The Treatment of Digestive Disorders with Complementary Medicine - PowerPoint Presentation

1. The Treatment of Digestive Disorders with Complementary Medicine Althea Northage-Orr,AHG,L.Ac

2. The Four Essential Aspects of Gastro Intestinal Health:1. Digestion2. Elimination3. Microflora Balance4. Gut Integrity

3. How the GI works – an Overview The Upper GI: mouth, esophagus, stomachThe Small IntestineThe Large Intestine

4. The MouthBegins mastication, the mechanical breakdown of foodMust have the digestive enzyme amylase,(chemical digestion) which begins carbohydrate breakdownPoor chewing, insufficient amylase or saliva impairs the creation of the bolus which is delivered to the stomach

5. Problems of the MouthGood bacteria are insufficient, bad bacteria overgrowth existPoor teeth impairs the chewing, or chewing is not thorough enough – which can “insult” the esophagus or cause slow emptying of the stomach with GERDGERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder) causes burning of the Upper GI

6. Esophageal ProblemsGERD from slow emptying of the stomach causes chronic inflammation: Barrett’s syndromeEsophageal cancerEsophageal stricturesRegurgitationEsophageal diverticulitis/osis

7. The StomachThe stomach is highly acidic, and takes the bolus of food and breaks it down using chemical digestionImportant enzymes Hydrochloric acid is essentialThe stomach should efficiently empty in 1 ½ to 3 hours

8. Problems of the StomachHypo or Hyper acidityHiatal herniasUlcerations caused by medications, OTC’s or slow digestionUlcerations caused by infections such as CIBO, H Pylori or other viral or bacterial agents

9. The Small Intestine and PancreasThe major organ of nutrient absorption, especially of proteins and fatsBile is essential for digesting fatsThere are important enzymes secreted in the SI and from the pancreasThe PH is much more alkaline compared to the Stomach

10. The Large Intestine and EliminationOnce primary digestion is completed in the Small Intestine, the Large Intestine extracts minerals, removes water and excretes fecal matterPoor peristalsis (the rhythmic movements of the muscular gut wall) causes slow transit, with accompanying fermentation, gas, impaction and toxic compounds

11. The Gut BiomeBacteria are a part of our evolution, and they are in many cases critical to our survivalThey help us to adapt to new environments because they can change their structures rapidlyThe help us to digest many foods that we could not otherwise ingest

12. The Gut Biome (continued)While we have bacteria throughout our digestive tract, the vast majority is in the Large IntestineThe Small Intestine only has about 50 million bacteria per teaspoon of contentsThe bacteria in the Large Intestine (Microbiota) are about 10,000 times the amount in the Small Intestine

13. What the Microbiota doesIt digests dietary fiberIt combats harmful invaders or overgrowths of bacteria such as e coli, H Pylori, Candida albicansMore than a 1000 different species inhabit the healthy gutHungry bacteria feed on the mucus layer of the Gut

14. The Microbiome and the Immune SystemThe Immune system in the Gut and the Microbiota are in constant conversation a bout what is harmful versus what is safeThe information learned can be passed on to the systemic Immune System via migration of immune cells into the bloodstreamThe Gut Immune System is a sentinel

15. The Gut and the Immune SystemThe Microbiota controls the sensitivity or responsiveness of the Immune SystemImbalances can cause hyperactivity of the Immune System ie Auto-Immune diseaseLack of diversity means lack of balance; different bacteria specialize in dealing with different aspects of the Gut

16. The Gut and the Immune SystemWe need small frequent exposures to bacteria to keep our Immune System on its toesIncreased over-santization has been linked to rises in Auto-ImmunityWe need the daily education of our immune systems caused by interaction with a wide variety of microbes

17. The Gut-Brain AxisThe enteric nervous system is the body’s second brainThe gut and brain are linked by a huge network of neurons and a “highway of chemicals and hormones” that connects our feelings and sensations – this controls the GI“Gut feelings” are very real

18. The Enteric Nervous System and the MicrobiotaThe Central Nervous System via the Autonomic Nervous System (the involuntary system) controls the gut transit time, acid secretions and mucus liningThe HPA axis also control digestion via hormonesThese interactions impact the microbiota

19. The Microbiota talks backBacteria influence our perceptions, memory and behaviorGut microbes influence nuerotransmitters such as serotonin“Bad microbes” such as Lyme (Borellia spp) can hijack the brainThe presence of bacteria may shape behavior to favor or harm evolution

20. Our Endangered Biome – Problems that plague usBirth by caesarian sectionNot BreastfeedingOveruse of antibiotics which kill our bacteria Poor diversity in the gut - monoculturesAseptic environmentsModern Agricultural practices

21. The Endangered Biome (continued) Poor diet: low fiber, lack of probiotic foods, insufficent diversity in foodsToxins, medicines, inappropriate use of essential oils etc.

