B6 and zinc can reduce stomach acid production, leading to impaired protein digestion.
