Digestive Anatomy and Functions Quiz
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Questions and Answers

A ______ steak can spend up to 6 or more hours

meaty

Very ______ vegetables and legumes can take considerable time.

fibrous

Stomach -> ______ the interference with the messages to the brain.

offset

______ >> transport the different types of nutrients into the bloodstream.

<p>Villi</p> Signup and view all the answers

It is here within the ______ that 90 per cent of digestion and absorption of nutrients take place.

<p>small intestine</p> Signup and view all the answers

The now ______ arrives into the jejunum, ready for the absorption of the remaining glucose and some vitamins.

<p>liquid</p> Signup and view all the answers

The stomach has a resident ______.

<p>housekeeper</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ produces the bile and secretes it into the small intestine during digestion.

<p>liver</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ is the storehouse and recycling unit, which can be used again.

<p>gallbladder</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ also secretes sodium bicarbonate, and neutralise the acid from the stomach.

<p>pancreas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Through the next 1 to 1 ½ metres approximately, it will encounter the greatest ______ of the body, called microbiome.

<p>ecosystem</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sections of the ______ are made up of the cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and the rectum, wrapped securely around the exterior of the small intestine.

<p>large intestine</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ eat fibres and sugar.

<p>probiotics</p> Signup and view all the answers

The walls are lined with ______, which acts as a protective layer to prevent harmful bacteria from being reabsorbed into the body.

<p>mucous</p> Signup and view all the answers

Another by-product of the fermentation process is ______.

<p>gas</p> Signup and view all the answers

The impact of our thoughts on what we eat has an in-depth physiological effect on the whole ______ system process.

<p>digestive</p> Signup and view all the answers

Saliva contains the enzyme amylase, which begins the conversion of ______ into simple sugars.

<p>carbohydrates</p> Signup and view all the answers

The digestive hormone ______ communicates hunger to the brain.

<p>ghrelin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Taking time to eat allows the ______ message to reach the brain, indicating satiety.

<p>leptin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mechanical reactions in the stomach break down food into a ______ form.

<p>liquefied</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fats, proteins, and fibrous foods are the ______ to be processed in the digestive system.

<p>slowest</p> Signup and view all the answers

Continuous overeating can cause the signals from ______ to the brain to become unheard.

<p>leptin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chewing food until it becomes ______ in the mouth affects the duration of digestion.

<p>liquefied</p> Signup and view all the answers

Diarrhoea occurs when liquid is not reabsorbed back into the body, leading to a quick exit strategy due to too much ______.

<p>fibre</p> Signup and view all the answers

Between the ages of two to five years old, microbiota becomes stable and similar to that of an ______.

<p>adult</p> Signup and view all the answers

The microbiome in our bodies is influenced by various factors, including puberty, pregnancy, and ______.

<p>menopause</p> Signup and view all the answers

Good gut bacteria thrive on complex carbohydrates, particularly ______.

<p>fibre</p> Signup and view all the answers

A balanced ratio of 85 percent good bacteria to 15 percent bad bacteria is crucial for supporting overall ______.

<p>wellbeing</p> Signup and view all the answers

Up to 80 percent of the immune system lives within the ______.

<p>gut</p> Signup and view all the answers

Inflammation is the body's natural response to ______ itself.

<p>heal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chronic inflammation is often a precursor to ______.

<p>disease</p> Signup and view all the answers

Antibiotics can wipe out the entire colony of both good and bad bacteria, necessitating time to ______.

<p>repopulate</p> Signup and view all the answers

Leaky gut occurs when there are small ______ in the gut lining.

<p>holes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Stress and anxiety can alter the diversity of gut ______.

<p>microbiota</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fermented foods act as a natural ______ for gut health.

<p>probiotic</p> Signup and view all the answers

Good bacteria create a barrier of defense in the gut lining against the 'outside' environment, aiding in ______.

<p>protection</p> Signup and view all the answers

Processed foods and additives can lead to a state of perpetual ______.

<p>inflammation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fermented foods contain beneficial __________ which improve digestibility.

<p>enzymes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Phytic acid can inhibit the absorption of ________ such as iron, zinc, and calcium.

<p>minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

Bone broth is rich in __________, which supports gut health.

<p>collagen</p> Signup and view all the answers

Soaking or __________ legumes can deactivate phytic acid.

