Nutrition and Digestion Basics
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Our ______ course has been written for you to explore the life-changing value of becoming your own personal Nutritionist for you and your family or choosing to become a professional one.

Nutrition

The ______ lubricates the mouth and releases the first of the digestive enzymes called amylase, to begin the conversion of carbohydrates into simple sugars.

saliva

Saliva also contains the enzyme ______ to begin breaking down fats.

lingual

The digestive hormone, ______, communicates hunger, and leptin communicates satiety to the brain.

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

The ______ message usually takes around 20 minutes to reach the brain, so taking time to eat and chew well allows the body to respond accordingly.

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

______ reaction breaks down particles of food into a liquefied form.

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

The ______ reaction activates the release of break down food at the same time.

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

Fats, proteins, and ______ foods are the slowest to be processed, whereas simple carbohydrates that are low in fibre will be processed at a much faster rate.

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

Diarrhea is caused by the liquid not having enough time to be reabsorbed back into the ______, causing the running substance to make for a very quick exit strategy.

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

Microbiota becomes stable and similar to that of an adult between the ages of ______ to five years old.

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

The gut microbiome educates the ______ system via communication networks within the cells.

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

Leaky gut syndrome occurs when small holes appear in the lining of the ______ intestinal wall.

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

Good bacteria will create a barrier of defense in the ______ lining between its ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ environment.

<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 known as a precursor for ______.

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

Refined sugars, foods, and soft drinks containing them are instigators of a perpetual ______ state.

<p>pro-inflammatory</p> Signup and view all the answers

The foods we eat, the water we drink, and the ______ we breathe all influence our gut microbiota.

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

They digest the food particles the small intestine has not been able to and uses it to create vitamins, hormones, nutrients, and other ______.

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

They maintain the integral ______ of the gut, preventing 'leaky gut syndrome'.

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

They produce hormones that govern ______.

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

They can influence ______ sugar levels.

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

They affect our mental ______.

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

They help prevent overall ______ and inflammatory bowel disease.

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

A ______ steak can spend up to 6 or more hours digesting, but very fibrous vegetables and legumes can take considerable time.

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

The ______ is the storehouse and recycling unit for bile.

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

The ______ secretes digestive enzymes to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

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

The ______ is the largest ecosystem in the body, containing a vast population of bacteria.

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

The ______ is a muscular housekeeper in the stomach and small intestine.

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

The ______ is the first part of the large intestine, where beneficial bacteria are added.

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

The ______ colon is the final section of the large intestine, where fecal matter is stored before elimination.

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

The ______ of the digestive process from mouth to anus takes anywhere from 8 to 72 hours.

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

Constipation can be caused by a deficiency in ______ or magnesium.

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

______ foods, such as vegetables and fruits, can help relieve constipation.

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

A person's negative self-talk, thoughts and feelings, along with ______ choices, can contribute to inflammation.

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

Anti-inflammatory drugs can provide temporary relief, but they don't address the ______ cause of inflammation.

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

Psyllium is a ______ that can help with constipation when mixed with water.

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

Stress can contribute to ______, making it harder to pass stool.

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

Leafy greens, a variety of whole foods from the plant world, and ______ fish are excellent anti-inflammatory foods.

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

Turmeric, ginger, garlic, and ______ are all potent anti-inflammatory herbs and spices.

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

Probiotics are ______ bacteria found in certain foods and supplements.

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

Changing your sitting ______ on the toilet can assist with easier bowel movements.

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

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

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

The ______ helps neutralize the acid from the stomach.

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

The vagus nerve acts as a two-way communication highway between the ______ and the brain.

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

Stressful thoughts and anxiety can be sent from the brain to the ______ via the vagus nerve.

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

Maintaining a balance of good gut bacteria is crucial for influencing mood, brain activity, and ______ function.

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

The gut contains twice as many ______ as the brain does.

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

Over 90 percent of serotonin and 50 percent of ______ are produced in the gut.

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

Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid ______, but adequate B vitamins are necessary for this process to occur.

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

Dopamine is our motivational hormone responsible for focus, concentration, reward, pleasure, and feelings of ______.

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

The practice of fermenting foods converts bacteria, yeast, sugars, starch, and other microorganisms into ______ acid, which is a natural preservative that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.

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

Dopamine is synthesized from the amino acid ______, which is found in meat, dairy, almonds, and avocados.

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

This lacto-fermentation process also increases the nutrient value by creating Omega 3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and ______ enzymes, which improve digestibility and absorption of nutrients into the body.