22. Assembling our MicrobiotaWe get our Microbiota from our Mothers, and it impacts are health in much the same way as geneticsThe unborn have no Microbiota, the process of vaginal birth ensures an inoculation with maternal bacteriaSkin to skin contact and breast milk help to enrich the Microbiome

23. The Neonate- virgin territoryBabies also lack a full mucous layer; but they have oxygen still in their immature gutEarly colonizing bacteria consume the oxygen, preparing the gut for anaerobic bacteria that will be lifelong inhabitantsMany of microbes passed during vaginal birth are Lactobacillus, a benign “helper”

24. The Neonate (continued)Neonates born by Caesarean section have less favorable bacteria, and possibly some bad hospital bacteria as their initial colonizersBabies born vaginally reflect their Mother’s microbiota in a way C-section babies don’tVaginal swabs can help to remedy this

25. Eat your “peck of dirt”Overly sanitized conditions limit healthy microbial balanceWe all need exposure to dirt, animals and a wide variety of microbesAntibacterial soaps and cleansers also limit healthy exposures

26. Dietary Causes of ProblemsToo many processed foods“Tainted” foods from our food industry such as grain-fed/confined animals, pesticide laced vegetables, glycophosphates etc.Wrong balance of foods - the USDA pyramid is upside down.high carbohydrate and high sugar dietsdiets that are too coldlow protein levelsLow fiberFood allergies, sensitivities and intolerance

27. Standard American Diet (SAD)Processed foods, besides all the additives and lack of nutrition, have few Microbe Accessible Carbohydrates to feed the GutLack of fiber= microbes eating the mucus layerHigh sugar foods and simple carbs create inflammation of the gut wall

28. SAD continuedSugars also feed many non beneficial, pro-inflammatory bacteria; eg Candida albicans, Borellia spp etcInflammation from sugars and or foods to which the person is sensitive cause leaky gut syndrome, a weakness of the gut wall in which microbes and foreign proteins get into the bloodstream

29. SAD continuedThe American diet is deficient in bitters, contributing to hypoacidity of the stomach, especially in the elderlyThe American diet has few fermented foods, a rich ongoing source of probiotics and prebioticsPrebiotics boost immunity and pro-biotics are a food source for Microbiota

30. The Upside Down Pyramid“Paleo-diets” vs High Carbohydrate/low fat DietsOur ancestors ate moderate protein, high fat (when they could get it) and had very little access to carbohydrates. The carbs they had were complex; sugar was mostly fructose (except for honey) and was limited and very seasonal.

31. The Upside Down Pyramid(continued)Grains were extremely limited, and low in glutenOur modern food pyramid limits healthy fats, elevates grains and simple carbohydrates and demonizes animal protein sources.Modern food pyramid diets are very skewed in the Omega 6/Omega3 ratio

32. SAD continuedLow protein = low amino acids. Our brains can’t functionLow fat = poor brain function, poor cellular repair and bad jointsHigh Omega 6 (nuts, seeds, grains and vegetable oils other than Olive) = Inflammation

33. Tainted FoodsModern big scale agriculture has degraded food quality with chemical farmingGlycophosphates and GMOs, hidden poisons in our gutModern large scale animal husbandry has made sick animals with high Omega 6 content, antibiotics that kill our Biome

34. You Are What You Eat(and what eats you)Multiple assaults on the Biome make for heightened allergic responsesAllergic responses degrade the gut wall, and drive hyper immunityLack of Diversity in the Biome leads to lack of responsiveness and intelligence in out GutMany mood disorders also result

35. Ways to support the Gut BiomeTake stable Probiotics; they shouldn’t have to be refrigerated if they are made wellVary your probiotics: Soil-based, dairy based, Saccharomyces boulardii.Good companies: Researched Nutritionals, Carlson’s, Klaire Labs, Ortho-Molecular, Jarrow

36. Ways to support the Gut BiomeEat a wide variety of fermented (pickled) foods: Sauerkraut, Kimchee, Pickles, Yogurt (live culture), Kefir (live cultures)If you can get them, eat prebiotics; inulin containing foods for instance – pickled elecampane or burdock rootGet outside, garden, pet animals, stop over sanitizing your home

