Newsletters:

All of the information in this newsletter is based on my education and experience.
I am not treating disease. The information is for educational purposes only.

In natural medicine we feel that digestion is the basis of almost all of the problems a person may have. We start with digestion and often a host of other issues take care of themselves. Mainstream medicine feels exactly the opposite. There was an interesting study about four years ago. This was an Italian study on the medications used for Reflux Disease and GERD...Nexium and Prevacid. The study concluded people taking these medications were at risk for increased incidences of pneumonia and other respiratory infections like bronchitis. Why? Simple...the medications worked so well that they significantly reduced the stomach acid and digestive enzymes in the test subjects. One of the functions of digestive enzymes and stomach acid is to kill many forms of bacteria. Hence, the test subjects were at risk for increased bacterial infections.

The following is a description of the process of digestion. Back to tenth grade biology class:

Digestion is the breakdown of food. This process begins in the mouth. The salivary glands produce saliva, and chewing begins the digestive process. The food we eat is the body's fuel, which supplies all of the essential nutrients for life. The quality of the foods we eat gives us the quality of life that we enjoy. Simply stated: if we eat well, we will enjoy a better quality of life than if we eat poorly.

To digest food means to "break down" food so that the body can utilize it for energy. These foods include carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Carbohydrates break down into a simple sugar called glucose (not sucrose — table sugar). Proteins break down into smaller fragments in the stomach. Then they are broken down into free amino acids in the intestines, assisted by enzymes from the pancreas and the intestinal wall. Fat digestion begins in the small intestine. Aided by bile salts from the liver and gallbladder, fats are made water-soluble so they can be carried through the bloodstream. Then enzymes (catalysts — in this case, organic substances that cause complex molecules to split into simpler molecules) from the pancreas and intestinal wall break down the fats into fatty acids and glycerol. When the food particles are small enough, they move from the small intestine into the bloodstream. There they are circulated to the cells of the body. Approximately 90% of the absorption of nutrients takes place in the small intestine.

The digestive organs include: mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, liver and gallbladder. Digestion is weakened by a number of factors. Some include: overeating, eating meals with liquids, eating when stressed or upset, eating too fast, insufficient chewing, continuous between-meal snacking and eating poor quality foods like junk foods. There are many nutrients that assist the function of the digestive system. Absorption of nutrients is very basic. People on nutritional programs for other problems need to have their digestive system working properly or the program will not work very well.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

HCl (Hydrochloric Acid) — Gastric or stomach acid. This secretion decreases after age 35. When a person is ill or taking nutritional supplements, it is often helpful to take HCl tablets after meals. Nature's Sunshine makes a product called PDA. It is very helpful for enhanced digestion, especially if you are taking other nutrients and eat animal foods.

ENZYMES — Catalysts produced in plants and animals that speed up chemical reactions in cells and organs.
Ptyalin (mouth — changes starch to malt sugar)
Pepsin (stomach — changes proteins to peptones)
Rennin (stomach — acts on milk protein)
Enzymes in small intestine (changes maltose to simple sugars, mainly glucose)
Trypsin, Amylase, Lipase (pancreas — turns proteins into amino acids, starch into maltose, & fats into fatty acids and glycerol)
Bile (liver/gallbladder — makes fats water-soluble)
NSP makes excellent enzyme formulas for many digestive conditions: Food Enzymes — comprehensive digestive enzyme; Proactyzyme Plus — plant sourced enzymes — great for vegetarians; Protease Plus and High Potency Protease — digestive aid that may increase immunity by activating macrophages and natural killer cells; Hi Lipase — liver digestive aid; Lactase Plus — for those who are lactose intolerant.

HERBS for DIGESTION
NSP's Peppermint essential oil — aromatic compounds help trigger digestive juices. Put 2 drops in hot water after a meal for a digestive tea. Rub on stomach and intestinal area for digestive malaise.
NSP's Goldenseal — assists the function of the pancreas. Take 10 days on and 2 weeks off. Not recommended for those with pollen allergies.
NSP's Pro-Pancreas — 14 herbs to enhance pancreas function
NSP's Catnip & Fennel — work synergistically to strengthen the digestive system with their volatile oils. It is a liquid and suitable for children.
Gentian — a bitter herb which helps to balance stomach acid secretions.
NSP'S Gallbladder Formula — assists liver & gallbladder function.
NSP's Milk Thistle TR (time-release) — assists liver function.
NSP'S Ginger — aromatic compound which supports the digestive system, helps relieve gas, also excellent for nausea.
NSP's Stomach Comfort — chewable tablets for upset stomach. Can be used for Reflux Disease.
NSP's Papaya Mint — chewable tablets for digestive support for those who prefer chewables.

HOMEOPATHICS — remedies that stimulate the body to heal itself.

HOMEOPATHICS for DIGESTION
Arsenicum Alb. — dyspepsia (indigestion), food poisoning.
Bryonia — heaviness in stomach after eating, nausea.
Carbo Veg. — belching, pain in stomach which is worse after eating.
Nux Vomica — over-eating, drinking too much alcohol.
Pulsatilla — coated tongue, nausea due to fats and rich foods, bloating and gas.
Sulphur — long history of indigestion, belching.

My next newsletter will be on Intestinal Health and Cleansing.

To your health,

Dr. Karen Purcell