Page 18 - Summer2018

I’ve yet to see hydrogen ions (H+) and chloride ions (Cl-) reflexes that culminate in the increased produc-

proof of how into the lumen (cavity) of the stomach, making tion of gastric juices. The presence of partially
hydrochloric acid (HCl), a very strong acid that digested protein, combined with a rising pH
the stomach, helps to liquefy the ingested food and begin (created by protein in the meal entering the
whose job it the digestion of protein. It does the latter by stomach and binding up free H+) trigger the
is to produce creating the strong acid environment needed to gastrin-secreting enteroendocrine cells found
convert inactive pepsinogen into the powerful in the gastric mucosa. Gastrin then stimulates
acid for protein-digesting enzyme pepsin. (The chief the release of enzymes (pepsinogen) and the
digestion, cells have primary responsibility for production production of hydrochloric acid. Interestingly,
suddenly of pepsinogen.) Protein digestion, therefore, is anything that triggers the “fight or flight” sym-
initiated in the stomach and is essentially the pathetic response—including emotional upset,
and without only type of enzymatic digestion that occurs fear or anxiety—will inhibit gastrin produc-

warning there. Hydrochloric acid plays a critical role tion, thereby halting or slowing digestion in
4
begins in maintaining the stomach’s pH between 1.8 the stomach.
and 3.5, which not only enables the first phase
The third and final phase, known as the in-
producing of digestion to occur efficiently, but also helps testinal phase, is characterized primarily by the
“too much.” kill any bacteria we are exposed to through the inhibitory effects set in motion when partially
oral route. Parietal cells also produce intrinsic digested food begins to enter the duodenum (the
factor, a carrier protein responsible for ensuring first section of the small intestine connected to
that vitamin B12 is picked up and carried to the the stomach). As the intestine begins to distend
small intestine, where it is absorbed. with chyme (the liquefied food produced by the
Generally, three distinct stimuli regulate stomach), this triggers the enterogastric reflex,
gastric secretions. Although the three vary in the result of which is inhibitory to the stomach’s
mechanism and location, all three target the production of gastric juices. Furthermore, the
stomach either to stimulate or inhibit gastric intestinal distention triggers the release of intes-
secretory activity. The first is the cephalic re- tinal hormones collectively called the enterogas-
flex/phase, whereby the mere smell, taste, sight terones—made up of secretin, cholecystokinin
or thought of food triggers neural reflexes (via (CCK), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and
input from the olfactory nerve, optic nerve, gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP)—all of which
taste, etc.) to the hypothalamus (a portion of further inhibit gastric secretion. 4
the brain whose most important function is to
link the nervous system to the endocrine system ALLOPATHIC TREATMENT CASCADE
via the pituitary gland). The hypothalamus then Western allopathic medicine blames GERD
relays these “digestive” signals to the medulla, on two theories that are, in my opinion, flawed
causing motor impulses to be transmitted via and outdated—the main one being the produc-
the vagus nerve (the fifth cranial nerve) to the tion of too much stomach acid. Interestingly, I’ve
4
parasympathetic (stimulatory) enteric ganglia. yet to see proof of how the stomach, whose job
This creates a stimulatory effect on the glands it is to produce acid for digestion, suddenly and
in the stomach and, therefore, an increase in without warning begins producing “too much.”
gastrin and hydrochloric acid production. The second faulty theory states that certain
The second stimulus, known as the gastric foods can “relax” the LES, thereby allowing
phase, is characterized by food entering the stomach contents to enter the esophagus. Top
stomach and initiating local neural and hor- on the list of apparent offenders are tomatoes,
monal mechanisms. This phase is responsible citrus fruits, garlic, onions, “deadly” animal
for the bulk of gastric juices stimulation. The fats, coffee or other caffeinated products, alco-
two most important factors here are the stretch- hol and peppermint. Smoking also is considered
ing of the stomach wall as food enters and the a contributor to GERD. Aside from three items
rising pH created by the food. Stretch receptors on that list (alcohol, caffeinated beverages and
in the wall of the stomach are triggered as the smoking), you’re going to be hard pressed to
stomach fills with food. These receptors initiate convince me that the blame for GERD’s rise

16 Wise Traditions SUMMER 2018