What Does the Mouth Have to do with Improper Digestion?

You can create problems for yourself from the very first bite of food you take. Rushing through meals results in poorly chewed food. If food is not chewed properly, it is significantly more difficult to break down in the stomach. You can imagine that food not properly broken down in the first place will have an ongoing impact as it moves through the digestive system.

Not chewing sufficiently can also mislead the brain as to what is entering the stomach, so signals sent by the brain can be short on instructions to release enzymes. This shortfall of digestive enzymes then compounds the problems caused by lack of chewing. Food can end up sitting in the stomach too long and fermenting, which creates excessive gas. This can then result in heartburn, belching, flatulence, or other uncomfortable symptoms.

Food that has fermented does not reach the needed pH levels and therefore, once passed to the duodenum, does not trigger the release of enzymes needed to neutralize the chyme. The continuation of the chyme through the system at this moderate acid level irritates the sensitive linings of the intestine, which can result in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and diverticulitis.

All this occurs because the food was not chewed properly to begin with. The body also misses out on proper nutrients due to inadequate absorption, and wellness can diminish even as weight gain is triggered.

Many people suffer from these symptoms for weeks, months, maybe even years before finally seeking medical help. Most conventional doctors will then prescribe treatments for the symptoms, but still do not address the underlying causes. In fact, some of the medications prescribed can make the patient's condition worse.

How does Conventional Medicine Help or Hurt Digestion Problems?

Over the counter remedies such as Tums, Rolaids, and Pepto-Bismol are the first things people think of when they suffer from an attack of heartburn or indigestion. If the attack is a rare occurrence, these mild remedies might be all that's needed. But, if the discomfort is a chronic condition, using these products can complicate matters. These antacids do their job by absorbing acids in the stomach. Regrettably, they absorb both good and bad acids, and the good acids are already insufficient in the stomach, so while one might experience brief relief of symptoms, the basic cause has not been addressed.

Newer medications, some over the counter, and others available only by prescription, actually stop the production of acid. The lack of stomach acid can then inhibit production of needed enzymes, and eliminate the antibiotic benefits of stomach acid.

These imbalances then set the stage for additional problems further down the digestive system. Just as with insufficient chewing, foods lacking proper acid or enzyme exposure can ferment, cause additional irritation or digestive systems, fail to neutralize in the duodenum, and fail to deliver adequate nutrients to the body.

There are many challenges presented by typical Western medical treatment of digestive disorders. Although physicians (MDs) are intent upon helping their patient heal, they are typically operating in a more reactive mode than a preventative one.

Given the medical delivery systems in which they must work, they also do not have much time to spend with any given patient to explore the potential causes of their digestive stressors. Consequently, they end up treating the symptoms, not the causes, and the treatments rendered can inhibit the body's ability to heal itself, and while the patient is undergoing the treatment, they are not concentrating on fixing the underlying causes of their problems.

This happens not only with digestive disorders, but also with almost any presenting complaint. When a patient goes to a doctor with a cough, for example, the doctor may prescribe a cough medicine. The cough medicine frequently suppresses the coughing impulse.

Unfortunately, the forceful muscle spasm of a cough is used to expel foreign substances from the lungs, so once the cough is suppressed, the body can no longer rid itself of the foreign matter. Certainly, the cough medicine may make the patient more comfortable, but does it help the healing process?

Side effects are another issue to consider with western or conventional treatments. Although all prescription medicine has undergone significant testing, the side effects are frequently not known for many years. Or, side effects in specific subsections of the population, such as pregnant women or the elderly, have not been investigated separately. Additionally, those drugs intended to treat presenting digestive symptoms can actually cause constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive side effects.

Is There an Alternative to Conventional Medicine?

There are several modalities that are not traditional, Western, reactive or drug-dependant. They fall generally under the category of "holistic" healing methods. Holistic methods take the entire person into consideration, versus isolating the symptom as it existed separately. Holistic methods can effectively be used to treat digestive disorders, among other physiological issues.

Holistic treatments have many benefits. Primarily, the methods encourage the body to become sound by using its own healing capabilities. A basic premise is that wellness is the natural state, and the body will seek to be healthy if obstacles are removed. This means that the holistic practitioner will look beyond the symptom to identify what causes are driving the illness, and will work with the patient to address the illness at all levels.

Practitioners will look at a patient's lifestyle, their eating habits, and their stress level as well as any presenting symptoms. This approach harmonizes with the body, mind and spirit. There are some Western-trained physicians who have started adapting their practices to holistic methods. However, alternative medicine practitioners perform most holistic treatment.

Generally speaking, the treatments provided by holistic practitioners are natural, and the chances of harmful side effects or dependency are low.

There are many schools of holistic practice. Some of the major disciplines are reviewed below, along with their best-known approaches for digestive disorders.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the best-known holistic approaches. As with all holistic practices, TCM looks at the individual as a whole system, rather than as an isolated bunch of symptoms. Thoughts, emotions, processes, and all of the body are considered when the practitioner evaluates a client and his or her illness. Wellness is the focus of TCM, and any disease or disorder is seen as a departure from the norm and an imbalance in the whole person.

Of the modalities used by TCM, acupuncture is probably the one most people are familiar with. Other modalities include the prescription of exercise and other lifestyle changes, dietary advice, stress management techniques, massage, herbal medicine, and more. Every patient is viewed as an individual, so treatment varies from one to another. There is no standard treatment for any given illness.

