Page 17 - 86 human physiology part-2

Chapter 12

obstruction is in the liver) or "extrahepatic" (outside the liver). It can lead to jaundice, and is identified
by the presence of elevated bilirubin level that is mainly conjugated.

Biliary colic

This is when a gallstone blocks either the common bile duct or the duct leading into it from the
gallbladder. This condition causes severe pain in the right upper abdomen and sometimes through to
the upper back. It is described by many doctors as the most severe pain in existence, between childbirth
and a heart attack. Other symptoms are nausea and vomiting and diarrhea, bleeding caused by continual
vomiting, and dehydration caused by the nausea and diarrhea. Another more serious complication is
total blockage of the bile duct which leads to jaundice, which if it is not corrected naturally or by
surgical procedure can be fatal as it causes liver damage. The only long term solution is the removal of
the gallbladder.

Gastrointestinal Dysfunctions

As we age, the amount of digestive enzymes produced by the body drops way down. This leads to
decreased and slower digestion, slower absorption of nutrients and increased accumulation of fecal
mater in the intestinal tract. Undigested food material and metabolic waste can also build up due to
slow elimination, starting of a series of health problems.

When digestion slows, it turns the intestines into a toxic environment. Helpful organisms cannot
live in toxic environments. When the beneficial organisms die they are replaced by harmful organisms,
such as yeasts and parasites, the most common being Candida albicans. This leads to changes in the
intestinal wall which produces leaky gut syndrome which allows many toxic chemicals to be introduced
into the blood stream. As a result the entire toxic load of the body is increased, which causes a bigger
burden on the liver, kidneys and other body organs. When this happens the organs that are normally
used for eliminating waste and supplying nutrients the GI tract becomes into a large dump for waste.
This problem is made worse by the use of junk food, prescriptions, over the counter medications,
antibiotics and a diet that is too low in fiber.

Most people never even think about their GI tract. We are all concerned about what the outside of
our body look like, but we completely ignore the inside. Because our bodies a very resilient.
deterioration of the digestive system can go on for years with no symptoms or side-effect. When
symptoms finally do appear they are usually very non-specific, they include: decreased energy,
headaches, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, and acid reflux. Over the years these symptoms become
more serious, they include: asthma, food allergies, arthritis, and cancer.

Poor digestion, poor absorption, and bacterial imbalance can be traced to a lot of chronic
conditions. Every organ in the body receives nutrients for the GI tract. I if the GI tract is
malfunctioning then the whole body suffers.

It is possible to return good health to your GI tract by improving digestion, consuming the right
amount of fiber, cutting out junk food and refined sugars.

You can improve the function of the intestines by taking fiber supplements and vitamins
(especially B12 and vitamin K). Some doctors suggest herbal or vitamin enema's to cleanse and relieve
constipation and to help stimulate peristaltic movement which will help to move the bowels.

232 | Human Physiology