Digestion/Enzymes

When the stomach has finished its work the the food (now called chyme) enters into the duodenum where it mixes with the digestive juices of the pancreas, liver and gall bladder. Digestion and absorption continue in the small intestines which then enters the large intestine before the waste is eliminated.

This is a simple explanation of the course of digestion but it points up many areas where problems can occur.

If you eat cooked food or if you have eaten a lot of cooked food in your life it is probably a good idea to add these natural enzymes back into your food.

Signs and Symptoms: Indigestion, GERD, heartburn, gas.
Suggestion Supplements: Total-Gest Digestive Enzymes

Stage II Digestion: Lower Stomach
In the stomach the food mixes with Pepsin and Hydrochloric acid. This furthers the break down of the food, especially protein. Proteins are broken down to their constituent amino acids so that they can be absorbed and processed by the body.

What kind of problems can arise here? Most common is lack of HCL. This is a common finding as people age and may have numerous causes. This is often misdiagnosed as too much acid and so many use antacids to stop the heartburn and indigestion. This is a terrible solution as the antacid stops what little digestion can still occur when there is a HCL deficiency.

The indigestion could well be caused by a lack of HCL as well as be an indicator of a more significant problem with the liver and gallbladder. Taking the antacid is a temporary relief of symptoms but does nothing to address the underlying problems. You may wish to see a properly trained physician to determine the true nature of the problem. If they suggest antacids you may wish to get a second opinion by somebody trained in natural medicine

Signs and Symptoms: Indigestion, gastric reflux (GERD), heartburn
Suggestion Supplements: Betaine HCL
Suggested Testing: CDSA

Stage III Digestion: Small Intestines and Colon
Once the food is broken down to chyme in the stomach it passes into the duodenum and small intestines to mix with pancreatic and liver/gall bladder enzymes. Here is where the final digestion and breakdown occur. Fat is emulsified by the bile and pancreatic enzymes continue to digest the rest of the food.

Signs and Symptoms: Indigestion, GERD, heartburn, gas, bloating in the intestines, undigested food in the stool. Stool that floats rather than sink. Stool that is light or green in color.

The best overall test of digestion and the digestive system is the GI Effects test. It is the state-of-the-art in gut testing and includes complete testing for digestion, parasites, H. Pylori, dysbiosis and gluten sensitivity. It is highly recommended.

Suggestion Supplements: Pancreatic Enzymes and  LV-GB Complex
Suggested Therapies: Liver and Gall Bladder Cleansing
Suggested Testing GI Effects

Parasites
Testing at MetaMetrix as well as other labs indicate that many of us have intestinal parasites. These can vary from microscopic, so that we cannot see them, to large worms. In addition is the intestinal dysbiosis caused by use of antibiotics, poor diets and exposure. This may be a far more common problem that was suspected. If you suspect parasites we recommend the GI Effects Parasitology Test from MetaMetrix  as one of the foremost testing labs. It includes testing for H. Pylori

Suggested Testing:  GI Effects Parasitology Test

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