Why Optimal Digestion is Essential for Vibrant Health.
When I ask new patients how their digestion is, their immediate response is often “oh it’s good”, without even missing a beat. While some people may have a absence of noticeable symptoms such as reflux, bloating, belching, pain, IBS, constipation or diarrhea, I can assure you most people these days do NOT have optimal digestion. Stress, aging and a host of other factors we will discuss briefly, can leave each of us with a sub-optimal functioning digestive system, setting us up for future dysfunction.
What is Optimal Digestion? Why is it So Important?
1) Ample Voltage/Qi in The Channel
When our digestive systems are working optimally we have ample beneficial voltage/Qi (energy) in the Spleen & Stomach circuit, as well as the Liver & Gallbladder circuit of the body. This voltage supports and nourishes not only the structures, but the function of digestion, ensuring that new healthy cells are regenerated as needed. Did you realize that stomach cells turn over and are regenerated approximately every 5 days? Only If they have the correct amount of Voltage/Qi in the circuit and the raw materials with which to make new cells.
The Main Things That Cause Deficiency or Drain Voltage/Qi in Any Circuit:
Thyroid Not functioning correctly
Scars and Tattoos- Especially if they occur along the path of the circuit. They can block the flow of electrons through the connective tissue. At Humanity Acupuncture we can usually correct the scars interference over the course of a few sessions
Toxins- These can be Heavy metals, Chemical, Microbial or Molds
Dental- Root canals and tooth extractions. Every acupuncture meridian passes through a specific tooth, and that tooth acts like a circuit breaker.
Emotions
Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance- Stuck in sympathetic overdrive (fight or flight)
Your thyroid, as well as your entire endocrine system, are a part of the Spleen/Stomach circuit. So you can now see why maintaining proper voltage in these channels goes a long way towards maintaining vitality and health.
2) The Importance of Ample, Strong Stomach Acid
Firstly. Strong stomach acid acts as a strong defense against unwanted intruders entering the body via the mouth. As we age age, our bodies naturally make less stomach acid. Stress also has a negative impact on healthy stomach acid.
Contrary to what you may have been told “Reflux” or GERD does not occur because you have too much stomach acid, rather you have too little stomach acid. In normal digestion, “when the healthy, strong stomach acid comes in contact with the duodenum, it sends a signal electrically to the sphincter at the top of the stomach telling it to close. Weak stomach acid does not send this signal and the stomach sphincter remains open. Stomach contents can then escape into the esophagus causing GERD and heartburn” (1)
Additionally, protein digestion begins in the stomach. Normal, healthy, strong stomach acid is needed to completely break down the proteins we consume into amino acids or building blocks. If weak stomach acid does not fully breakdown the proteins we consume, they leave the stomach undigested and get passed along into the small Intestine. Undigested proteins are never meant to leave the stomach and get into the bloodstream. Our body then recognizes the undigested proteins as intruders which can lead to allergies and possibly autoimmune issues.
Not only does weak stomach acid release undigested proteins into the body, it fails to fully extract the inorganic minerals your body needs to rebuild the tissues of your body. This goes back to what I was saying about voltage and the need for raw materials in order to build new healthy cells. To learn more about inorganic minerals read my blog post Building The Temple Through Biochemical Nutrition.
Can We Restore Strong Stomach Acid? Yes. Its not just a matter of taking HCI supplements though. In order to rebuild heathy stomach acid you need a few things: Voltage, Salt, Water, and Specific nutrients.
3) Digestive Enzymes
As we get older our body also makes less digestive enzymes. Supplementation with a high quality comprehensive digestive enzymes formula is essential.
If reflux, bloating, pain, IBS or some other digestive issue is keeping you from doing the things you love to do, or if your experiencing thyroid issues, don’t hesitate to call, email or book an appointment. I am here to help and I love helping people so they can get back to living!
Many Blessings,
Stephen Longo LAc. Dipl. Ac.
Humanity Acupuncture
Stony Brook, NY
631-686-4001
stephen@humanityacupuncture.com
www.humanityacupuncture.com
(1) Jeremy B. Steiner DAOM,MSc. Electro-Acupuncture Medicine. (2024, February 19). Home - Electro-Acupuncture Medicine. https://electro-acupuncturemedicine.com/