Main Function
The functions of the digestive system are to change food into forms the body can use and to eliminate waste products.
How It Works
The digestive system consists of the tract leading from the mouth to the anus and its functions from start to finish. The upper digestive tract includes the mouth down to the stomach. The lower digestive track includes the small intestine through the anus. The better the upper tract functions, the easier the job is for the lower tract. The role of the upper tract is to prepare food to be utilized properly by the lower tract and the body. Common issues with the upper tract begin with improper levels of HCL or hydrochloric acid. The role of the lower tract is to absorb nutrients and water to prepare waste for elimination.
Cause of Weakness
Food choices, eating patterns, environment, dehydration, poor sleep, lifestyle, emotional strain and stress impact our digestive system.
Common Problems
If the microbiome (the good and bad bacteria in your digestive system) is not in balance, disorders such as leaky gut, inflammation, weight gain, autoimmune diseases, ulcers, parasites and systemic yeast/bacterial overgrowth occur. When these are left unchecked, they can impact other body systems impacting health in a variety of ways.
Common issues with the upper tract begin with improper eating and levels of HCL or hydrochloric acid. These can include heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, desire to eat when not hungry, sense of fullness after meals, bloating and flatulence, ulcers and parasites such as H-Pylori.
Common conditions affecting the lower tract include IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease) and Diverticulitis. IBD is a term that encompasses other disorders namely Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. The gut is the seat of all heath and is directly connected to other conditions such as heart disease, blood sugar imbalances, arthritis, cognitive decline, fatigue, sleep disturbances and more.