Please note that much of the information in this blog post comes directly from the late Dr. David Walther.
Mouth and Stomach
As food is chewed, it is mixed with saliva, which contains the carbohydrate-digesting enzyme ptyalin. The chewed mixture goes down the esophagus into the stomach. With the help of saliva, food is broken down into smaller particles, increasing the surface area for digestive enzymes to act upon. A lot of a food’s energy, nutrients, and flavors cannot be released until its cell walls are broken down by chewing. Different foods require different amounts of chewing—hard and dry foods, plus many vegetables, need more chewing than soft, mushy foods. Chewing efficiency varies based on factors such as jaw anatomy, strength, saliva flow, eating speed, and dental issues. Slow, thorough chewing helps the rest of the digestive process.
Muscles in the stomach wall churn food into pulp. Food breakdown begins as the stomach produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) and the protein-digesting enzyme pepsin, which breaks down protein into amino acids. Adequate hydrochloric acid is important, not only for digestion, but also for protecting against toxic substances, harmful microorganisms, and food allergies or intolerances. Antacid use can inhibit protein digestion and potentially cause allergic reactions to some foods. Low stomach acid is associated with increased levels of harmful bacteria, increased pH in the small intestine, decreased pepsin production, and decreased secretion of intrinsic factor, which is needed for vitamin B12 absorption.
Fats begin digesting in the stomach via the action of gastric lipase, an enzyme secreted by stomach cells. HCl also plays a role in separating out minerals and other particles from food. Several B vitamins, as well as calcium, iron, and most minerals, are not absorbed properly without sufficient stomach acid. Overall, there are at least 15 to 25 essential nutrients that are under-digested and under-absorbed when stomach function is impaired.
When the acidified mash (chyme) from ingested food empties into the upper small intestine (duodenum), it triggers the secretion of hormones that stimulate the pancreas and gallbladder to release digestive secretions—enzymes, bicarbonate, and bile. Without the acid trigger, these substances are under-produced, causing the next stages of digestion to function less effectively. If the acid-alkaline balance is upset, healthy microorganisms in the intestines may be adversely affected, leading to the production of harmful bacteria.
It was once assumed that a decline in stomach acid production in later adulthood (at least 30% of people over age 65 have low HCl) was a normal consequence of aging. However, recent evidence shows this is not the case. Instead, it is usually due to atrophic gastritis, a chronic inflammation of the stomach lining with deterioration of the mucous lining and glands, usually without obvious symptoms. Stomach cells that secrete HCl and pepsin lose function.
Supplementing with HCl and pepsin can help, as can dietary and supplement support for stomach repair. B12 supplements with intrinsic factor are particularly important to compensate for the stomach’s inability to absorb it.
Fortunately, at Triad Of Health Family Healing Center, we rarely have to supplement with B12, intrinsic factor, HCl, or pepsin, as our therapies usually fix the stomach without the need for supplementation. We typically address all the structural, chemical, and emotional causes of digestive imbalance in the office.
Belching or burping can result from swallowing air while eating too quickly, drinking carbonated beverages, or chewing gum. However, indigestion (dyspepsia) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) commonly causes severe belching. Aiding digestion with supplemental HCl, pepsin, and other digestive enzymes can help until the problem is resolved. Avoiding over-processed, chemical-laden foods, eating a healthy diet, and supporting digestive tract repair can often improve symptoms.
Chronic dyspepsia—characterized by a sensation of “food just sitting there” after eating, bloating, nausea, belching, abdominal gas, constipation, or feeling full after small amounts—indicates action is needed. This includes avoiding trigger foods (irritants or intolerances), avoiding factors that worsen indigestion (large meals, greasy foods, eating late at night or quickly, eating before exercise, etc.), maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and taking digestive and nutritional supplements to support healing.
Nutrients such as vitamin C complex, vitamin E complex, carotenoids, zinc, calcium, and balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (like gamma-linolenic acid [GLA]) are often low in people with gastritis and dyspepsia. Herbs such as ginger, glycyrrhizinate licorice, red pepper powder (taken immediately before meals), and turmeric may decrease symptoms and aid in gastric emptying and motility. Digestion may be enhanced by dandelion root, artichoke, anise, peppermint, fennel, citrus fruits, and lemon balm.
GERD, with its frequent or constant heartburn, is often blamed on excess stomach acid. However, this is true in only 5% to 10% of cases. Most cases are caused by insufficient HCl and sometimes pepsin, which allows stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus and injure the esophageal lining. This can lead to inflammation, abnormal cell growth, and other complications.
A number of behaviors and foods can contribute to heartburn, such as excessive stress (especially while eating), overeating, eating too quickly, lying down immediately after a meal, and smoking. Certain medications (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs, some antibiotics, asthma drugs) can also loosen the sphincter muscle, making gastric reflux more likely. Applied Kinesiology, Total Body Modification, and Neuro Emotional Technique methods of diagnosis and treatment can dramatically and rapidly aid in allowing the body’s sphincters to function properly. They are especially helpful for the pyloric, gastric, Sphincter of Oddi, cardiac, ileocecal, and anal sphincters.
Stomach acid contributes to the effective closure of the cardiac sphincter. Without enough stomach acid, the cardiac sphincter remains open, allowing stomach contents, including acid, to flow back through the opening, causing irritation and discomfort. Medications that reduce stomach acid, such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors, may relieve symptoms but often cause more problems and fail to address the underlying cause.
Notes:
- Allergies are related to stomach dysfunction.
- Calcium is mainly digested in the stomach and is directly related to thyroid health through the hormones calcitonin, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone. Calcium is essential for the majority of chemical reactions in the body.
- Stomach cancer is a very serious disease, particularly common in Mexico, China, and parts of Asia. It is likely related to diet and excessive consumption of spicy foods.
- All stomach dysfunction is related to emotional upsets (psychotherapy may help, and Triad Of Health can always assist).
- Diabetics often have weak and unhealthy stomachs, as the pancreas and stomach are essentially the same organ in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
- Stomach dysfunction causes hormonal imbalances, hypocalcemia, and issues throughout the digestive tract, including with the gallbladder and colon.
- People with stomach dysfunction commonly have ileocecal valve syndrome or issues with the valves of Houston.
- Stomach dysfunction is often linked to thyroid disease, as the stomach is responsible for breaking down the nutrients needed to produce thyroid hormones.
