Lesson 3, Upper GI – The Stomach and Pancreas
Heal Your Gut with Lydia Shatney, NTP
Many dysfunctions in the body will resolve themselves once the upper GI has been ironed out.
Believe it or not, getting things ironed out in the upper GI is a top priority in the very foundation
of your health. It is not really possible to expect to resolve problems further along in the
digestive system without addressing stomach acidity. It is possible to repair the small and large
intestine by simply getting your stomach acid levels back in line. Though, many will need to do
further healing of an already damaged gut lining as well. Proper and adequate HCl production is
KEY to the entire digestive process. This will be a key place for everyone to assess and work on
if they want to see the issues in the south of digestion get ironed out.
The stomach produces between 1 and 2 liters of gastric juices daily. This helps us break down
our food. The most important jobs of the stomach are to act as a reservoir, storing food until it
can be transported to the duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine), to mix food with
gastric secretions, forming a semifluid mixture called chyme, and to slow the emptying of food
into the small intestine at a rate suitable for its proper digestion and absorption.
Do you have any of the following symptoms? Rate them 0 for never, 1 for minor or rarely, 2 for
moderate or weekly and 3 for severe or daily
Further Signs and symptoms you may be having that relate to issues in the upper GI
Belching or gas within one hour after eating
heartburn or acid reflux
bloating within one hour after eating,
a vegan diet
bad breath
loss of taste for meat
sweat has a strong odor
stomach upset by taking vitamins
sense of excess fullness after meals
feel like skipping breakfast
feel better if you don't eat
sleepy after meals
fingernails chip, peel or break easily
anemia unresponsive to iron
stomach pains or cramps
diarrhea (chronic)
diarrhea shortly after meals
black or tarry colored stools
undigested food in stool
Though these are not the only possible symptoms or signs that show you are not adequate in
either stomach acid or pancreatic enzymes, they are the most commonly understood signs. What
was your score? A score of 3-9 indicates a low priority, but you likely need some stomach acid
and maybe digestive enzymes. A score of 10-14 is a moderate priority meaning you're on your
way to worse things if you don't get it ironed out, you definitely need hydrochloric acid and
digestive enzymes, 15 and above is a high priority and should become your top priority to work
on. I am going to teach you a million things in this course. Please do not try to implement
everything all at once. Don't even try to do more than a couple of new things while you are
taking this class. Why? Because you didn't get to where you are overnight and you're not going
to heal overnight either. It will be important to take your time working on things little by little.
One key piece will be finding a dietary game plan that will work to further your healing. Add to
that some basic supplements starting in the northern most parts of digestion and tackle that first.
Most of us will need some time to see the benefits happen.
Let's talk about heartburn and GERD for a bit
Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach irritates the tissue that lines the esophagus. Since
acid does not belong in the esophagus it is very irritating, it is not made to handle the acid. The
stomach however, is lined to deal with the extremely acid environment. The stomach is an acid
producing machine. The acid in the stomach is secreted at about 0.8 if you took a drop of this
acid and dropped it on the floor it would burn a hole in the floor.
Acid reflux can be caused by many things including obesity, smoking, eating fried foods (fast
foods), coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. These foods or conditions end up causing acid
reflux by increasing pressure in the abdomen and this causes the gastric contents to be forced up
into the esophagus. This can irritate the esophageal sphincter and cause there to be a decrease in
muscle tone. Frequent or chronic heartburn may have a structural piece to it. Hiatal hernias are
associated with frequent or chronic heartburn. (Hiatal hernias are an out pouching of the stomach
lining through the diaphragm.) I believe the main reason most of us are 'impaired' in this way is
due to the standard American diet full of lifeless processed sugar and starch ridden foods.
Hydrochloric acid is needed for protein breakdown. Not chewing thoroughly, eating excessive
amounts in a given meal, or overcooking our meats puts a strain on us in this area. Gluten, casein
in pasteurized dairy products, and heavily processed soy can also lead to issues. Our diet, how
we eat ( not in a relaxed state), stress, and anxiety can contribute to lack of HCl production as
well . How well we chew, and the quality of our proteins as well as consuming some raw and not
always well done or reheated etc. can go a long way to correcting issues with low stomach acid.