37. Supporting the BiomeReally avoid antibiotics unless at “Death’s Door”; if you have chronic stuff like sinusitis or UTI’s ask your doctor for a bacterial-static med rather than a bacterial-cidal one.Eat plenty of MACS (microbe accessible carbohydrates) in a wide variety

38. HERBS FOR THE GIAnti-Inflammatory herbs: Wild YamCranesbillMarshmallowMeadowsweetSlippery ElmMintsGingerTumeric

39. AntispasmodicsGingerWild YamBlack CohoshBlack Haw or CrampbarkJamaican DogwoodLobeliaCatnipWild Lettuce

40. NervinesChamomileMugwortSkullcapCatnipLemonbalm

41. AstringentsMeadowsweetCranesbillRaspberry leafBlackberry rootLady’s MantleComfreyElecampaneThymeWhite Willow

42. Styptics and For BleedingCranesbillLady’s MantleShepherd’s purseTien Qi (Psuedo Ginseng)Cinnamon

43. Anti-microbialThymeOreganoGarlicCalendulaComfreyChamomileGoldenseal Oregon Grape RootGrapefruit seed Extract

44. Mouth WoesCanker sores, tooth decay and gum disease; “Stomach fire” and Kidney Yin deficiency leading to Heart fireThe two fluids of the mouth: Saliva and Spittle. Saliva is a fluid of the GI; Spittle protects the teeth and is a Yin fluidStomach Fire is a condition of overheat in the mouth, characterized by bad breath

45. Mouth Woes continuedbleeding gums and redness in the center of the tongue.A Formula for Stomach Fire: (gargle)Goldenseal, Bloodroot, Myhrr and Calendula Internal remedies for Stomach fire include: Calendula, Meadowsweet, Wild Yam

46. Mouth Woes continuedAn excellent commercial remedy for GERD associated mouth, esophageal and stomach problems is Eclectic’s Bastyr BFor toothache Spilanthes acmella both topically and internally is helpful; Clove oil topically is also usefulFor poor salivation Spilanthes is excellent

47. Esophageal ProblemsGenerally esophageal issues are caused either by long standing GERD (Gatroesophageal reflux Disease) or by poor masticationChewing long and well is essential.Also helpful is mucilaginous teas such as Marshmallow, Licorice etc.See GERD below

48. Althea’s Tummy TeaWild YamMeadowsweetCatnipChamomileMarshmallowFlavoring agent: Anise Hyssop or some mint

49. Differentiating Hypo-acidity and Hyper-acidity Hyper-acidity Symptoms: Pain lessens after eating Empty stomach feels hollow There may be sensations of ravenous hunger Spices and bitters worsen the condition Can be improved by bland foods

50. Differentiating Hypo-acidity and Hyper-acidity Hypo-acidity Symptoms: Pain is worse immediately after eating Stomach feels heavy/ full Discomfort/ fullness lasts for an hour or more Bitters or fermented products improve condition

51. Hypo-acidityBitters will help, or Betaine HCL, sometimes Digestive enzymesTypically transit time is slow and there is heaviness, gas and bloatingPPI’s (Proton Pump Inhibitors that suppress acid) never really help

52. Hyper-AcidityThere is generally an infectious or nervous system component, and the individual is prone to Gastritis or ulcersFood in the stomach (which soaks up acid) if given in small and frequent amounts makes them feel betterThe stomach burns when emptyMucilaginous herbs are very helpful

53. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Stomach GERD caused by:1. Hyperacidity Generally useful herbs are: - Meadowsweet - Cranesbill - Slippery elm - Marshmallow - Licorice - Bastyr B (marshmallow, wild indigo, geranium, goldenseal, slippery elm, ginger, okra with niacinamide and duodenum powder)

54. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Stomach2. Hypoacidity Generally useful herbs are bitters such as: - wormwood - gentian - dandelion - pancreatic enzymes - Betaine HCL - dark greens

55. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Stomach3. Poor/slow stomach emptying treat as for hypoacidity, and also use fennel, ginger, peppermint, chamomile 4. Esophageal Spasm Treat GERD as appropriate, and add anti-spasmodics such as crampbark, black haw, low dose lobelia, skullcap, chamomile, catnip AND demulcents such as slippery elm and marshmallow root.

