DIGESTION RULES # 3
by Janelle Klein, MSN, ARNP
Looking for simple ways to help your body refuel? The last several articles traced the beginning processes of digestion, arriving now in the stomach!
The stomach secretes strong acids and enzymes which break down the varied foods it receives. Fat, carbohydrate and protein, all together in one spot, get reduced to tiny little particles. Muscles banding the stomach assist by churning the food and digestive juices.
But a potential problem can occur in the stomach. Why doesn't the stomach wall, made from protein very similar to what most people eat, get digested as well?
Fortunately, this problem was brilliantly solved by lining the stomach with a layer of mucous producing cells. The mucous slows the movement of stomach juices toward the protein rich stomach wall. The lining also releases a strong alkali (base) which neutralizes the acids which contact the stomach wall. In addition the cells lining the stomach are replaced every 2-4 days. These mechanisms are just a few of the protective mechanisms which prevent the stomach from digesting itself.
However, if something malfunctions in this well designed processing plant, the stomach wall can be damaged. This may cause transient discomfort for some but for others it can progress into a life threatening condition.
Here are a few things you can do to help your stomach work optimally:
1) Drink one or two eight ounce glasses of water about 30 minutes before you eat. This hydrates the stomach lining. Dehydration results in a thin protective layer. A well hydrated lining is thicker and better able to protect the stomach wall while secreting and holding the strong acids and enzymes needed to break down your food.
2) Try to drink fluids at least 20 minutes before or one and a half to two hours after your meals. Fluid before a meal is a good practice but excessive fluid at mealtime dilutes the digestive juices and prolongs digestion time.
3) Avoid unnecessary use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen and indomethacin. These medications can directly damage the stomach wall as well as reduce the amount of alkali produced to neutralize the stomachs strong acids[1].
4) Avoid alcoholic beverages. Research shows 10-30% of alcohol is absorbed through the stomach lining[2] directly irritating the stomach tissues. In small amounts, alcohol increases the secretion of acid and digestive enzymes. It also slows the emptying of the stomach.[3] This combination artificially increases both the amount and time the stomach is exposed to potentially harmful stomach secretions.
In the next article, Digestion Rules #4, I will discuss the amazing concepts involved with the exit of food from the stomach and continue looking at ways to help our digestive process run smoothly.
1 http://physrev.physiology.org/content/88/4/1547.long Retrieved February 18, 2013
2 Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 273:G951-G957, 1997.
3 http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh21-1/76.pdf Retrieved February 18, 2013
[1] http://physrev.physiology.org/content/88/4/1547.long Retrieved February 18, 2013
[2] Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 273:G951-G957, 1997.
[3] http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh21-1/76.pdf Retrieved February 18, 2013