Inadequate Chewing /Excess Fluid

Proper digestion begins in the mouth with the secretion of a natural enzyme called ptyalin. Taking the time to chew your food into small particles gives the ptyalin plenty of time to completely mix with the food and catalyze the digestive process. When food is swallowed after only a few short chews, there is often insufficient time for ptyalin to do its job and digestion is impaired.  Large inadequately chewed food particles are harder for the body to digest and can result in gas, bloating and indigestion.  Similarly, drinking an excess amount of fluid with meals decreases the effectiveness of ptyalin and inhibits the digestive process.1

My eleventh child who has down syndrome is a great challenge for eating slower. In his mind, he thinks he is not going to get enough food to eat. He can out eat anyone in our family if I would allow him to continuously eat. When he comes to the table, it is a constant reminder to train  him to slow down and chew his food. He will literally shove food in his mouth without chewing and then he develops digestion issues. Because of his mind-set I give him enzymes to support his digestive system. A quiet setting is also a help for him.

I read an article of a gentleman who is 105 years old and someone asked him what was his secret to living so long. He said, digestion starts in the mouth. You must chew, chew and chew some more. Good wisdom for today is chew your food well and enjoy the taste!

References: Digestive Care Issue 7,volume 1

Processed Food Consumption!

Processed foods are those that have been through a commercial refining process, often meant to increase shelf life. During the refining process, however, foods are stripped of dozens of their essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy digestion. Once these nutrients are subtracted from food, the body is unable to digest it properly. Consequently, digested foods will ferment into simple sugars, and alcohols start providing fuel for yeast and bacteria, leading to indigestion, gas, and bloating. All increases the body's toxic load and can lead to serious health problems.

Taking the time to prepare food in more of a 'natural state' instead of a 'process state' can be rewarding. It's actually an art in itself. And causes us to slow down and enjoy the moment.

One time in my life with about six children under foot. I remember a woman who came to care for my children while I was away for a couple of days. I remember her response was, " I don't know what to make, there is nothing in the cupboards." What she was really saying was there is no processed foods in the cupboards. My husband at that time went and purchased some food to her liking.

What I am saying is this: A lot of processed food in our diets will cause many health problems. It is a pleasure to slow down and enjoy the beauty of cooking with family members and prepare a meal together, because what we don't teach our children will only hurt them in the future.

References: Digestive Care Issue 7

The causes of Impaired Digestion!

Digestive Care newsletter states in their April 2008 newsletter that "Impaired digestion can be caused by many factors of everyday life, including stress, the consumption of processed foods, inadequate chewing, excess fluid intake with meals, and overeating." They also defined "Stress: All unconscious activity in the body is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which in turn controls your digestive system and our reactions to stress, whether it be physical, mental or emotional in nature.  Any type of stress can have a adverse effect on the digestive process, virtually stopping it by lowering pancreatic enzyme production and inhibiting HCI production."

A personal example of great stress has accured in my life at many times. One was at the age of 13 years when I developed IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. No food would remain in my body for long periods of time because I developed a spastic colon. Emotional stress was the problem because of  unhealthy family situations. My nervous system was controlling my colon. Sometimes we keep looking at the problem but never get to the ROOT of the issue. Once I got to the ROOT of the problem my digestive system began to get under control.

One point of wisdom is the atmosphere in which we eat in. Meal time should be a time of quiet and restful relationships. Our nervous systems react to negative, loud and unhealthy circumstances. I am not a loud person by nature, but raising a large family with children of all different personalities and temperments can be a challenge in and of itself. The family meal-time was one of utmost importance to me. I trained each of my children throughout their growing years that same principle.

It was important for me to create a family memory that they could pass on to their children, if they so choose to. One child had their day to help me cook and prepare the meal. The table was set with a pretty table cloth or placemats. The children would even make name tags for each person sitting at the table, which they delighted in doing. They were proud of their accomplishments. Candles and flowers were always a daily arrangement on the table. The table was inviting! Now for the relationships, well it didn't matter what you prepared, some blessed little soul had to complain about what they didn't like. But they were taught at an early age to BE THANKFUL, and eat what was put before them. None of the children were  fond of my Buckwheat groats. But they still ate and to this day none are fussy eaters.  The principle here is to create an atmosphere that is pleasant and warm. Your nervous system and digestive system will thank you for it.

The Digestive System: Your Body's Energy System

It is no secret that vibrant health begins with the body's ability to properly digest nutrients and eliminate waste.  In fact, the more efficiently your body performs these functions, the healthier you are likely to be.  That's because nearly three-quarters of your immune system is located in your digestive tract, so good digestion is the key to feeling your best everyday.  To understand how the digestive system works, it helps to first examine the different parts of the body involved in the digestive process.

It's not what you eat, it's what you properly digest.

The Mouth:  Digestion begins in the mouth, where the process of chewing breaks down food into smaller particles and releases its natural digestive enzymes.  During the chewing process, the body also releases its own natural enzymes in the mouth {contained in saliva}, which further help break down food.

The Stomach:  The digestive process continues in the stomach, where powerful acids are released to further convert food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use. Hydrochloric acid {HCI} is the most abundant acid in the stomach.  Hydrochloric acid is highly beneficial due to its ability to break down food particles and help destroy harmful bacteria.  {The stomach lining is coated with mucus that protects it from the Hydrochloric acid.}

The Small Intestine:  The majority of the digestive process occurs in the small intestine, where roughly 90 percent of beneficial nutrients are absorbed from food.  A thin coating of mucus along the wall of the small intestine consists mainly of  the amino acids N-acetyl D-glucosamine and L-glutamine, which work together to provide natural intestinal support.  This mucosal lining performs two very important functions: the first is to allow nutrients access to the bloodstream, where they are then transported to all the cells of the body.  The second is to prevent the passage of large, undigested food particles and other harmful organisms form entering the bloodstream.

The Large Intestine:  The last 5 feet of the gastrointestinal tract through which food residue passes is the large intestine, or colon.  Here the final stages of digestion occur as the water and nutrients not absorbed by the small intestine are now absorbed in the colon.  The remaining waste becomes fecal matter, which will eventually be eliminated through the rectum {the chamber at the end of the large intestine.}

Impaired Digestion is a growing concern, while sixty million Americans suffer. It is the leading cause of illness in this country, and one that can ultimately lead to chronic disease. Impaired digestion involves the improper breakdown and absorption of food, and consequences can include:

•  Constipation
•  Gas and bloating
•  Leaky gut
•  Poor nutrient absorption
•  Heartburn
•  Lowered production of hydrochloric acid {HCI}
•  Pancreatic impairment {reduced enzyme production}
•  Imbalanced intestinal pH
•  Food sensitivities

I have such a passion for the digestive system and the way it operates. I get clients who come to me with a whole host of issues concerning the digestive tract.  Candida, constipation, diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Parasites. All of these issues are treatable.

Tomorrow we will discuss: The Causes of Impaired Digestion.