The Digestion Domino Effect

Understanding the Impact of Medications, Stress, Medical Conditions, and our Environment on the Digestive Process

Introduction

As we learned in part 1 of this series, our thoughts and how we eat impact our digestion. Next we’ll learn about some inputs that may be causing an unintended domino effect that could be impacting our digestion.

Medications

Medications can be a lifesaver for many people, but they can also have unintended consequences on our digestive system. For instance, certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers, commonly prescribed for acid reflux and heartburn, can reduce stomach acid levels, disrupting the digestive process. While these medications may offer short-term relief, they can lead to other issues and fail to address the root cause of the problem.

To make matters worse, decreased stomach acid levels can impair our ability to break down food and fight off harmful bacteria, potentially leading to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut.

Other medications such as opioids, smooth muscle relaxants, steroids, immunosuppressants, anticholinergics, and antibiotics can also disrupt the digestive process, further complicating matters.

Of course, for some, medication is needed and it is crucial to talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking, understand their potential side effects on digestion, and if possible, explore alternatives or strategies to mitigate their impact on your gut health.

Stress

Stress is an inevitable part of modern life, and it can take a toll on our digestive system. As we learned in part 1, the gut and brain are intricately connected and bidirectionally communicate with each other. Stress can disrupt the digestive process. Stress can affect the secretion of gastric juices, including stomach acid, digestive enzymes and slow down the movement of food through the gut, leading to symptoms such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Stress can also alter gut bacteria - talk about communication!

We may not have control over the stressors in our lives but how we respond to and manage stress is vital for overall health, including gut health.

Finding effective stress management techniques can help improve digestion. The key is to be proactive with consistency vs. reactive. It may require some experimentation to find what works best for you, but it is worth the effort for the sake of your digestive health and overall well-being. 

Medical Conditions and Digestive Health

Various medical conditions, ranging from traumatic brain injuries to thyroid disorders, can impact the digestive process. These conditions can disrupt the normal functioning of the gut, leading to symptoms such as slow transit time, impaired secretion of digestive enzymes, or difficulty absorbing nutrients.

If you are dealing with a medical condition that affects your digestive health, it is essential to work with a healthcare provider who has expertise in gut health to understand this interconnection. They can provide tailored recommendations and suggest digestive support products that may aid the digestive process while managing your medical condition.

The Impact of the Environment on Digestion

The environment we are exposed to on a daily basis, including non-food items that come into contact with our bodies, can also play a role in our digestive health.

For example, moldy environments can cause inflammation in the body and gut, while certain body care products like toothpaste, lotion, and makeup can contain toxins that can affect our digestion when absorbed through the skin or ingested.

Water, whether from the tap or bottled, may also contain chemicals and contaminants that can disrupt the GI tract. Even the containers we use, such as plastic water bottles, can leach microplastics and other harmful substances into our water and potentially impact our gut health. In addition, the food we consume, including those that are grown with herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, can also disrupt the GI tract and trigger intestinal permeability and food sensitivities.

Taking Steps to Support Digestive Health in the Environment

While it may not be possible to control all environmental factors, there are steps we can take to minimize the impact on our digestion.

• Choose organic foods from the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list

• Use the EWG Skin Deep database to replace personal care products with lower-toxin alternatives

• Try to grow our own fruits and vegetables at home, containers work great

• Shop at farmer's markets and learn about their growing practices

• Avoid reheating food in plastic containers in the microwave

• Use glass or stainless steel containers for drinking and storing food

• Check for mold in our homes or workplaces

• Filter our water when possible, hint buying bottled water is not the answer!

• Make your own toxin-free cleaning products from household ingredients like vinegar, essential oils, and baking soda

Making small changes can add up so do the best you can to reduce exposure to harmful substances and support a healthy environment for digestion.

Summary

While some of these things may be out of our control, it’s important to recognize the inputs each of us may have into our digestive health. Understanding these factors and working with a gut health provider (like me!) who can provide guidance on managing your gut health can go a long way in promoting optimal digestive health. If you’re ready to get started, you can learn more about my Start Up Package HERE. In part 3 we’ll dive into food and more into absorption - see you there!