<p>fermenting</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consuming raw fermented foods may do more harm than good for those with gut __________.

<p>issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fermented foods can enhance the growth of good __________ in the gut.

<p>bacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

Natto and __________ like kefir contain probiotics that support gut health.

<p>kombucha</p> Signup and view all the answers

Plant-based diets require careful preparation to ensure full __________ of nutrients.

<p>absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

The immune system benefits greatly from the consumption of __________ broth.

<p>bone</p> Signup and view all the answers

Many __________ have protective properties against chronic diseases.

<p>antioxidants</p> Signup and view all the answers

The study of how microbiota affects our brain is called ______.

<p>psychobiotics</p> Signup and view all the answers

The two-lane communications highway between the gut and the brain is known as the ______ nerve.

<p>vagus</p> Signup and view all the answers

Serotonin and dopamine are examples of ______ that are produced in the gut.

<p>neurotransmitters</p> Signup and view all the answers

Over 90 percent of ______ is produced in the gut.

<p>serotonin</p> Signup and view all the answers

The amino acid ______ is essential for the synthesis of serotonin.

<p>tryptophan</p> Signup and view all the answers

A diet lacking in ______ can negatively impact neurotransmitter production.

<p>vitamins</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dopamine is responsible for focus, concentration, reward, and feelings of ______.

<p>pleasure</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chronic stress can raise ______ levels, which negatively impacts the digestive system.

<p>cortisol</p> Signup and view all the answers

Eating foods rich in ______ can help keep dopamine levels balanced.

<p>antioxidants</p> Signup and view all the answers

Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are examples of ______ that can assist in reducing inflammation.

<p>spices</p> Signup and view all the answers

A diet rich in ______ is beneficial for transforming the gut microbiome.

<p>nutritious whole foods</p> Signup and view all the answers

Too much ______ can interfere with the production of neurotransmitters.

<p>coffee</p> Signup and view all the answers

The power of maintaining a balance of good gut bacteria is critical for ______ and mood.

<p>health</p> Signup and view all the answers

Eating complex ______ can help raise serotonin levels more quickly.

<p>carbohydrates</p> Signup and view all the answers

The gut can shut down due to a change in ______, leading to constipation.

<p>peristalsis</p> Signup and view all the answers

A deficiency in ______ can damage the lining of intestinal walls.

<p>zinc</p> Signup and view all the answers

Eating ______ herbs and plants can benefit the digestive process.

<p>bitter</p> Signup and view all the answers

Consuming apple cider vinegar can help control ______ levels after eating.

<p>blood sugar</p> Signup and view all the answers

Prebiotics serve as the primary food source for ______.

<p>probiotics</p> Signup and view all the answers

High fiber foods such as onions and ______ are considered prebiotics.

<p>bananas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Probiotic supplements can help restore good bacteria after a course of ______.

<p>antibiotics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chronic stress can result in a depletion of vitamins and ______ in the body.

<p>minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

_______ is considered a symptom of an altered state of gut bacteria.

<p>Leaky gut syndrome</p> Signup and view all the answers

______ is a digestive aid that activates digestive juices when consumed before meals.

<p>Bitters</p> Signup and view all the answers

A change in gut environment due to stress can lead to both ______ and diarrhea.

<p>constipation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Magnesium, zinc, and ______ are among the first nutrients to deplete during stress.

<p>iron</p> Signup and view all the answers

Foods containing probiotics are best obtained from ______ foods.

<p>fermented</p> Signup and view all the answers

An imbalance of gut bacteria can lead to symptoms like cramping, gas, and ______ pain.

<p>abdominal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hydrochloric acid is released from the lining of the ______ to aid digestion.

<p>stomach</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Role of the Tongue

The tongue influences digestion by affecting taste and emotional responses to food.

Function of Salivary Glands

Salivary glands produce saliva which contains enzymes like amylase for carbohydrate breakdown and lingual lipase for fat breakdown.

Importance of Chewing

Chewing food well aids digestion by liquefying it, facilitating easier breakdown in the stomach.

Stomach's Role in Digestion

The stomach breaks down food into a liquefied form, and separates proteins into amino acids and fats into fatty acids.