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

If you or a client have gut issues, like SIBO, Candida, yeast, or ______ overgrowth, adding fermented foods can do more harm than good, because it feeds good and bad bacteria as well as the yeast.

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

Chronic stress can raise ______ levels, leading to increased inflammation and reduced serotonin levels.

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

Stress can alter the environment of the ______, potentially leading to digestive issues.

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

Legumes, grains and nuts contain within them, phytic acid, also known as phytates ______.

<p>IP(6)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In us, it inhibits our body from absorbing the nutrition locked inside of it. However, phytic acid in and of itself is a powerful ______ with potentially beneficial properties.

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

The practice of soaking, fermenting, or sprouting legumes, grains, and nuts, deactivates the phytic acid, which binds to the minerals, iron, and zinc, and to the lesser degree, calcium, preventing their full ______.

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

The paragraph hints at a balance between ______ and elimination based on individual dietary needs and constitution.

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

Bone broth is one of the most beneficial ways to repair and improve the ______.

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

It contains essential amino acids, minerals, gelatin, collagen, and glutamine, which support overall digestion, intestinal functioning, and the mucosal ______.

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

The ______ system benefits greatly from it, so consider it as something to include daily.

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

The ______ can literally shut down as blood flow causes a change in peristalsis, which can lead to constipation and interference with the natural detoxification process in the body.

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

Alternatively, the body rushes everything through, ending in ______.

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

The ______ of the gut lining can alter, where a decrease in enzymes takes place, and the ability for the body to absorb nutrients becomes compromised.

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

A state of chronic stress can lead to serious depletion of ______ because although great attention may have been paid to eating nutritious food, the consequences of continually not being able to break down and absorb nutrients on a daily basis can lead to real health issues.

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

Stress also increases the body’s requirement of ______, so it depletes stores of vitamins and minerals, with magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, chromium, vitamins A, C, E and B’s being the first to go.

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

______-soluble vitamins C and B’s that don’t have storage in the body will be snapped up after eating, directing them away from optimal use.

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

Prolonged or chronic stress alters the state of our ______ bacteria and digestive process, which can lead to a disposition for leaky gut syndrome, inflammation, infections, sleep deprivation, disturbed concentration and memory, auto-immune responses, skin issues, indirect weight gain, food cravings, alcohol and caffeine cravings, and a shift in mood.

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

Stress will raise ______ level leading to low the level of serotonin, which will trigger many health problems.

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

Besides that, stress also change the environment of ______ and result in constipation, diarrhoea, weak absorption, leafy gut, increase in requirement of nutrients, depletion of nutrients, not being able to store nutrients so that insufficient nutrients in body lead to many health issues.

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

______ is needed for the production of enzymes to digest food and for hydrochloric acid to be released from the lining of the stomach.

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

A deficiency in ______ can damage the lining of intestinal walls, ultimately affecting the absorption of nutrients.

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

The body doesn’t have a natural storage system for ______, plus it declines as we age.

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

The benefit of eating ______ herbs and plants before, as is, or with a meal, benefit the digestive process, but the most significant benefit happens when they are enjoyed before the main meal.

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

For instance, if you ever enjoyed a radicchio, witloof and endive salad with a dressing of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, you have had ______.

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

Bitters activate a signal via the vagus nerve to stimulate digestive juices, increasing the secretions of saliva, bile, and digestive enzymes for the breaking down of food, absorption of ______, and elimination of waste.

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

Another option is asking the herbalist for a gentle ______ (herbal tonic) of bitter herbs to have before a meal.

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

Drinking a glass of ACV diluted in water before a meal stimulates stomach acid for better digestion and absorption of ______.

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

It helps control blood sugar levels after eating due to the presence of acetic acid in the vinegar, which will delay the breakdown of starch and complex sugars into the ______.

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

In other studies, it has been seen to help recolonise good bacteria and act as an ______.

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

Prebiotics are the primary food source for ______.

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

They come from ______ foods.

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

Without prebiotics, probiotics don’t ______.

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

Prebiotic high fibre foods are: * Onions, leeks, garlic.* Bananas, berries.* Oatmeal.* Legumes.* Cruciferous vegetables: cauliflower, broccoli and ______ sprouts.

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

If a person has a gut disorder or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the fermentation process can begin in the small intestine, causing bacterial overgrowth, which can result in cramping, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, and ______.

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

This is referred to as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). If this is the case, fermented and prebiotic foods will be an irritant, and therefore, under the guidance of a professional, a low FODMAP diet can be trialled to see if it’s ______.

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

Different species, like the commonly known lactobacillus, bifidobacterium, and acidophilus, also have multiple ______ of themselves.

