Post on 19-Jun-2015
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The Gastro Intestinal Tract and Digestion
Basic Physiology and Function
Digestion is Foundational
“If a person has poor digestion, if they are not assimilating food properly they can never have optimal health”
Function of the GI tract is to convert elements from the external environment to something useable by the body
Immune system assists with the conversion to make sure that toxic elements are not introduced into the body
Liver then humanizes the elements and makes them useable by the body.
Digestion: From beginning to end
Mouth: Saliva contains antibodies, mineral salts and enzymes. Chewing increases the surface area of food on which digestive enzymes can act to begin digestion
.
Immune Response in the Mouth
The antibodies in the saliva is a first line defense of the immune system to protect the
body from foreign invaders
Digestion: From beginning to end
Swallowing: Once the food is in the esophagus it is propelled toward the stomach with muscular contractions called peristalsis
Digestion: From beginning to end
Stomach: When the food reaches the stomach, the hormone, gastrin, is released which stimulates the release of hydrochloric acid.
HCL kills yeast and bacteria and is critical for digestion.
Immune Response in the Stomach
The Hydrochloric acid in the stomach is another line of defense of the immune system to protect the body from foreign
invaders.
Digestion: From beginning to end
Small Intestine: Most nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine with the assistance of pancreatic enzymes and bile from the liver. A healthy small intestine is semi-permeable. Only the selected nutrients should be absorbed.
Digestion: From Beginning to End
Large Intestine: By the time the food passes into the large intestine, most the nutrients have been absorbed. The remaining mass consists of dietary fiber and water.
Foods should pass through the entire digestive system 12-24 hours after ingestion. Bowel movements should occur at least once a day. Twice to three times a day is preferable.
Immune Response in the Large Intestine
Healthy flora in the large intestine prevents the overgrowth of yeast and fungus.
The “good bacteria” in the large intestine is another line of defense of the immune
system to protect the body from foreign invaders.
Meridian Clock for Digestive Organs
Chinese Acupuncture “Meridian Clock” shows which meridian is activated and dominate at a specific time
12 Meridians Each take the lead for two
hours Use to find optimal time for
eating, sleeping, and exercise
Meridian Clock for Digestive Organs
11pm – 3am: Liver and gallbladder work to cleanse the tissues and the blood. Optimal performance occurs when there is no undigested food
5am – 7am: Large Intestine is activated to remove toxins from the nightly cleanse cycle. Drink water to trigger bowel evacuation to make room for the next days food intake.
Meridian Clock for Digestive Organs
7am – 9am: Stomach energies are the highest. Eat most important meal to optimize digestion
9-11 am: Enzymes from pancreas continue digestive process
Meridian Clock for Digestive Organs
1-3 pm: Foods requiring a longer digestive time continue the digestive process
Late afternoon/early evening: Best time for exercise – proteins are already assimilated
Meal Planning around the Meridian Clock
“Eat like a king for breakfast
And a pauper for supper.”
Healthy pH Cycles
NORMAL pH RANGE
Blood pH 7.36 - 7.46 Urinary pH 5.8 - 6.8
(ph of 7 may be better) Salivary pH 6.4 - 6.8 During a 24-hour cycle
the pH will cycle within the proper range
Why pH is important:– Critical for proper
enzyme function– Assimilation of vitamins
and minerals– Governs cellular
metabolism– Influences the
oxygenation of blood
pH cycles – 5.8 -6.8
Between 6-10 am, pH drops from 6.8 to 5.8
Natural body cycles during this time is more acidic
Fruit for breakfast: pushes the body to a more alkaline state before the natural body cycle should be alkaline
This contributes to afternoon drowsiness and hypoglycemia
pH cycles – 5.8 -6.8
Between 2-5 pm, pH rises to 6.8
Natural body cycles during this time are more alkaline
If morning pH is too alkaline, there is a danger of afternoon pH to become even more alkaline
A breakfast of protein and vegetables will prevent a “too alkaline” swing in the afternoon
Considerations for a Dietary Plan
Physiology: – HCL
production in stomach
– Enzymes secreted by pancreas
– Bile from the liver
Meridian Clock
– Avoid late night eating
– Most important meal for breakfast
ph Cycles– Avoid fruit for
breakfast to keep pH slightly acidic
– Fruit and grains in the evening have an alkalizing, sedating effect on the body
Digestion starts with what’s on the plate
Use the Foundation for Health Food Guide to identify most nutritious foods
Pro-Vita Meal Plan explains:– food combining to optimize digestion– Optimal times to eat fruits, vegetables, proteins
and grains
“A meal should energize, not produce symptoms. .. As you embrace a healthier life style, your body will reward you with the desire to enjoy more healthy foods.” Dr. Jack Tips
Poor Digestion: Common Causes
Mouth: Inability to chew or insufficient chewing
Stomach: Hydrochloric acid production too low or too high
Small Intestine: Low enzyme production. Food allergies
Pancreatic Insufficiency Poor liver function Large Intestine: “Good
bacteria” depleted. Overgrowth of yeast and fungus