Acupuncture is particularly helpful in addressing anxiety-related digestive issues. Herbs are also commonly used as a digestive remedy. They change the environment in the stomach and intestines, setting the stage for proper digestive function. Herbal treatments are customized, and many factors besides the digestive trouble are taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan. A certified practitioner should be consulted for assistance. Some of the common herbal remedies are listed below:

* Chinese Coptis Extract Pills for diarrhea. The active ingredient, berberine, has strong antibiotic effects.
* Atractylodes (baizhu) can help move fluids through digestive canal.
* Patchouli pills are helpful for flu-like symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
* Qi-regulating pills aid with indigestion, diarrhea, and flatulence.
* Six Gentlemen Tea pills contain ginseng, licorice root and has antispasmodic properties and calms nervous disorders.

Herbology

Traditional medicine based on the use of plants and plant extracts is known as Herbology.

There are a number of herbs frequently used to treat digestive disorders. They include cumin seed, black pepper, dandelion root, catnip, caraway seeds, rock salt, and rhubarb. These herbs, among others, have been used to treat numerous issues effectively since prehistoric times. Herbal stress relief is a superb way to assist with increasing digestive health.

Herbal teas for digestive wellness are chamomile, peppermint, ginger and lemon, fennel and dandelion.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a discipline widely respected in Europe and just now making inroads in America. It uses natural remedies in micro-doses to stimulate responses in the patient's system.

The underlying premise of homeopathy is that like calls to like, and the body will respond to a stimulus in small amounts by becoming stronger and healthier. Therefore, a disorder is treated with a small amount of an herb, mineral, or other substance, which would produce the disorder's symptoms if a well person were to take it in excess. This stimulates the body's response.

Some homeopathic substances pertinent to digestive disorders are:

* Nux Vomica for heartburn, digestive spasms, and nausea
* Antimonium Crudum for indigestion
* Lycopodium for bloating and heartburn

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a holistic approach that evaluates the whole patient and utilizes multiple treatment modalities including some mentioned above. The discipline relies on the body's ability to heal and uses low hazard therapies. Additional tools of the naturopath include nutrition, counseling, and energy balancing.

Holistic recommendations to maintain good digestive condition are:

* Don't overeat
* Eat plenty of fiber, fruits, and vegetable
* Eat slowly in a relaxed setting and chew thoroughly
* Avoid stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, sugars, and tobacco
* Eat lean proteins such as tofu, legumes, nuts, and seeds
* Keep hydrated, drinking at least 2 liters of filtered water daily
* Eat a yogurt with live probiotics daily
* Drink a warm glass of water with lemon juice in the morning
* Before meals, drink apple cider vinegar, or take slippery elm or a digestive enzymes supplement
* Increase bitter foods to produce more saliva and enzymes

Osteopathy

Osteopathic practitioners utilize a system of musculoskeletal analysis and manipulation to help their patients achieve and maintain a sound body and mind.

A traditional osteopath will use manipulation as the primary, if not sole, modality. Manipulations by osteopaths may or may not be similar to those used in chiropractic, depending on the practitioner and his or her preferred techniques.

Other osteopaths incorporate more alternative methods into their practice, and some practice almost completely as allopathic physicians.

In the United States, a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) is qualified to obtain a physicians license and can do everything an MD can do. Therefore, before you choose to visit with an osteopath, you will want to make sure you know what type of practice he or she has.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda is an ancient medical discipline of Hindu origin. The word "Ayurveda" translates roughly from Sanskrit to "life knowledge," and the philosophies encompass guidelines to living a healthy life, versus focusing on treating only illnesses as they present. Ayurvedic medicine is the oldest known complete medical system.

Medicines are concocted from natural ingredients, and diet, exercise and lifestyle are considered in the treatment plans.

Some herbal remedies for digestive issues are common, such as coriander or cumin seeds for constipation. Lemon juice and water is recommended many times daily to cleanse the bowels.

Chiropractic Care

The philosophy of chiropractic is that the spine must be in alignment and functioning properly for all parts and systems of the body to work well. The spine routes nerves to all parts of the body, so impairment or dysfunction of the spine can negatively impact those parts of the body served by that part of the spine that is misaligned.

A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) uses manipulation to realign vertebra and may recommend other supporting activities, such as massage, exercise, or the use of orthotics, to maintain alignment.

There are many nerves in the digestive system. One of the main nerves of the central nervous system, the vagus nerve, travels from the cranium to the abdomen, where digestive issues, as well as spinal misalignments along the way, can irritate it. Once irritated, no matter the reason, the vagus nerve can cause additional digestive problems. All of the nerves in and around the digestive system contribute to proper functioning of the muscles of the system, the flow of digestive fluids and blood flow. These nerves are important not only to the proper functioning of the digestive system, but for other systems they may also serve.

There are many chiropractors who concentrate only on spinal issues, and there are others who approach their patients in a more holistic fashion. Determine what kind of chiropractor you want, and research those in your area to find the one that is right for you.

Safeguarding your Digestive Health

Your wellbeing and good physical condition are dependent upon a well-functioning digestive system. You must choose methods of treatment that get to the cause of any problems and treats that cause, instead of just ameliorating symptoms.

Rather than wasting time and money on conventional medical treatments that only address symptoms and can cause a multitude of side effects, make the effort to determine which alternative methods can address your core issues and allow you to be truly healthy.

These methods are generally affordable and pose low risks. Be proactive and do everything you can to support proper digestion before you have problems. With a well-functioning digestive system, you will enjoy energy and vitality throughout your entire body.

By Chris Christian, writer for HealthyNewAge.com , the holistic health web site and blog.
 

email us

Go to consultations