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

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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