Parasites Heavy Metal Toxicity
Hydrochloric Acid
Produced by glands in the stomach
Necessary for breakdown and digestion of many foods
Insufficient amounts lead to indigestion
HCL levels often decline with age
High tissue Calcium to Magnesium ratio contributes to decrease in HCL production
Self Test: – Take 1 TB apple cider
vinegar or lemon juice– If indigestion improves you
need more stomach acid– If symptoms get worse, you
have too much acid
Stomach
Bloating Burning Belching Gas throughout
the GI tract Overfullness Indigestion Diarrhea Constipation
Fatigue Hives after
eating Nausea after
supplements Rectal itching Cracked
fingernails Anemia Post adolescent
acne
Poor Hydrochloric acid production in the stomach is the root cause of many diseases
Increase HCL production naturally
Eat at the same time every day
Eat salsa before a meal (watch out for fried chips!) - use as a vegetable dip or for homemade chips
Chew on a few fennel or anise seeds before a meal
1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp sea water, 3 oz pure water before meal
If candida is present, use white distilled vinegar with ¼ tsp cream of tarter added instead of apple cider vinegar
Avoid drinking water with a protein meal – dilutes HCL
B vitamins (B1, B6, B12)
Stomach
Hyper-secretions of Hydrochloric Acid in the Stomach is the root
cause of ulcers
Small Intestine – General Considerations
Pancreatic enzymes assist with digestion. If the pancreas fails, malnutrition will result
Main causes of disease in the gut are allergies, imbalance of the micro- fauna, and emotional issues
Sulfur and oxygen will promote healing.
– Dark green leafy vegetables are a source of sulfur
– MSM, a nutritional supplement, is another source of sulfur
– Sprouts bring more oxygen into the gut
Lower GI Tract
A medical doctor made the following observation
In countries with high fiber diets you will find Large stools and small hospitals
In countries with low fiber diets you will find small stools and large hospitals
Colon
Also known as the large intestine, just under 6 feet long
The digestive system breaks down nutrients to be used by the body
Nutrients should be absorbed by the time the food mass has reached the colon
The colon absorbs excess water and salts to be taken into the blood
#1 job of the colon is to reclaim water (1 liter/ day)
Indigestible fiber remains in the food mass to aid excretion
Elimination Process
Undigested food in liquid form flows into the large intestine
Water and mineral salts are reabsorbed back into the body
Semi-solid waste is still 60-70% water and 10-30% bacteria
Peristalsis moves waste through. Elimination should occur within 12-24 hours after eating
General Considerations for Colon Health
Colon blockage and bowel irregularity are major factors behind many illnesses
Diets high in refined, processed foods and low in high-fiber foods are most prone to creating difficulty
Mucus production begins in the colon. Re-seed the intestinal tract with “friendly flora” to reduce mucus
Fiber promotes regularity Colon is home for “friendly
flora” such as lactobacillus, acidophilus, and bifidus. These are important for digestion and they inhibit growth of harmful bacteria
Natural pH of the bowel is slightly acidic. “Acidophilus” brings acid into the bowel.
“Friendly flora” foes
Antibiotics Steroids Birth control pills Diets high in sugar and
fat Eating too close to
bedtime
These insults can lead to over growth of disease causing bacteria, yeasts, and fungi
Dietary Recommendations for Colon Health
Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed and refined foods
Water: 8-10 glasses pure water a day
Aloe Vera Promotes health of colon
Juices: Fresh carrot and spinach juice.
Raw spinach for cleansing, reconstruction, and regeneration
Exercise: Moderate daily exercise
Magnesium: promotes normal elimination patterns
Vitamin B-5 strengthens peristalsis
Parasites in the US
Frank Nova (National Institute of Health) “There are more parasite infestations acquired in this country than in Africa”
Somewhere between 33% to 85% of Americans have some type of parasite
Perhaps Americans are more susceptible to parasites because of our sterile environment, overuse of antibiotics, dietary patterns with increased refined sugars, and compromised immune system.
Parasites are a natural part of life
Humans should be immune to parasites We need to ask why a person is susceptible to
parasite infestation Parasites have a purpose – they clean up the
sludge and toxins in the body Sometimes the body will accept the parasites in
a symbiotic relationship to clean up excess waste material.
GI Symptoms indicating parasites
Loose stools Constipation Alternating diarrhea and constipation Rectal itch Bowel urgency Anemia IBS
Parasites in the Lower GI Tract
There are four classes of parasites that may be found in the intestinal tract.
Cestoda – Larger worms up to 35 feet in length, inhabit the large intestineUse Para-Mac (from Inno-Vita)
Nematoda-smaller worm that may inhabit the intestinal tract or migrate to other areas of the bodyUse Para-Mac (from Inno-Vita)
Protozoa - Single-cell microscopic parasites that migrate through the blood stream to all parts of the body. (Giardia is one example) Use Micro-Site – from Inno-Vita
Flukes: Flukes generally travel through the tissues and settle in the liver, kidneys, lungs or intestinal tract Use Micro-Site – from Inno-Vita