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Digestive Hormones: Ghrelin and Leptin

Ghrelin signals hunger while leptin signals satiety; these hormones communicate with the brain about food intake.

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Effects of Overeating

Continual overeating dulls the brain's response to leptin, leading to ignored fullness signals and potential overconsumption.

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Speed of Digestion

Different foods break down at different speeds; fats and proteins take longer to process than simple carbohydrates.

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Benefits of Eating High-Fiber Foods

Consuming more fibrous foods extends digestion time and allows better body response to hunger signals.

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Small Intestine

The organ where 90% of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.

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Villi

Tiny finger-like projections in the small intestine that absorb nutrients.

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Duodenum

The first section of the small intestine, starting digestion.

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Jejunum

The middle part of the small intestine where most nutrients are absorbed.

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Ileum

The last section of the small intestine, absorbing fats and vitamins.

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MMC

Migrating Motor Complex; cleans the digestive tract when empty.

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Liver

Organ that produces bile for digestion.

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Gallbladder

Stores and recycles bile produced by the liver.

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Pancreas

Organ that secretes enzymes to further digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

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Microbiome

The ecosystem of bacteria in the large intestine.

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Probiotics

Beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion.

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Vitamin K

Produced by fermentation in the colon; important for blood clotting.

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Constipation

Difficulty passing stool due to long transit time in the colon.

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Fiber

Indigestible part of vegetables and fruits that aids digestion.

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Hydration

Maintaining fluid balance crucial for digestion.

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Diarrhoea

A condition where liquid waste exits the body too quickly without enough absorption.

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Gut bacteria's role

They help digest undigested food and create essential nutrients.

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Fibre's importance

A nutrient that feeds gut bacteria and aids their growth.

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Leaky Gut

A condition where the gut lining has small holes, allowing harmful substances into the bloodstream.

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Gut and Immune System

A large part of the immune system resides in the gut, balancing bacteria.

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Plant-based Foods

Foods rich in fibre that nourish gut bacteria and support health.

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Fermented Foods

Natural probiotics that support gut health through good bacteria.

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Chronic Inflammation

A low-level ongoing inflammation that can lead to various diseases.

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Signs of Inflammation

Heat, pain, redness, and swelling at an injury site.

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Processed Foods

Foods that may contribute to inflammation due to additives and sugars.

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Good vs Bad Bacteria

A balance of 85% good bacteria and 15% bad is ideal for gut health.

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Impact of Age on Microbiota

Microbiota stabilizes by age five but changes during puberty and menopause.

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Stress and Microbiota

Chronic stress can negatively alter gut microbiota diversity.

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Healing Gut Lining

The gut lining can recover from damage through smart food choices.

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Gut shutdown

A state where the gut's peristalsis slows down, leading to constipation.

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Peristalsis

Wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract.

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Chronic stress effects

Long-term stress can impair nutrient absorption and digestive health.

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Nutrient depletion

Reduction of essential vitamins and minerals due to stress.

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Cortisol and serotonin

Cortisol (stress hormone) raises, causing serotonin (happiness hormone) to lower.

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Leaky gut syndrome

Condition where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, causing health issues.

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Zinc

An essential mineral needed for enzyme production and gut health.

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Bitters

Herbs that stimulate digestive processes when eaten before meals.

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Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

A liquid that enhances digestion and nutrient absorption when diluted in water.

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Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, causing digestive issues.

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Low FODMAP diet

A dietary plan that helps manage symptoms of IBS and gut disorders.

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Probiotic supplements

Products designed to restore good bacteria in the gut, especially after antibiotics.

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Hydrochloric acid in stomach

Acid produced for digestion, crucial for breaking down food.

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Fermentation Process

Converts sugars and starches into lactic acid via bacteria and yeast, preserving food and enhancing nutrients.

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Benefits of Fermented Foods

Includes probiotics that support gut health, improve nutrient absorption, and provide beneficial enzymes.

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Phytic Acid

Found in legumes, grains, and nuts, it inhibits nutrient absorption but also acts as an antioxidant.

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Effects of Soaking Grains

Soaking grains and legumes deactivates phytic acid, increasing the bioavailability of minerals like iron and zinc.

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Bone Broth Benefits

Offers amino acids, minerals, gelatin, and collagen, which enhance gut health and overall digestion.

