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Understanding Digestion: 
Pathology and Treatment
Part 1
 
In this next section, we'll take all that we've learned about the anatomy and physiology of the digestive tract and explore what disease processes may occur, along with some possible treatment plans. Keep in mind that these plans are not a substitute for consulting with your physician; many of the disorders we will discuss are very serious and need the oversight of a medical professional. If you have or think you have one of these illnesses, please use this information as a guide for consulting with your gastroenterologist or family doctor.
 
Just as the digestive tract begins in the mouth, so does the possibility of disease. Gingivitis, periodontal disease, and halitosis are but a few of the most common diseases we find in the mouth. The causes for these can vary, and include imbalances in healthy bacteria, harmful anaerobic bacteria found under the gums, free radical damage, heavy metal toxicity from amalgam fillings, and increased sugar intake. Many of these may cause inflammation and even bone loss in the jawline. Replacing good bacterial flora, eliminating sugar intake (or at least decreasing it) and adding antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, CoQ 10 and quercetin can be very helpful. If you have heavy metal amalgam fillings you may want to consider having them removed, or at least be tested to see if this is part of the problem. Daily flossing and use of a Waterpik are important-just make sure you don't use waxed floss, as it is made from petrochemicals. You can also consider using an antimicrobial flush like hydrogen peroxide in your Waterpik, and herbal preparations that contain myrrh. A diet high in fresh vegetables can also be helpful, as the high fiber content necessitates more chewing, which helps to clean the teeth.
 
The next problem we could encounter as we go down the digestive tract is esophagitis. (Any word that ends in 'itis' simply means there is inflammation in that tissue.) Esophagitis, or inflammation along the esophagus, can be chronic or acute, and may be due to the irritating effects of hydrochloric acid from the stomach spilling up into the esophagus, a disruption within the cardiac or lower esophageal sphincter, or actual inflammation along the esophagus itself. This symptom is typically known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), which presents as pain in the chest, under the sternum and/or under the rib cage and may radiate up to the shoulders and even down the arms, mimicking a heart attack.  When this happens, you must rule out that you're not having a heart attack first!   Inflammation along with esophagus may also occur due to varicose veins, which is called Barrett's esophagitis. This is typically caused by long-term alcohol or drug use and results from congestion in the portal circulation to the liver.
 
Cardiac sphincter dysfunction is an inflammation or dysfunction within the sphincter door that opens from the esophagus to the stomach. This can be from a hiatal hernia, where the upper portion of the stomach protrudes above the diaphragm, or from a malfunction within the valve itself.
 
When there is alcohol or drug use involved, of course the substance must be withdrawn. When it comes to a valve dysfunction, it can be repaired by putting it back in its original place and healing the valve. This is done by introducing weight to the stomach: Upon awakening in the morning, quickly swallow 8 oz. of water, then stand up on your tippy toes and quickly drop down on your heels 10 times. The weight of the water and the gravity of the heel drops can pull the stomach down out of the diaphragm. This can be repeated 1 hour before dinner as well. Castor oil packs can also be applied to area of the diaphragm so that the hernia itself is healed.
 
To prevent the reflux from returning, it is important to discover and remove the underlying cause. Unfortunately, the list of possible causes is long, including: food triggers that tend to increase or decrease hydrochloric acid production, eating too large of a meal and not chewing properly, eating too late in the evening, genetic disorders, nutrient deficiencies, or obesity. Also, anything that increases pressure in the abdominal cavity runs the risk of pushing the stomach up above the diaphragm; this could include straining during a bowel movement, having a baby or coughing and sneezing.
 
Nausea and vomiting may be due to many things, ranging from nutrient deficiencies, neurotransmitter disorders, and pathological infestations like bacteria, viruses and parasites, to name just a few. Due to the wide scope of possibilities for these symptoms, it will be discussed in more detail next time.
 
Blessings,

Dr. Susan Godman

 

 


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