It all starts with the Gut

"All disease starts in the Gut" 

-Hippocrates

There has been a lot of news lately regarding gut bacteria and how it influences the body as well as the gut brain connection. As natural practitioners, we have always felt that we should always start with the gut. It is through the gut that we obtain the nutrients that give us energy and provide building blocks for not only the body itself but also all the enzymes, coenzymes, neurotransmitters and hormones. A large percentage of the neurotransmitters are produced in the gut. We have also seen that the bacteria in the gut has important effects on the body. 

What is the Gut and how does it work?

The Gut is known as the digestive tract. It consists of a long tube and the organs of the liver and pancreas (later pamphlets). The tube extends from the mouth to the anus and changes in shape and structure along the length of the tube. Each part of the digestive tract has a different function. The main overall function of the digestive tract is digestion and absorption of nutrients. The food or liquid is taken in the mouth. In the mouth, the food is mixed with saliva and is broken up by the teeth. The digestion and some absorption starts here.
The food is then swallowed down the oesophagus and enters the stomach. The function of this organ is digestion especially proteins and first line immune defense. From here the food now knows as chyme is emptied into the small intestine. In the small intestine, 90% of the digestion and absorption occurs here with the help of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and the small intestine. The balance of the digestion and absorption occurs in the stomach and the large intestine.
Food is not only broken down by the enzyme and chemical actions but also the physical action of teeth, stomach, and small intestine.
The large intestine is responsible for the absorption of water and is the main site of gut flora.

Gut Microbiome

This is the micro flora that lives in the gut. They play a role in physiology, digestion, immune system and detoxification. It is dynamic and influenced by age, diet, travel, illness, therapies and hormonal cycles. This microbiome is responsible for the development of the immune system, vitamin synthesis, behavior, defending the body against infections and digestion of polysaccharides.When the microbes are out of balance, diseases occur.

About 90% of the serotonin used in the body is made in the digestive tract. This production seems to depend on microbes to make it. A lack of this serotonin has been found with IBS, depression, and anxiety. Certain microbes in the gut have been shown to increase the GABA receptors in the brain. This is associated with the "feel good" mood. This means that there is a very important connection between the gut and the brain.

Digestive Diseases

Here are a few digestive diseases and symptoms:

• Acid Reflux
• GORD
• Appendicitis
• Barrett's Oesophagus
• Coeliac disease
• Crohn's Disease
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Diverticulitis
• Gallstones
• Bloating
• Hemorrhoids
• Indigestion (Dyspepsia)
• IBS
• Peptic Ulcers
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Gastroenteritis
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Diet, Supplements and Herbs for the Gut

Diet

Fiber (slippery elm, Psyllium), Water, Probiotic foods, Bone broths, Bitter foods, Yogurt, Kefir, Saur kraut, Kimchi

Supplements

Glutamine, pectin, aloe vera, Probiotics, Prebiotics, Partially Hydrolyzed Guar gum (PHGG), HCl, Digestive Enzymes

Herbs

Bitters (Gentian and Ginger), Ginger, Chamomile, Peppermint, Turmeric (Curcuma), Fennel, Slippery Elm, Marshmallow, Fenugreek, Globe artichoke, Liquorice, St Mary's thistle, Aloe vera, Dandelion, Meadowsweet, Wormwood, Oak bark, Golden seal, Pomegranate, Calendula, Garlic, Angelica, Cascara, Senna, Rhubarb, cramp bark, Plantago