Our
digestive system is where we interface with the world. We take in raw materials,
process them and transform them into other substances as needed. Our body uses
these materials for repair, for communication with itself, for energy, for recycling
and for the creation of new cells. We also process the world mentally and emotionally
and this process interacts with our digestion. We acknowledge this with expressions
like "I can't stomach this person; my gut feelings tell me; I have to digest
the information."
Everything we eat belongs to one of three groups
of macro nutrients: protein, fat and carbohydrate. The digestion of each of these
relies on enzymes produced by various glands and secreted at various locations
in the body. Digestive secretions are controlled by nervous stimuli which include
the five senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing) and our thoughts and emotions.
The
digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth with chewing our food and mixing
it with saliva which has digestive enzymes in it. Carb digestion stops in the
stomach and resumes in the small intestine. Undigested carbs ferment and create
gas and bloating.
In the small intestine bile secretion from the liver
breaks down large fat molecules into smaller ones which are digested by pancreatic
enzymes.
Proteins are very long, complicated molecules which go through
several steps of disassembly. Their digestion begins by enzymes in the stomach
and is completed in the small intestine. digestive sense (HCl) secretion in the
stomach is essential to activate protein digesting enzymes. Undigested protein
putrefies and creates heartburn and gases.
Additionally, HCl prevents bacterial
or fungal overgrowth of the small intestine and encourages the flow of bile and
pancreatic enzymes. Many vitamins and minerals require appropriate amounts of
stomach acid in order to be properly absorbed, including ascorbic acid (vitamin
C), beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium
and zinc.
Some conditions which may indicate impaired ability to secrete
adequate HCl include chronic stress, digestive difficulties and overgrowth by
bacteria, fungi or parasites. Worry, grief, anxiety, depression all cause HCl
deficiency. Some symptoms of insufficient HCl may be bloating, belching, and flatulence
immediately after meals; indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation; heartburn; food
allergies; undigested food in the stools; chronic yeast infections and more.
It's easy to see that our good health depends on the normal production of digestive enzymes. Our five senses, our thinking and emotions have a major influence on this process. One angry thought or nervous feeling will stop digestion
cold. If digestion isn't working, the body doesn't get the raw materials it needs
for the many processes it carries out 24/7. Functions begin to break down ending
in organ disorder.
So treat your digestion with the importance your health
deserves. Avoid stress while eating and never eat on the run or while working.
Chew slowly and thoroughly. Focus on your food-its color, texture, taste and smell.
The old saying is "Drink your food and eat your drink", meaning, chew
your solids into a liquid consistency and drink your beverages slowly, without
gulping. The investment you make by taking time to eat in a peaceful environment
will pay dividends in continued good health.