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Gut Health and Fermented Foods

Fermented foods improve gut bacteria but can worsen issues like SIBO or Candida if gut is compromised.

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Omega 3 Fatty Acids Production

Fermentation increases nutrient value including Omega 3 fatty acids, important for health.

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Digestive Enzymes

Fermented foods contain enzymes that pre-digest food, aiding in nutrient absorption even when cooked.

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Moderation of Phytic Acid

Meat-eaters need less concern about phytic acid due to diverse nutrient intake from their diet.

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Plant-Based Broths

Homemade plant-based broths are beneficial, similar to bone broth, offering nutrients for gut health.

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Anti-inflammatory drugs

Medications that reduce inflammation but do not address underlying issues.

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Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)

The connection between gut health and brain function, affecting mood and cognition.

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Psychobiotics

Probiotics that impact mental health by influencing gut microbiota.

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Vagus nerve

Nerve that connects the brain to the gut, facilitating communication between them.

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Serotonin

A neurotransmitter regulating mood, emotions, and digestion, often called the 'feel-good hormone'.

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Dopamine

A neurotransmitter that influences motivation, pleasure, and reward mechanisms in the brain.

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Vitamin B12

A vitamin crucial for serotonin synthesis; deficiency can hinder mood regulation.

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Tryptophan

An amino acid that synthesizes serotonin, found in various foods.

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Foods to reduce inflammation

Whole foods like vegetables, fish, and herbs that promote health and lessen inflammation.

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Chronic stress

Long-term stress that negatively impacts mental and physical health, especially digestion.

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Omega-3 fatty acids

Essential fats that help fight inflammation and support brain health, often found in fish.

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Gut microbiota

The community of microorganisms living in the gut that influence digestion and mental health.

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Neurotransmitter production

The process through which chemicals affecting mood and function are made, often depending on nutrition.

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Cortisol

A stress hormone that can negatively affect serotonin and overall health when elevated.

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Gut health

The state of the digestive system which significantly affects overall health and well-being.

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Study Notes

Digestion: Where It All Begins

  • Tongue: Thoughts and emotions significantly impact digestion. Enjoyable food leads to better digestive processes.

  • Salivary Glands: Saliva lubricates the mouth and contains amylase (carbohydrate breakdown) and lingual lipase (fat breakdown). Chewing thoroughly liquefies food, improving digestion time.

  • Stomach: The stomach stretches, affecting brain signals (ghrelin: hunger, leptin: satiety). Food takes 20 minutes for leptin to signal the brain. Overeating interferes with these signals. Mechanical and chemical reactions in the stomach liquefy food and break down proteins and fats. Different foods take varying digestion times: fats, proteins, and fibrous foods are slowest. Eating slowly avoids overstretching the stomach and interference with brain signals.

  • Small Intestine: Most digestion and nutrient absorption (90%) occurs here. The process starts in the duodenum, absorbing most nutrients. The jejunum absorbs glucose and some vitamins. The ileum absorbs amino acids, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins. The migrating motor complex (MMC) cleans out undigested material when the gut is empty. Snacking disrupts the MMC. Carbohydrates are absorbed quickly, potentially beneficial for intermittent fasting.

  • Liver & Gallbladder: The liver produces bile for fat digestion. The gallbladder stores and recycles bile.

  • Pancreas: The pancreas secretes enzymes (amylase, lipase, proteases) for digesting carbs, fats, and proteins, as well as sodium bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid.

  • Large Intestine: The microbiome (bacteria) is housed here, fermenting fibre and sugars to create short-chain fatty acids, vitamin K, and B vitamins (biotin). Gas production is normal and should be released. Digestion takes 12-42hrs, depending on individual.

  • Constipation: Causes include IBS, SIBO, dehydration, enzyme/magnesium deficiency, gallbladder removal, stress, inflammation, allergies, and emotional factors. Treatment approaches include fibre-rich foods, increased water intake, exercise, relaxation techniques, and probiotics.

