<![CDATA[The stomach is such an important part of your digestive function, which means that it is highly important to understand how it functions as well as any issues that may arise that needs immediate attention. As a medical professional or someone with an interest in this topic, you are looking for information so that you can fully understand what is normal and required to have a properly functioning digestive tract. Overview of Function First of all, it helps to understand exactly what the stomach is. It is a hollow, muscular, and dilated part of a person’s digestive track as well as being one of the most important organs that function as part of this system. It is the link between the esophagus and the small intestines in the digestive system, and is one of the most important phases in the process of digestion. The stomach has two sphincters, a lower esophageal sphincter and a pyloric sphincter. These are located on both ends of the stomach in order to keep the contents of the stomach inside. The enteric nervous system regulates the activities of secretions and the physical activity of the stomach muscles. Within the stomach, there are different cells found within gastric glands that are responsible for secreting the very things that are necessary to keep everything in working order. These cells are Foveolar cells, parietal cells, chief cells, and enteroendocrine cells and they are found within the cardiac, pyloric, and fundic glands. The gastric glands are responsible for the secretion of pepsinogen, mucus, gastrin, hydrochloric acid, histamine, bicarbonate, and intrinsic factor. What role does the stomach play in digestion? The stomach is the third phase of digestion, which occurs after the cephalic and chewing phase. The chewed up masses of food, often referred to as a bolus, comes into the stomach through the esophagus via what is known as the lower esophageal sphincter. Once this happens, the stomach will next release proteases and hydrochloric acid. Proteases are protein-digesting enzymes just like pepsin. The hydrochloric acid is crucial for proper digestion and is important also because it will kill or inhibit the bacteria and will provide the acidic pH of two, which is required for these proteases to work as intended. During this process, the food will be churned in the stomach because of muscular contractions of the wall. This churning process is called peristalsis. Then the boluses are now converted into partially digested food referred to as chyme. This chyme will then go through the pyloric sphincter and end up in the duodenum of the small intestine and the nutrients are now extracted. This process can take anywhere between 40 minutes and a few hours depending on the foods eaten. What Can be a Dysfunction There is a general term for this dysfunction and disease within the stomach and that term is gastropathy, though there are some conditions that are not included in this category. A lot of common stomach problems are typically caused by infections in the stomach such as Helicobacter pylori, which can lead to stomach ulcers and gastritis. Gastritis is when the mucus lining is disrupted and inflamed some of the symptoms that can occur include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. There are some dysfunctions that happen as a result of having too little or no gastric acid, which are known as hypochlorydria and achlorhydia. Hydrochloric acid not only assists in protein digestion it also helps to prevent bacterial and fungal overgrowth of the small intestines. In addition, it stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, stimulates peristalsis, and facilitates the absorption of minerals. As we age we produce less and less hydrochloric acid and pepsin. This is why using antacids for prolonged periods of time which inhibits hydrochloric acid production can be detrimental to our health. Many times when you suffer acid indigestion it isn’t because you have too much acid it is more likely that you are low on stomach acid, this leaves undigested food in the stomach which can cause a resurgence of acid. Taking antacids may help for the time being, but they not only suppress the production of hydrochloric acid but also the production of digestive enzymes as well. Some of the symptoms of not having enough hydrochloric acid are: • Acid indigestion • Belching • Feeling of fullness up to 2 hours after meals • Stomach aches • Asthma • Foul breath • Fullness with meals • Lack of desire for meat • Sores in the mouth Here are some ways to help increase hydrochloric acid • Betaine, pepsin, gentian capsules • Swedish bitters – 1tsp before each meal • Apple cider vinegar – ½ - 3tsps in water before meals • Avoid drinking lots of liquid during meal times • Make sure you are eating in a relaxed environment as stress shuts down digestion and the stomach secretions Another fairly common stomach issue is a hiatus hernia this is where the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the thorax through a tear or weakness in the diaphragm. This happens when there is increased pressure within the abdomen and can be caused by activities like: • Heavy lifting or frequent bending over • Frequent or hard coughing/sneezing • Pregnancy and delivery • Violent vomiting • Straining with constipation • Obesity • Poor posture / sedentary occupations. The most likely symptoms that someone would experience if they have a hiatus hernia would be • Acid regurgitation at night • Regurgitation of food • Difficulty swallowing • Gastrointestinal bleeding • Heartburn/acid reflux • Pain in the back, chest, shoulders or upper abdomen • Ulceration of the oesophagus There are many management and healing options that can be easily utilised to help alleviate the above symptoms that you may be experiencing with a hiatus hernia. Always identify the driver so for example if you have poor posture - Improve your posture, if you are over weight work on appropriately reducing it. Food sensitivities could also be a causative factor and poor digestion and bowel habits in general so remove the suspected foods and work on improving digestion. Start with the guidelines from the previous article “get ready for digestion!’ we will talk about bowel movements and how to improve them when we get to the large intestines article. Seeking assistance from a the qualified practitioner in visceral manipulation will be very helpful. To manage on a day to day basis there are simple things to do that are really helpful but may sound a little strange. • Drink 1 pint of water and jump up & down for 1-2 minute first thing in the morning. • Avoid bending over after eating • Sleep with your torso slightly raised • Avoid over eating These are only a few of the common dysfunctions that occur in the stomach. Simple Tips to Help Remedy the Dysfunction There are a few tips that can help remedy the symptoms of stomach problems. You should remember to eat a healthy diet to help keep your system as balanced as possible. You will also remember how important it is to stimulate the cephalic response and eat in a calm, quiet environment sitting down at a table to help eliminate stress. Stress can have a huge impact on your digestive tract so it is highly recommended that you reduce stress as much as possible otherwise your stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on the digestive system. Movement can help with the reduction of stress and can help with a supportive pumping action, which is important for a healthy digestive track. Avoiding things like too much caffeine, alcohol, and smoking will have a positive effect on your system. Appropriate Natural Healing Remedies There are a lot of natural healing remedies that can help you through stomach issues. Here are a few natural remedies that can really help: • Licorice tea, salt liquorice • Liquorice – DGL (deglycyrrhized) helps heal the stomach mucous lining by promoting mucous secretion and cell proliferation. • Zinc carnosine • Ginger • Aloe vera • Mastic gum • Matula tea • Meadowsweet tea • Cabbage juice References Lane, E. Holistic Approaches to a Fully Functional Gut. Course manual. 2015. Lipski, E. Digestive Wellness, Edition 2, ISBN: 0-87983-984-8 Lukaczer, D. & Jones, D. & Lerman, R. Clinical Nutrition: A Functional Approach, Edition 2, ISBN: 0-9773713-2-8 Pizzorno Jr, J. & Murray, M. & Joiner-Bey, H. The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine, Edition 1, ISBN: 978-0-443-06723-5 Pizzorno, J. & Murray, MT. Textbook of Natural Medicine, Edition 4, ISBN: 978-1-4377-2333-5 Wright J. & Lenard, L. Why Stomach Acid is Good For You, Edition 1, ISBN: 0-87131-931-4]]>