How Food Turns Into Poop: Digestive Process Explained
Initial Breakdown
- Chewing: Begins the process of food breakdown.
- Taste Buds: Send signals to the digestive tract about the food.
Stomach Function
- Top Valve: Keeps food in the stomach, preventing acid reflux or heartburn.
- Importance: Prevents acid from reaching the esophagus.
- Acid Reflux: Often a result of food backing up due to insufficient acid.
- Common Mistake: Using antacids which neutralize stomach acids, worsening the condition.
- Solution: Consuming diluted apple cider vinegar or supplements like Bane Chloride.
- Stomach Acid:
- pH should be between 1 and 3 (as strong as battery acid).
- Weakens with age, reducing mineral absorption and increasing bacterial growth in the intestine.
Small Intestine Digestion
- Enzymes: Essential for digesting proteins, carbs, and fats.
- Pancreatic Function: Releases substances to neutralize stomach acid.
- Leaky Gut:
- Caused by damaging foods like gluten, sugar, and seed oils.
- Results in undigested food particles leaking into the bloodstream.
Bile and Fat Digestion
- Bile Production: Made in the liver, stored in the gallbladder.
- Role: Breaks down fats using bile as a detergent.
- Aids in killing pathogens in the small intestine.
- Bile Salts:
- Deficiency leads to bloating, vision problems, gallstones.
- Tudka recommended for aiding bile function.
Large Intestine and Microbiome
- Microbial Function: Trillions of microbes aid in fiber digestion and fermentation.
- Results in production of fatty acids feeding colon cells.
- Contributes to 80% of the immune system and neurotransmitter production.
Poop
- Composition: Mostly water, with color from blood cell pigments.
- Odor: Caused by bacterial gases, varying with digestive health.
- Indicators: Consistency (constipation/diarrhea) linked to microbial health.
Microbial Health and Antibiotics
- Antibiotic Impact: Kills beneficial microbes, often not fully recovering.
- Glyphosate: Acts as an antibiotic, commonly found in non-organic grains.
- Solution: Eat organic and fermented foods for better microbial health.
Dietary Recommendations
- Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kimchi, and raw milk cheese improve gut health.
- Intermittent Fasting: Allows digestive system to cleanse itself.
- Smoothies: Potentially problematic for those with leaky gut due to high fiber.
Conclusion
- Impact of Food: 90% of chronic diseases link to diet.
- Medication: Often treats symptoms of poor dietary choices.
Note: These notes summarize important points on digestion and digestive health as discussed in the provided lecture transcript.