56. GastritisGastritis can have multiple causes, and manifest as severe pain/and or nausea in the stomachOften Gastritis is caused by infections such as H Pylori, C Diff or Cibo. But it can also be a result of psychological stressGiven that we often don’t know,

57. Gastritis ContinuedAnti-microbials are often useful, especially if combined with stomach based herbs that are nervine (Skullcap, Chamomile etc)Avoid the use of internal essential oils! Often they cause gastritis! Eg Oregano oil.A great commercial formula is Microbinate by Researched Nutritionals or Intestinol by Orthomolecular

58. Gastritis continuedResearched Nutritional’s MicrobinateExcellent Herbs would be: Calendula, Marshmallow root, Wild Yam, Echinacea, Goldenseal, Oregon Grape RootBe sure to have Mucilaginous rich herbs to heal the stomach lining.

59. Gstritis continued 5. Ulcers A. Differentiate whether a case of hyperacidity or hypoacidity applies B. H. pylori and other infections - useful herbs include: calendula, thyme, echinacea, goldenseal, burdock, licorice - Tummy Tea and Bastyr B - Saccharomyces boulardii

60. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Small Intestine 6. Small Intestine Problems Symptoms: 1-1/2 - 3 hours after eating nausea, bloating, discomfort Impaired nutrient uptake Bleeding, wasting Often unable to process fats

61. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Small Intestine Treatment: Stimulate bile production with bitters, lemon juice Use betaine HCL Useful herbs are: wild yam, cranesbill, dandelion, agrimony

62. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Small Intestine7. Crohn’s Disease - inflammation/ulceration of small intestine A. Crohn’s vs. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) B. Causes of Crohn’s/IBS 1. food sensitivities/autoimmune 2. leaky gut syndrome 3. liver/spleen disharmonies 4. Gut Biome Imbalance

63. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Small Intestine C. Protocol 1. remove irritant foods 2. recolonize, rebuild the gut with pro biotics and prebiotics, Microbiome Diet 3. limit inflammation and rebuild - Baical skullcap, comfrey, cranesbill, turmeric, propolis, wild yam, ginger, enteric peppermint, goldenseal, calendula, InflammaCORE by Ortho 4. re-establish healthy bowel movements

64. Microbiome BooksThe Good Gut by Justin SonnenbergThe Microbiome Diet : Six Weeks to Lose Weight and to Improve Gut Health by Danielle CapilinoThe MICROBIOME DIET : THE Scientifically Proven Way to Restore Your Gut HEALTH by Richard Kellman

65. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Small Intestine 5. resolve liver/spleen - wild yam, dandelion, agrimony, Oregon grape root 6. for bleeding - lady’s mantle, white oak, pseudoginseng (Tien Qi), cranesbill, shepherd’s purse 7. anti-spasmodics - black haw, low dose lobelia, wild yam, catnip

66. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Large Intestine8. Poor Elimination- Constipation 1. Is it damp, mucousy, heavy? -elecampane, cranesbill, fiber, dandelion - Triphala formula: Organic Chebulic Myrobalan Fruit,Organic Belleric Myrobalan Fruit, Organic Amla Fruit 2. Is it dry, hard? - licorice, yellow dock syrup, he shou wu

67. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Large Intestine3. Is colon sluggish and lazy? - Lower Bowel Tonic (Ginger, Lobelia, Cascara Sagrada, Raspbery Leaf, Barberry Root, Rhubarb Root, Goldenseal) - Spleen Qi Tonics - Astragalus, Dandelion, Elecampane, Panax Ginseng, Low dose cascara Sagrada4. For constrained Qi (thin stools, cramping) use anti-spasmodics like: -black haw or crampbark, low dose lobelia, catnip and wild yam

68. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Continued Hyper-motility and Diarrhea Causes: Infection Impaired ability to absorb fluids Inflammation

69. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Continued Symptoms of infection: Cramping, pain and urgency Maybe strong smell Burning and possibly bleeding Sensations of heat

70. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Continued Treatment: Use anti-microbials such as: -Goldenseal, Use astringents such as: - Cranesbill, blackberry root, oak, white willow, etc… Use anti-spasmodics such as: -Lobelia, black haw, wild yam, etc… The Brat diet; bananas, rice, apple sauce, tea

71. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Continued Deficiency based hyper-motility Symptoms: Overall poor digestion Odorless, watery or loose stool No pain, maybe urgency but without cramping No other symptoms of infection

72. The Stages of Impaired Digestion- Continued Treatment- Tonify Digestion and increase digestive warmth Suggested Herbs: Spleen Qi tonics -Astragalus, ginger, elecampane Warming Astringents -Cinnamon, cardamon, thyme, elecampane