GASTRO-INTESTINAL CENTER

The Process Of Digesting Food

From a purist point of view, the GI-Tract should include all glands and organs associated with the digestive process. When certain problems occur, disease or conditions manifest themselves as symptoms. Within “The GI-tract Center” we cover most of the major conditions as indicated on the table of contents.
However, and understanding of the entire process of digestion is important in grasping the systemic nature of the GI-tract, as a series of glands and organs all synergistically working, to supply our bodies with proper nutrients via the process of digestion.

TONSILS/PAROTIDS the tonsils/parotids provide the saliva that is mixed with the food that you are chewing. Not only does the chemicals in your saliva (ptyalin) digest the food but the food is “tagged” just the way you tag anything that you want to organize.

For example, the body needs to know immediately what is entering through your mouth. Than decide if it may be harmful or helpful for survival. The body through the aid of the parotids helps the body tag all incoming substances so that the body can know as soon as possible what to do with this chemical. It must decide if it is a food, toxin, poison or what.

STOMACH: the stomach secretes acid (HCL) and pepsin to digest protein and sugar.

PANCREAS: the pancreas produces enzymes that further break down protein, sugar and fat that you just ate.

LIVER/GALLBLADDER: the liver/gall bladder produces bile that helps to break down fat that was in your meal.

SMALL INTESTINES: the small intestines also secrete “enzymes” which further prepare and digest proteins, fats and sugars. Besides aiding in digestion the small intestines also absorbed the digested food into the blood stream. At this point, any food entering your blood stream is transported to your liver for additional processing and preparing.

LARGE INTESTINES: the large intestines now separate and remove the electrolytes (sodium, chloride and potassium) and water from the undigested portion of food known as waste (fecal material). Then rids it from the body.

GLOSSARY

• Antacid: a substance that counteracts or neutralizes the acidity of the stomach.
• Duodenum: the first portion of the small intestine, about 12 fingerbreadths in length.
• Esophagitis: an inflammation of the esophagus. Reflux esophagitis is a chronic, pathologic, potentially life-threatening disease associated with the backward flow of the stomach and duodenal contents into the esophagus. Erosive esophagitis is principally characterized by heartburn and regurgitation, and may be associated with other diseases such as hiatal hernia.
• Gastric Ulcers: an open sore that occurs in the stomach and affects the gastrointestinal lining; it may produce a constant pain felt soon after eating a meal.
• Gastroenteritis: an acute inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines; characterized by anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weakness. Often caused by bacterial food poisoning.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux: a backward or return flow of the stomach and duodenal contents into the esophagus, which may sometimes occur normally, particularly in the distended stomach postprandially, or as a chronic pathological condition; also called esophageal reflux or reflux.
• GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease; a backward or return flow of the stomach and duodenal contents into the esophagus; also called esophageal reflux disease.
• Heartburn: a sensation of warmth or burning behind the breastbone, occurring in waves and tending to rise upward toward the neck. This common ailment occurs when stomach acid washes back up into the esophagus. Since the esophagus has no protective mucosal layer, as does the stomach, this acid causes pain that generates just behind the breastbone and seems to come from the heart, hence the term “heartburn.” It may be accompanied by a reflux of fluid into the mouth. Also called pyrosis.
• LES: lower esophageal sphincter; a muscular valve in the lower part of the esophagus.
• Pepsin: a general name for several enzymes of the gastric juice that catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins to form polypeptides.
• Peptic Ulcers: an ulceration of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, caused by the action of the acid gastric juice.
• Pylorus: the distal aperture of the stomach, through which the stomach contents are emptied into the duodenum.
• Reflux: a backward or return flow of the stomach and duodenal contents into the esophagus, which may sometimes occur normally, particularly in the distended stomach postprandially, or as a chronic pathological condition; also called gastroesophageal reflux.
• Ulcer: a local defect, or excavation, of the surface of an organ or tissue. Common causes include H pylori infection, smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, heredity, diet, anxiety or stress. (see peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers)