Digestion and Herb
The digestive system is stressed by depleted food, poor food combinations, water or drinks with meals, pollutants, additives, preservatives, improper chewing and poor mental attitude.
The seven symptoms of stomach problems:
1. heartburn
2. belching, bloating, gas
3. nausea
4. vomiting
5. pain high in the abdomen
6. loss of appetite
7. weight loss
The digestive system processes carbohydrates, proteins and fats for assimilation into the bloodstream. Carbohydrates begin to be digested in the mouth where they contact starch digesting enzymes in the saliva. The digestion of carbohydrates is completed in the small intestines where they are broken down to simple sugars after being broken down by pancreatic enzymes in the small intestines.
Proteins are broken down into amino acids as a result of hydrochloric acid (HCL) and pepsin in the stomach and pancreatic enzymes in the small intestines.
The digestion of fat does not begin until the small intestines, after having been mixed with bile salts from the liver and gallbladder. This chemical change makes fat water soluble so they can flow through the bloodstream.
DIGESTIVE AIDS:
Good Herbs:
DI-zyme
Ingredients: Amylase, Protease,
Lactase, Lipase, Cellulase, Malt Distase, Invertase, Papain, Bromelain.
Historical Dosage: One to three capsules at the beginning of meals
Targeted Usage: Digestive.
Everyday we see them. We see them in the newspapers and
magazines, on television and on Internet pop-up windows. What are they?
Advertisements for medications to treat various digestive disorders that have
just recently been dubbed "diseases" by our over-medicated society. Indigestion,
acid reflux, irritable bowel, chronic constipation, and other related disorders
have all earned their own individual tags and prescriptions. What is the deal?
Why is there a massive epidemic of digestive problems suddenly plaguing
society?
Put simply: We are NOT breaking down our food as we should! Dr.
Bernard Jensen used to say "death begins in the colon." While I believe this to
be all too true, I will take it one step further to say that death begins in the
gastrointestinal tract!
There are very simple substances in existence that can
circumvent many of these digestive disorders. What are they? ENZYMES!!! Enzymes
begin working on our food the minute we start to chew. Saliva is loaded with
ptyalin that starts breaking down simple sugars in our foods. Once swallowed,
peristalsis moves the food down to the stomach where it is churned into
something called chyme. Several enzymes, some secreted directly by the stomach
lining, are added here to break the food down further. The stomach is where the
digestion of protein occurs and some fats as well.
The food then travels to the small intestine where enzymes
supplied by the pancreas further digest proteins, carbs, and fats. Bile from the
liver is also added to help mobilize fats. All this is done in order for the
foods we eat to be broken down small enough for our bloodstream to absorb
miniscule particles and distribute them to our cells for energy production.
Pretty cool, huh?
But what if there is a monkey wrench thrown in somewhere? What
if one or two or more enzymes are not secreted, or not secreted in the right
amounts? Stress, poor dietary choices, enzyme-void foods, unhealthy stomach
linings, diseases, blockages, and other things can impact our ability to digest.
This then allows partially undigested foodstuff to enter the colon where the
bacteria try to work on it. This can produce gas, bloating, and discomfort.
Sometimes the undigested foodstuff can cause an imbalance in the good and bad
bacteria in the colon. Then the gas, bloating, and discomfort can be worsened
because of something called putrefaction (the actual rotting of the undigested
food in the gut). This would be similar to taking your supper and putting it in
a 98.6 degree cupboard and closing the door for anywhere from 24 to 36 hours.
What a stinky rotting mess!!!
Enzymatic supplementation can greatly improve these functions.
DI-zyme contains all the major enzymes needed to boost one’s digestive
capabilities! Protease is a rather popular enzyme as it goes to work on
proteins! It breaks proteins down in to small fragments called peptides and free
amino acids. Papain (from papaya) and bromelain (from pineapple) are two plant
sources of proteases that are often contained in meat tenderizers. They too are
included in DI-zyme. Incidentally, a deficiency of digestive enzymes can lead to
malnutrition. How many people do we see walking around everyday that look like
they have malnutrition potbellies? Perhaps they are not underfed, but have
deficient enzymes. Also, protease requires stomach acid in order to work
correctly. How many people do you know that are using medications to suppress
their stomach acid production?
Amylase is in DI-zyme as well. This enzyme breaks down starch.
It begins its action in the mouth and finishes its work in the intestine by
amylase secreted by the pancreas. Malt distase and invertase are two enzymes
that can finish the digestion of the sugars produced by the chemical action of
amylase on starches. They further break down sugars so they can be absorbed.