  • Diarrhoea: Results from insufficient liquid reabsorption, excessive fibre, allergies, anxiety, or harmful substances

  • Microbiota:

    • Microbiome stabilizes by age 2-5, and becomes largely unique to an individual.
    • Changes occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
    • Microbiota thrives on fibre (complex carbs)
    • Long-term diet significantly affects microbial diversity and composition
    • Influences digestion, metabolism, hunger, mood, sleep, mental health, immune system, and more.
    • Factors that disrupt microbiota: antibiotics, medications, environmental chemicals, food choices, water, lifestyle, stress, lack of exercise, processed foods, antibiotics in livestock, travel

  • Leaky Gut: Compromised gut lining allows undigested food particles, bacteria, and toxins to enter the bloodstream.

    • Good bacteria create a defensive barrier in the lining.
    • Healing of the gut lining can occur through diet

  • Gut & Immune System: ~80% of the immune system is in the gut. A healthy ratio of good to bad bacteria is essential for overall well being. The gut microbiome educates the immune system to distinguish beneficial microbes from pathogens. Supporting gut microbes: plant-based fibre, fermented foods, minimizing high-sugar/bad-fat foods, using antibiotics carefully.

  • Inflammation: The body's natural response to injury or infection, marked by heat, pain, redness, and swelling. A crucial part of healing.

  • Chronic Inflammation: Can be caused by processed foods, refined sugars, omega-6 oils, chemicals, stress, lack of sleep, negative thoughts, allergies and more. A long term inflammatory situation triggers diseases. Treatment is to address the cause – rather than suppress symptoms. Anti-inflammatory foods include vegetables, fruits, fish, and fermented foods. Spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic can help reduce inflammation.

  • Gut-Brain Axis (GBA): The gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve. Stress and anxiety affect digestion, whilst worry or negative self-talk a!ects the gut. The microbiota influences mood and brain function. Feeding a healthy microbiome = better mood.

  • Neurotransmitters (NTs): The gut produces twice as many neurotransmitters as the brain. Serotonin and dopamine are key examples produced in the gut that affect mood, motivation. Nutrition influences neurotransmitter levels. Low levels result in lethargy. High levels result in negative mental effects. Factors that impact NT levels: vitamin/mineral deficiencies, too much caffeine/alcohol.

  • Serotonin: The "feel-good" hormone, produced from tryptophan. B vitamins (especially B6 and B12) are essential for tryptophan conversion. High-tryptophan foods: poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, bananas, almonds, oats, legumes. Carbohydrates increase serotonin levels.

  • Dopamine: "Motivational" hormone, essential for focus and pleasure. Produced from tyrosine. High-tyrosine foods: meat, dairy, almonds, sesame seeds, avocados. Antioxidants protect dopamine levels. Impacted by lack of sleep, stress, and excessive sugar/caffeine.

  • Stress & Digestion: Chronic stress impacts the gut by altering the gut environment, reducing serotonin and immune defenses, and interfering with inflammatory mediators. Stomach can shut down or speed up movement, leading to constipation or diarrhea. Gut lining can change, affecting nutrient absorption and causing nutrient deficiencies. Stress increases nutrient requirements, leading to depletion. Chronic stress significantly alters the gut microbiome and leads to other health problems.

  • Natural Digestive Aids:

    • Zinc: Crucial for enzyme production, stomach acid release, and intestinal wall health. Deficiency can impair absorption.
    • Bitters: Stimulate digestive juices (saliva, bile, enzymes) – best consumed before meals. Good sources include dandelion greens, endive, mustard greens.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Stimulates stomach acid for better digestion and absorption. May help control blood sugar and recolonize good bacteria.

  • Prebiotics & Probiotics:

    • Prebiotics: Fibre sources that feed probiotics. High-prebiotic foods such as onions, leeks, garlic, bananas, berries, oatmeal, legumes, cruciferous vegetables.
    • Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria; found naturally in fermented foods or as supplements.

  • Fermented Foods: Microorganisms convert foods into lactic acid, a preservative. Improves nutrient availability; Avoid in cases of compromised gut.

  • Phytic Acid: Inhibits mineral absorption (iron, zinc, calcium). Soaking, fermenting, or sprouting reduces phytic acid and improves mineral bioavailability.

  • Bone Broth: Contains essential nutrients that support gut health, digestion, and overall well-being. Consider for everyday use. Include plant-based broths too.

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Test your knowledge on the human digestive system with this engaging quiz. It covers various components of digestion, including organs, functions, and nutrient absorption. Perfect for biology students or anyone interested in understanding how our bodies process food.

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