Good digestion
A large part of our digestion happens in our stomach, and we need to have a very acidic pH in there for this to occur well. Hydrochloric acid helps to keep the pH low, and helps to break down protein into smaller molecules. Hydrochloric acid also helps to kill off bacteria and other pathogens.
Other enzymes and hormones and electrolytes are also excreted in the stomach and these all help break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. They help make iron into a form that is absorbable.
In the small intestine, the main thing that happens is absorption of food. The acidic contents of the stomach are neutralised here. The small intestine should be fairly low in bacteria and microbes.
In the colon, the last part of the digestive process occurs. Any undigested fibre here is broken down by bacteria and microbes, or excreted. Water and electrolytes are absorbed here. The colon is full of microbes, and pathogens can sometimes live here.
It is very important that the stomach acid is strong, in order to kill off any pathogens, and for the first stage of digestion to occur. If it doesn’t occur well here, food can sort of ferment and not be broken down properly, or empty out quickly enough. This can lead to problems further down, and can also be a major reason for reflux. Reflux generally isn’t a problem of too much acidity, but of too little, so that the food doesn’t digest properly or quickly enough. When we take antacids and PPIs, it can relief the immediate symptoms, but it doesn’t solve the problem at all.
What are some ways to help the digestion in the stomach? We want to the stomach to do its job efficiently and for the whole digestion process to move along at a healthy rate, and not be sluggish.
Zinc is really important for creating strong hydrochloric acid. Without it, meat in particular can feel like it just sits like a lump in the stomach. Our Australian soils are deficient in this essential mineral, and it is especially low in a vegetarian or low meat diet as the main sources are meat, dairy and grains. A supplement might be needed, but I just eat oysters (canned or fresh) about once a week, as they are an excellent food source.
Do not drink too much water or liquid with meals, as it will dilute the digestive juices.
Take bitters, or a bitter drink like the Italian cinnotto. These stimulate digestion. Chamomile tea and dandelion coffee are also bitters.
If your digestion is sluggish, taking some digestive enzymes for a while, to help increase the absorption of nutrients, can be helpful. If you do not have any sort of ulcer, then you can take betain HCL as well.
Do not eat large meals, but instead more frequent smaller meals. But do leave at least 2.5- 3 hours between meals in order to allow the digestion to move onto the next phase.
Have you ever gulped your food down and got indigestion? It can be helpful to chew well and eat mindfully. I am a gulper personally, and this is something I am working on!
And if you can avoid antacids and get off your PPI’s like Nexium (do it slowly), you will be doing your body a big favour.