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

Eating foods that contain our probiotics is the best solution, and foods that naturally contain them are specified in the fermented foods below. However, there are times when a probiotic ______ can be instrumental in the restoration and protection process.

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

What matters is being aware that it’s not a ‘one-option-fits-all’ situation. We all have our own unique ecosystem of bacteria, everybody’s individual response to the same option will not produce the same ______.

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

Taking a course of probiotics can be helpful when we are repopulating good bacteria into the gut after a course of ______, which just wiped out the good bacteria with the bad.

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

Flashcards

Lacto-Fermentation

The process of fermenting foods that convert sugars and microorganisms into lactic acid.

Nutrient Benefits of Fermented Foods

Fermented foods increase Omega 3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and digestive enzymes aiding nutrition absorption.

Pre-Digested Foods

Fermented foods undergo enzyme action, making them easier to digest even when cooked.

Gut Issues & Fermented Foods

Fermented foods may worsen symptoms in those with gut issues, as they feed both good and bad bacteria.

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Phytic Acid

A compound in legumes, grains, and nuts that inhibits nutrient absorption but has antioxidant properties.

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Soaking & Fermenting

These processes deactivate phytic acid, enhancing mineral bioavailability in foods.

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Phytic Acid in Meat-Eaters

Meat-eaters may not need to worry about phytic acid blocking minerals as they have diverse nutrient sources.

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Bone Broth Benefits

Bone broth supports gut health with essential amino acids, minerals, and collagen.

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Daily Broth Consumption

Including bone broth daily helps maintain gut health and immune support.

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Plant-Based Broths

Homemade plant-based broths also provide nutritional benefits, supporting overall health.

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Diarrhoea

A rapid discharge of liquid waste due to insufficient reabsorption in the body.

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Microbiota stabilization age

Microbiota stabilizes and resembles adult composition between ages 2-5.

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Gut microbiome influences

Microbiota affects digestion, metabolism, immune system, and mental health.

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Leaky Gut

Compromised gut lining allowing toxins and food particles into the bloodstream.

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Immune system and gut

80% of the immune system resides in the gut, supported by healthy microbiota.

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Signs of inflammation

The four basic signs are heat, pain, redness, and swelling during healing.

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Chronic inflammation

Persistent low-level inflammation linked to various diseases and health issues.

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Healthy gut bacteria balance

Aiming for 85% good bacteria to maintain gut health and digestive harmony.

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Impact of antibiotics

Antibiotics can wipe out gut bacteria, altering microbiota composition.

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Role of fiber in gut health

Fiber feeds good gut bacteria and supports microbiota diversity.

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Microbiota and energy levels

Changes in microbiota during various life stages affect our energy and mood.

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Factors affecting microbiota

Stress, diet, age, and medications impact the diversity and composition of gut bacteria.

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Probiotics function

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria from fermented foods that enhance gut health.

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Gut and mental health

Gut microbiota produces neurotransmitters affecting mood and mental wellbeing.

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Healing the gut lining

A proper food plan can help repair damage to the gut lining over time.

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Role of the Tongue

The tongue influences the digestive system through taste, affecting emotions and digestion.

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Salivary Glands

Salivary glands produce saliva, which contains amylase to digest carbohydrates and lingual lipase for fats.

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Ghrelin

A hormone from the stomach that communicates hunger to the brain.

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Leptin

A hormone that signals the brain when the body is full, promoting satiety.

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Impact of Overeating

Overeating alters the brain's response to leptin, leading to unrecognized satiety signals.

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Mechanical Digestion

The physical breakdown of food into a liquefied form in the stomach.

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Chemical Digestion

The breakdown of food through enzymes, releasing nutrients during digestion.

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Digestion Time

Different foods break down at varying speeds; fats and proteins take longer than simple carbs.

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Small Intestine

The part of the digestive system where most digestion and nutrient absorption occurs.

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Villi

Tiny hair-like structures in the small intestine that aid nutrient absorption.

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MMC

Migrating motor complex; a pattern of electromechanical activity in fasting conditions.

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Liver

Organ that produces bile to help digest fats in the small intestine.

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Gallbladder

Stores bile produced by the liver until needed for fat digestion.

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Pancreas

Gland that secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to aid digestion.

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Large Intestine

Final part of the digestive system that absorbs water and prepares waste for excretion.

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Microbiome

The ecosystem of bacteria in the large intestine that aids digestion.

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Fermentation

Process by which probiotics break down food, producing useful by-products.