Lipase is secreted by the pancreas and breaks down fats. It
actually allows the large fat molecules to release essential fatty acids that
are then absorbed by the intestinal walls and then end up in the bloodstream via
the lymphatic system. Essential fatty acids are part of many functions including
hormone production. And not just reproductive hormones, but ALL hormones!
We can’t forget cellulase! Cellulase is the enzyme in DI-zyme
that breaks down cellulose. Cellulose is the fiber that constructs the cell
walls of vegetables, well actually all plants. This enzyme then allows us to use
more of the energy contained in plants! Humans do not produce cellulase
naturally, so an outside source is the only way to get it.
Lactase is the final ingredient of DI-zyme. This enzyme is
responsible for the breakdown of lactose, or milk sugar, into glucose and
fructose. Intestinal lactase levels are very high in humans during infancy all
the way up to age five or six when it steadily begins to decrease. Lactase
deficiency can be a result of intestinal diseases like giardiasis (infection of
bacterial giardia).
Clearly DI-zyme is a product that we all can benefit from.
Breaking down our foods more efficiently can lead to more satisfaction from
meals, less bloating, gas, discomfort, and possible prevention of paying for
costly medications that only treat the symptoms of poor digestion. DI-zyme can
be complemented by using bitter herbs (like Gentian, Golden Seal, Oregon Grape,
etc.) that stimulate the flow of bile.
-Lori Osterloh-Schlater
Naturopathic Consultant
Also from Good Herbs:
DI-2-M: Gentain, Papaya, Dandelion Root, Ginger
DI-2-TM: Gentain, Sweet Root, Dandelion Root, Ginger
DI: Gentain, Safflower, Juniper Berry, Ginger
HYDROCHLORIC ACID: Apple Cider Vinegar which contains Malic acid from apples. Lemon Juice (raw)
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES: Bromelain ( from pineapple), Papin ( from Papaya) and Comfrey Root. Probiotics
ALFALFA: excellent source of enzymes and organic sodium, alkalizes and detoxifies, assists in nutrient assimilation
PEPPERMINT: aids in the digestion by stimulating the salivary glands. Alleviates gas (colic) stomach cramps, heartburn, morning sickness and vomiting.
FENNEL: curbs appetite, dispels gas, good for excess stomach acid, dissolves fat
ELECAMPANE: specific for sugar diabetes as it contains natural insulin. cleans and restores the digestive system
DIGESTIVE TONIC: Gentian, Sweet Root, Dandelion Root, Ginger
2 parts Gentian, Sweet Root, Dandelion Root
1 part Ginger
distilled water, vodka or glycerine
Medicinal Use: Digestive aid and nutrient assimilant, gas, bloating, heartburn, digestive problems
Contains organic sodium for the stomach
Neutralizes acids in the system
use for hiatal hernia
acid reflux
Gentian: Digestion - Gentian contains a chemical (gentianine) that stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, lending some credence to its 3,000-year history as a digestive aid.
For three thousand years, Gentian has been used to treat digestive disorders. Its bitter qualities stimulate production of gastric juices and bile, helping to relieve dyspepsia, morning sickness, flatulence, indigestion and liver problems.
In both Chinese and Korean, the terms for Gentian can be translated literally as "dragon gallbladder herb," which attests to Gentian's ability to treat fiery inflammations of the gallbladder. In Chinese medicine, other species of Gentian have been used and have similar constituents. These are referred to as longdan, and they are used for jaundice, hepatitis, conjunctivitis, urinary tract infections, pruritis and eczema. During the Middle Ages, Gentian was commonly employed as an antidote to poison, and later, Father Kneipp, a nineteenth- century healer who was well known in Europe, strongly recommended the use of Gentian bitters in a little cordial made with Gentian extract to stop the discomfort of food that was felt to be heavy in the stomach and troublesome. Most people find the neutral taste of the capsules preferable to the extremely bitter taste of drinks made with Gentian bitters. Among Gentian's constituents are iridoids including 4% gentiopicrosides (gentiopicrin and amarogentin - main bitter principle) and swertiomarin, alkaloids (gentianine and gentialutine), xanthones (gentisein, gentisin, isogentisin, gentioside, trimethoxyxanthone), caffeic and sinapic acids, linalool, limonene, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamin C.
