DIGESTION Part 1 WHEN THINGS GO RIGHT

There are fundamental pillars critical to establishing and maintaining a formidable foundation from which a life that supports and encourages optimal health can be built and cultivated.  Arguably the backbone to actualizing vitality is a well-tuned digestive system.  One hiccup and our entire constitution can be seriously compromised.  It doesn’t matter how noble your diet or what your lifestyle is akin to, if your body is unable to process the foods and absorb the nutrients you consume, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to realize your full potential.

So how do we ensure flawless digestion?  In part one of this series, we will establish a basic understanding of a properly functioning system.  In part two, DIGESTION – WHEN THINGS GO WRONG, we will look at where breakdowns can occur and the impact on our well being. In part three, DIGESTION - PROVIDING SUPPORT a comprehensive list of things to do (and not do) will give you the framework needed to take actionable steps that will nurture a healthy digestive system.

READER’S DIGEST VERSION (Get it, digest?)

Digestion is a north to south journey.  It starts in the brain and ends with elimination.  

THE WHOLE STORY

When the senses are engaged through the thought, sight, or aroma of food, it causes the brain to respond by sending signals to the salivary glands to create and release saliva in the mouth and the stomach to gear up for incoming nutrition.  It may even prompt tummies to growl.

With the first bite or sip, the voluntary action of the chemical and mechanical breakdown of food takes place with teeth masticating the morsels, and the tongue moving wads around.  Along with chewing, saliva helps turn pieces into a bolus by lubricating the mouth, and further breaking down the particles with enzymes, electrolytes and antibacterial properties. The tongue and swallowing reflex pushes the moist bolus into the pharynx, or throat, where it begins its descent into the esophagus and the involuntary aspect of the digestive process kicks in.  

A coordinated muscle contraction squeezes the esophageal muscles from top to bottom, forcing the bolus downward. A valve called the cardiac sphincter or lower esophageal sphincter (LES), regulates the passage of the bolus into the stomach. Once there, the intentionally highly acidic environment introduces gastric juices, which consists primarily of Hydrochloric Acid (HCL).  The stomach churns the bolus and bathes it in this acidic wash until it is reduced to chyme. When it is fully developed, the stomach passes the chyme to the small intestine by way of the pyloric valve.

Before we move on to the next steps of the digestive process, it is important to take a moment to give honorable mention to three vital accessory organs and their invaluable role, especially as the chyme makes its way to the small intestine.

One of the over 500 functions the liver is responsible for is producing bile.  This yellow-green fluid is stored in a small pouch known as the gallbladder.  Once the chyme transitions to the intestines, signals are sent through specialized hormones for bile to be released, which will helps to emulsify fat, and for the pancreas to secrete juices made up of water, bicarbonate and digestive enzymes.  These will neutralize the chyme, further break down protein, carbohydrates, and lipids and ready them for absorption. 

Returning to the digestive process, the small intestine is comprised of three parts.  The first part, the duodenum is where the digestive enzymes and bile are received and mixed with the chyme and the act of assimilating nutrients really gets under way.  It continues this course with additional enzymes, water, and mucus as it passes through the remaining portions of the small intestine - the jejunum and the ilium.  At the end of this (average length) 9-16 foot muscular tube, the chyme, absent of most of its nutrients, moves to the final phases of digestion where its passage to the large intestine will be regulated by the ileocecal valve.  

Upon entering the large intestine - which includes the colon (and is sometimes casually labeled interchangeably) - excess water is reabsorbed into the body.  Vitamins such as K, Biotin, and Butyric Acid are created in this environment with the help of friendly bacteria.  These happy little buggers also decompose the remaining elements into feces.  A by-product of the natural fermentation in this region is the occasional, sometimes audible and scentedly familiar, often creatively named, gas.

The final portion of the large intestine, the rectum, is the holding pen for stool until the last stop in the alimentary tract, the anus, releases it with an easy to pass, nearly odorless, and satisfying bowel movement.  In a healthy individual, and considering mainstays like a properly prepared, nutrient dense, whole foods diet and an active lifestyle, transit time can take anywhere from 24-72 hours.

There are appreciably more fascinating particulars to the digestive system and its intricate processes. I encourage you to explore the miraculous phenomenon that happens inside of you every time you eat and, for more insight, read part two of this three part series, DIGESTION- WHEN THINGS GO WRONG.  In the meantime, should you have any questions about your gastric wonderland, feel free to contact your favorite FNTP (that’s me!).

Eupepsia!
Marie Stumphauzer, FNTP

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Image courtesy of magnolia box.com

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