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Vitamin K

Vitamin produced in the large intestine, important for blood clotting.

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Biotin

A B vitamin produced in the colon, crucial for macronutrient metabolism.

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Constipation

Difficulty passing stools, often due to dehydration or digestive issues.

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Fiber

Indigestible part of plant foods that aids in digestion and prevents constipation.

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Psyllium

A natural fiber that helps relieve constipation when mixed with water.

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Probiotics

Beneficial bacteria that support gut health and aid digestion.

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Gut shut down

Blood flow changes can lead to constipation or diarrhea.

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Chronic stress effects

Prolonged stress depletes essential nutrients and affects digestion.

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Nutrient depletion

Chronic stress increases nutrient need while depleting them.

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Zinc's role

Zinc aids in enzyme production and hydrochloric acid release.

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Bitter herbs

Bitter plants stimulate digestive juices, improving digestion.

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Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

ACV helps digestion and controls blood sugar levels post-meal.

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Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Condition caused by bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

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Magnesium depletion

Stress can lead to a significant decrease in magnesium levels.

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Digestive enzyme production

Enzymes are needed to properly digest food, requiring zinc.

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Hydrochloric acid

Acid released to aid food digestion, linked to zinc levels.

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Fiber-rich foods

Foods high in fiber that support prebiotic functions include garlic and legumes.

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Fermented foods

Foods containing probiotics that promote gut health.

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Low FODMAP diet

Diet aimed at alleviating symptoms of gut disorders like IBS.

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Inflammation

A body's response to injury or infection, causing discomfort.

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Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)

The connection between the gut and brain affecting mood and digestion.

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Vagus Nerve

A nerve that conveys information between the gut and brain.

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Psychobiotics

Probiotics that beneficially affect mental health.

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Neurotransmitters (NT)

Chemicals that transmit nerve signals, influencing mood.

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Serotonin

A neurotransmitter linked to happiness and mood regulation.

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Dopamine

A neurotransmitter responsible for motivation and pleasure.

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Chronic Stress

Long-term stress affecting overall health and digestion.

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Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Foods that help reduce inflammation in the body.

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Tryptophan

An amino acid that helps produce serotonin.

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Tyrosine

An amino acid essential for dopamine production.

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B Vitamins

Vitamins essential for neurotransmitter synthesis.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Healthy fats that support brain health and reduce inflammation.

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Gut Health

The overall health of the gut microbiome, affecting mood and digestion.

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Study Notes

Digestion

  • Tongue: Thoughts, emotions, and perceived pleasure/discomfort from food significantly impact digestion. Ideally, people should be eating foods they enjoy.

  • Salivary Glands: Saliva lubricates the mouth and contains amylase (carbohydrate breakdown) and lingual lipase (fat breakdown). Chewing thoroughly before swallowing is crucial for digestion duration.

  • Stomach: Continuous stretching of the stomach disrupts brain signals related to hunger and fullness (ghrelin/leptin). Taking time to chew well allows the body to respond appropriately. Different foods break down at varying speeds (e.g., fats, proteins, and fiber are slow; simple carbs are fast). A meat-heavy dinner extends digestion time. Eating slowly benefits digestion.

  • Small Intestine: Ninety percent of nutrient digestion/absorption occurs here, starting in the duodenum, with progressively more absorption in the jejunum and ileum. The migrating motor complex (MMC) cleans the digestive tract after meals. Frequent snacking interferes with the MMC. Carbohydrates are absorbed quickly.

  • Liver & Gallbladder: The liver produces bile for fat digestion in the small intestine and the gallbladder stores/recycles bile.

  • Pancreas: The pancreas secretes enzymes (amylase, lipase, proteases) to further break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It also neutralises stomach acid.

  • Large Intestine: The large intestine, comprising various sections, houses the microbiome (bacteria). Probiotics consume fiber/sugars to produce short-chain fatty acids. The microbiome produces vitamin K and a group of B vitamins vital for protein breakdown and the synthesis of fat and carbs. Gas production is normal. Digestion time is approximately 12-42 hours from mouth to anus.

  • Constipation: Factors include irritable bowel syndrome, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, dehydration, enzyme/magnesium deficiency, gall bladder removal, stress, inflammation, allergies, and emotional factors. Remedies include fibrous foods, psyllium husk, water intake, exercise, stress reduction, probiotics, and adjusted sitting position.

  • Diarrhea: Diarrhea occurs when the body cannot absorb enough liquid, due to factors like excessive fiber, food allergies, stress, or the body identifying a harmful substance.

