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![\"Click](\"http:\/\/drllynch.com\/understanding_the_digestive_system_files\/image001.jpg\")
<\/p>\nby Laurie Lynch, N.D.
\n<\/p>\n
Digestion is the process by which food and drink are made absorbable to the body. This is accomplished by the action of enzymes that the body secrets\u00a0 into the alimentary canal, where foods are broken down into their simpler chemical compounds so that the body can use them to build and nourish cells and o provide energy.<\/p>\n
The Mouth is where digestion begins<\/strong>. Chewing breaks food down into smaller particles so it can be digested. If people do not chew food thoroughly because they eat quickly or have tooth problems, they increase the burden on the digestive organs. Saliva in the mouth contains starch digesting enzymes that begin breaking down starchy foods as soon as they enter the mouth.\u00a0 So try this now.\u00a0 Concentrate on producing saliva now. It also kills decay causing bacteria, thus eliminating tooth aches and preventing cavities.<\/p>\n \u00a0The\u00a0stomach<\/strong>\u00a0mechanically mixes food. It also releases substances that chemically break down food, such as hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) that helps digest proteins, fat, vitamins, and minerals, maintains the acidity of the stomach, and helps kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When we take antacid drugs, hydrochloric acid production is blocked, preventing the digestion of proteins and minerals. This can cause wasting and death.<\/p>\n The\u00a0small intestine<\/strong>\u00a0is the primary organ involved in the absorption of nutrients. It receives enzymes from the pancreas and produces its own enzymes to further digest and absorb carbohydrates, fat, and protein.\u00a0 In addition, bile salts secreted from the gallbladder help with the digestion and absorption of fats and the fat soluble nutrients vitamin A, D, E, and K.<\/p>\n Anything that interferes with the secretion of enzymes or bile salts, or disrupts the absorptive walls of the small intestine, such as inflammatory bowel syndrome, chronic antacid use, chronic diarrhea, pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, gall bladder removal, or coated intestinal walls may result in nutritional deficiencies and fat malabsorption.<\/p>\n The\u00a0large intestine<\/strong>\u00a0(the colon) absorbs water, electrolytes, and a few vitamins. The length of time taken for food to pass through the colon largely depends on fiber intake. Mucus is secreted to protect the cells lining the colon from physical trauma and bacterial toxins.<\/p>\n Good salivary and gastric digestion is necessary for good intestinal digestion. When any part of the digestive does not function properly, then indigestion can occur.\u00a0Indigestion (called dyspepsia) is a common disorder experienced by about\u00a08,000,000 Americans per year.\u00a0\u00a0About one fourth suffer from some degree of indigestion at any given moment. Indigestion accounts for up to 70% of all gastrointestinal complaints(wrongdiagnosis.com\/indigestion\/prevalence.htm).<\/p>\n Why is indigestion a big deal?<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> What are the possible causes of indigestion?\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n What is the standard medical treatment for indigestion?<\/b><\/p>\n What can we do to prevent and eliminate digestive problems?<\/strong><\/p>\n Here’s a brief general list of easily digested foods and herbs that promote digestion:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong> BLENDED ORGANIC SALAD<\/u><\/strong> Cut raw veggies into small pieces and mix all ingredients in blender.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0To learn how to quickly improve and regenerate the digestive system with the right herbs and nutritional supplements, call for a Wellness Consultation today! by Laurie Lynch, N.D. Digestion is the process by which food and drink are made absorbable to the body. This is accomplished by the action of enzymes that the body secrets\u00a0 into the alimentary canal, where foods are broken down into their simpler chemical compounds so that the body can use them to build and … <\/p>\n
\nMany people think indigestion is normal, and nothing to worry about. However, iindigestion can indicate an underlying problem, such as\u00a0gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD)<\/a>\u00a0or heart problems, infection,\u00a0ulcers<\/a>,\u00a0gallbladder, liver, and\/or pancreas disease<\/a>. There are 2 major causes of diseases, cell toxicity and nutritional deficiencies, and not digesting properly is\u00a0an underlying cause of both.
\nWhat are the possible symptoms of indigestion?<\/b><\/p>\n\n
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\nanemia, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis, congestive heart failure, abdominal angina, migraine, epilepsy, chronic pancreatitis, or in patients with previous gastrectomies.<\/li>\n\n
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\nRaw foods contain their own digestive enzymes and cleansing fiber and provide the maximum amount of energy with minimal effort.\u00a0 Raw vegetables help neutralize excess acids in other foods.\u00a0Raw fruits are easy to digest only when eaten on an empty stomach.\u00a0 Raw pineapple and papaya contain protein-digesting enzymes. Enzymes in raw honey also aid digestion.<\/p>\nHerbs that aid digestion include alfalfa, caraway seeds, garlic, red pepper (aids digestion by stimulating the flow of both saliva and stomach secretions), fennel, anise seeds, cumin, basil, turmeric, ginger, thyme, rosemary, slippery elm, peppermint, and chamomile.\u00a0 And our great grandmothers told us that they put these herbs in the food just to make it taste good!\u00a0\u00a0 I think grand mothers knew more than we gave them credit for.<\/h1>\n
Here’s a good, easy-to-digest recipe for babies or anyone who wants to be healthier and more energetic<\/h1>\n
\n1 CARROT, grated\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1\/2 BELL PEPPER
\n1 stalk CELERY\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 stalk BOK CHOY
\nROMAINE LETTUCE\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1\/2\u00a0 Tbsp fresh LEMON JUICE
\n1 Tbsp OLIVE OIL\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 dash BRAGG’S AMINOS
\n1 Tbsp fresh BASIL\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 Tbsp ALOE VERA (freshly picked from the live plant)<\/p>\n
\nLaurie Lynch is a Wellness Consultant, Naturopathic\/ Nutrition Doctor, Master Herbalist and certified Hypnotherapist at the Living Well Health & Education Center, (910)\u00a0426-5159.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"