Beneficial Uses:
For indigestion, Gentian is one of the most useful of the bitter vegetable tonics. Taken thirty minutes before eating, it stimulates the digestive juices, increases pancreatic activity and the production of bile (good for the liver, gallbladder and stones), and boost the blood supply to the digestive tract and intestines. It is said to be excellent for preventing gas.
The strong bitter principle in Gentian is considered a sialagogue that increases saliva production. It is said that bitters stimulate the vagus nerve reflex (activated by bitter receptors at the back of the tongue) to secrete digestive juices.
Further supporting its beneficial effects on liver function, the increased bile produced by Gentianis thought to be particularly helpful in emulsifying and digesting fat and protein and easing liver malfunction and jaundice.
Gentian is said to strengthen the entire human system by increasing vascular circulation and stimulating the activities of many glands and organs by ensuring a healthy blood supply.
As an overall tonic, Gentian has been useful in treating those in a state of exhaustion from chronic disease or in cases of general debility. It stimulates the appetite, which is also thought to be useful in treating anorexia.
Another benefit attributed to Gentian is its mild ability to clean the bowel and effectively, slowly cleanse hardened morbid matter from the colon. As a milk laxative, it Promotes peristalsis (muscular contractions of the bowel ), thus encouraging movement of waste from the body. It is believed to prevent intestinal infection and help rebalance intestinal flora, which is helpful for preventing serious colorectal disease.
Herbalists have also used Gentian to help calm hysteria and decrease fever.
Gentian has been known expel worms and kill plasmodia (organisms that cause malaria) and is thought to be more effective than quinine.
Sweet Root: (Clamas root) Digests old material out of the intestines and helps to stop bloating. Use for stroke problems when speech is affected. Apply directly up nose for shock or coma. Use for nerve pain and depression
An erect-standing, yellow-flowered, water-loving plant has helped the most helpless of stomach and intestinal cases. Regular daily use of Calamas (traditionally known as Sweet Root) builds immunity (especially against the flu). Where sickness of known or unknown origin had reduced the body to skin and bones, and a person could not gain the weight lost back, Calamas has worked miracles. Its action is especially centered on normal function of the pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, liver, stomach, and intestinal tract. Calamas proves the old rule: If you can just get them digesting their food again (good food, not junk food), they can get well regardless of how hopeless it looks. Many people can no longer digest grains, especially wheat. They eat their wheat bread or pasta or cereal and then it eats them. The lining of the intestines is dissolved. They become allergic, experience diarrhea, and or terrible headaches and pains. Calamas corrects this. Calamas cleans and repairs the organs of digestion, correcting for too much or not enough stomach acid. Then a person starts absorbing minerals and vitamins - the stomach is the stomach once again. Tumors, cancers, and swellings disappear ( The pancreas, gallbladder, liver, and small intestine digest the proteins needed for repair and regaining of weight and strength.
Dandelion Root:
Dandelion is rich in mineral contents and is a survival food containing all the nutritive salts that are required for the body to purify blood. It is used to repair the stomach, heal ulcers and repair joints due to it's high organic sodium content. Dandelion root is well know for it's liver strengthening, water removing and detoxifying properties. The inulin content is up to 25% making it very helpful to the kidney and pancreas.
The root of the dandelion is a blood and kidney cleaner and tonic, as well as a diuretic. The root can also be used as a general cleansing stimulant for the liver. If the root is dried and roasted, it can be ground up and used as an alternative to coffee. Some say it is hard to tell the diference between real coffee and dandelion coffee. The leaves can be dried and combined with the dried root to make a bitter tea.
Dandelion tea is used for any malfunction of the liver. People with diabetes and hepatitis can find fresh dandelion leaves or dried root valuable to their diets.
The dandelion is also good for the bladder, spleen, pancreas, stomach and intestines. It is recommended for stressed-out, internally sluggish, and sedentary people. Just about anyone could benefit from having a daily cup of dandelion tea. If you are a victim of excessive fat, white flour, and concentrated sweeteners you could benefit from the tea.
Ginger: Stimulant, dispeptic ( settles upset stomach), carminative ( dispels gas), digestaid
Ginger has been used to aid digestion and treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea for more than 2,000 years. Since ancient times, ginger has also been used to help treat arthritis, colic, diarrhea, and heart conditions. In addition to these medicinal uses, ginger continues to be valued around the world as an important cooking spice and is believed to help the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and even painful menstrual periods.
Its traditional role in herbal medicine has been as a remedy for nausea, motion sickness, heartburn, vomiting, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite.
In women ginger increases the circulatory flow to the reproductive organs and removes obstruction.