Microbiota

  • Diversity: The gut microbiome is diverse, evolving even during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. At least 1000 species reside, with approximately one third common and two thirds unique to each person.

  • Influence: Microbiota profoundly impacts many aspects of health: digestion, metabolism, weight management, hunger regulation, mood, mental health, sleep, immune function, and even the thyroid. Microbiota also influences the immune system, cancer, heart disease, obesity, type 1/2 diabetes, autism, food sensitivities, allergies, eczema, autoimmune diseases, depression, headaches, and more.

  • Interference: Antibiotics, medications, environmental toxins, processed foods, water quality, lifestyle choices, lack of exercise, stress, and travel affect microbiota composition.

Leaky Gut

  • Mechanism: Good bacteria create a protective barrier in the gut lining. If this barrier is compromised, small holes can develop, allowing undigested foods, bacteria, and toxins to enter the bloodstream.

Gut and Immune System

  • Connection: Up to 80% of the immune system resides in the gut. Maintaining a balance of good bacteria (85%) and bad bacteria (15%) is crucial for optimal digestion and overall health. Gut microbiota educates the immune system to recognize and respond to pathogens.

  • Nurturing Microbiota: To maintain a balanced immune system, prioritize fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, minimizing sugar/bad fats, and using antibiotics sparingly.

Inflammation

  • Healing Process: Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, involving heat, pain, redness, and swelling, to protect and ultimately heal the affected area.

Chronic Inflammation

  • Causes: Chronic inflammation, a precursor to disease, stems from processed foods, refined sugars, omega-6 oils, environmental toxins, stress, lack of sleep, negative thoughts/feelings, lifestyle choices, food allergies, overuse of alcohol, and more.

  • Management: Anti-inflammatory foods include a wide variety of vegetables/fruits, whole foods, oily fish, plant-based products, pre/probiotics, fermented foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural herbs/spices (e.g., turmeric, ginger).

Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)

  • Communication: The vagus nerve acts as a communications highway between the gut and brain, influencing emotions, digestion, and overall body responses. Balanced gut microbiota supports mood, brain function and cognitive abilities.

Neurotransmitters (NT)

  • Gut Production: The gut produces over 90% of serotonin and 50% of dopamine, vital brain chemicals.

  • Nutrient Dependence: NT production relies on adequate quantities of all macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbs) and vitamins/minerals.

Serotonin

  • Mood Modulation: Serotonin, the "feel-good" hormone, is influenced by tryptophan (found in protein sources) and B vitamins. Complex carbs can quickly raise serotonin levels.

Dopamine

  • Motivation and Focus: Dopamine, the "motivation" hormone, is influenced by tyrosine (e.g., meat, dairy). Antioxidants and good sleep/stress management support balanced levels.

Stress & Digestion

  • Impact: Chronic stress negatively alters gut microbiome, digestion, and neurotransmitter levels (e.g., increasing cortisol, and decreasing serotonin), causing digestive issues, nutrient absorption problems, and numerous health consequences.

Natural Digestive Aids

  • Zinc: Crucial for enzyme production and hydrochloric acid release in the stomach. Deficiency can hinder nutrient absorption.

  • Bitters: Bitter herbs/plants stimulate digestive juices, aiding in food breakdown and nutrient absorption, consumed before a meal.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Diluted ACV stimulates stomach acid, aids in nutrient absorption, and helps control blood sugar levels.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

  • Prebiotics: Prebiotics are fiber-rich foods that feed probiotics. Examples include onions, leeks, garlic, bananas, berries, oatmeal, legumes, and cruciferous veggies.

  • Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support the gut microbiome. Fermented foods are a primary source. Probiotic supplements may be helpful in situations where gut integrity is compromised, or for repopulating after antibiotics.

Fermented Foods

  • Benefits: Fermented foods increase nutrient value and improve digestion due to the lacto-fermentation process.

  • Cautions: Individuals with gut issues (SIBO, Candida) should avoid fermented foods until the gut is healed.

Phytic Acid

  • Impact: Phytic acid (phytates) in legumes, grains, nuts reduces mineral absorption in the body, but has protective benefits against certain diseases. Soaking, fermentation, or sprouting may deactivate the acid and improve nutrient availability.

Bone Broth

  • Benefits: Bone broth, rich in amino acids, minerals, and collagen, supports gut health, digestion, and overall well-being. Homemade broth is ideal.

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This quiz is designed to deepen your understanding of nutrition and digestion processes essential for personal health. From understanding enzymes in saliva to the digestive hormones affecting appetite and satiety, you'll explore key concepts that can enhance your nutritional knowledge for personal or professional growth.

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