Category Archives: Digestive System
Constipation refers to the infrequent passage of stool, where the norm is considered to be once per day. Constipation affects most people from time to time due to a temporary change of routine or diet; however, chronic constipation is a major problem affecting many people living on the modern urban diet and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Hypothyroidism, coeliac disease, diabetes, iron supplements, or pharmaceutical medication are other possible causes. Constipation is also a common complaint during pregnancy.
(more…)Candidiasis is an infection caused by the yeast (fungus) Candida albicans or other species. This particular organism is normally present on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy people, but only becomes a problem when conditions are conducive to its growth, the immune system is weakened or the integrity of the mucous membranes is compromised.
(more…)Rhubarb is an easily recognisable plant with large palmate leaves that stand on red stalks resembling celery. The fleshy root has tapering branches with a brown skin and yellow flesh. Turkish rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) is the principle species of rhubarb used in medicine, while common garden rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) is similar in laxative effect, only weaker.
(more…)Leaky gut is an inflammatory condition of the small intestines in which the mucosal barrier shows increased permeability. This inner surface, approximately 400 m², forms a selectively permeable membrane between the contents of the gut and the blood so that nutrients can pass through to the liver; however, increased permeability allows the absorption of undigested food particles, micro-organisms, and toxins (i.e. lipopolysaccharide) which trigger an immune reaction.
(more…)Ulcers occur in the stomach and the entrance to the small intestine, and indicate a breakdown in the local mucosal barrier defences. The stomach is a hollow muscular bag which mixes food with enzymes, acid and other secretions, before being metered out into the small intestine (duodenum). The stomach and lining of the duodenum are protected by a thick coat of mucus against the acid and enzymes which would otherwise burn and digest the tissues. Mucus contains salts, protective antibodies, mucins and anti-microbial enzymes.
(more…)Stomach acid, or gastric acid, is a fluid containing a mixture of hydrochloric acid, potassium chloride, and salt. The acid lowers the pH of the meal which sterilises it, and also activates pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down protein. Acid secretion also stimulates the pancreas and gall bladder. Secretions in the stomach and the rest of the digestive system are regulated by both hormonal and neural mechanisms.
(more…)Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GORD), or simply heartburn because of the familiar burning sensation experienced behind the sternum in the vicinity of the heart. This occurs following a meal or upon lying down sometime afterwards, and may make the sufferer think of a heart attack. Fortunately it is a common and insignificant symptom, simply due to the acidic contents of the stomach refluxing into the oesophagus.
(more…)One thing that annoys organic bakers is being asked if their bread contains gluten. It’s not that they are irritated by having to make special breads for customers who are unwell, but that many digestive problems with symptoms as diverse as bloating, abdominal pain and fatigue are all blamed on gluten, which is only one of the many possible causes.
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The most common health problem concerning milk is lactose intolerance. This problem is due to the poor absorption of the sugar in milk (lactose) and is not an allergy or food sensitivity. Symptoms such as colic, flatulence and bloating arise due to fermentation of the unabsorbed sugars. (more…)