Hydrochloric acid is only produced in the presence of proteins (another anatomy piece showing
us we were indeed intended to eat proteins), BUT it's also inhibited by sugars and starches. High
carbohydrate diets are all too common today, and actually contribute to acid deficiency. This is
why I really like a Paleo/GAPS dietary template. If you are not familiar with Paleo or GAPS check out the GAPS book or GAPS related sites.
A great, great cookbook that I just reviewed is called 'Primal Cuisine: Cooking for the Paleo
Diet' by Pauli Halstead. Pauli is a former chef/caterer and she became a client of Nora
Gedgaudas (one of my nutrition heroes - who also attended the Nutritional Therapy association
and wrote one of my favorite books; 'Primal Body-Primal Mind'. ) Thanks to what she learned
from Nora she was able to heal and her cookbook has a great amount of information on proper
diet and sourcing foods. I highly recommend this book! Dietary game plans are a great starting
point for anyone wanting to heal. Then you can take it further as needed by removing other
common allergens, such as eggs, gluten cross contamination foods, nightshades, and maybe even
high oxalate foods, or FODMAPS - depending on your specific health situation.
Often problems with heartburn are due to a LACK of stomach acid, not too much stomach acid
as what mainstream medicine claims. There are those that may be hyper acidic, but it is VERY
rare. This can be ruled out by a Heidelberg capsule test and may not necessarily mean that
someone is always hyper secreting acid. The majority of Americans today produce too little
stomach acid. Often the issue can just be inappropriate timing of acid secretion. Low stomach
acid secretion (also known as hypochlorhydria) can lead to irritated and inflamed mucosa in the
stomach. This condition sets up the ideal environment for infection by Helicobacter pylori. You
see the stomach acid is your body’s first line of defense against pathogens. It kills bacteria,
viruses, pathogens, parasites and more, but only when it is adequately produced. Helicobacter
pylori is an opportunistic bacterium that seems to prefer the chronically irritated environment of
the gastric mucosa. H. pylori is also associated with gastric ulcers. If you have had a history of
acid reflux or heartburn you may want to get tested for H. pylori, especially if you have been on
acid blockers for any length of time.
H. Pylori
90% of people with duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers actually have an H. Pylori infection. It's
also associated with GERD, gastritis, stomach cancer, and stomach lymphoma. For the most part,
the information you will learn throughout this course will go a long way towards healing issues
with H. pylori. Probiotics and probiotic rich foods, cabbage juice, properly fermented sauerkraut
(no mason jar short ferments -the real deal), cranberry juice (unsweetened) about 2 cups per day,
green teas, onions, yogurt (properly fermented - if you tolerate it or try coconut yogurt), and even
red wine can all have an anti-bacterial effect. Aloe vera juice, as I've mentioned for other
purposes, taken 3 times daily after meals and oil of oregano are also helpful. I like a product
called ADP by Biotics, I think everyone should have some of this on hand in their holistic
medicine cabinets. This can be taken for 4-5 weeks 3 times per day about 3-4 tablets. We do
need some H. Pylori in our guts as it plays a role with leptin. Often doctors will try to fully
eradicate it with heavy duty antibiotics this is not necessary and can have some serious side
effects.
Acid Neutralizers/Acid Blockers/PPI's
Antacids - Tums, Rolaids, Maalox and Mylanta (partially reduce acid)
H2 Acid Blockers- Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid and Zantac (partially block acid)
Proton Pump Inhibitors - Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium (these block the acid completely - NOT
GOOD NEWS!)
PPI's are a huge money maker they are the 3rd highest of all drugs sold worldwide! They were
designed for only very short term use while ironing out the underlying problem. Now they can be
purchase over the counter, this is alarming!
If you have been on acid blockers and want to get off of them, I recommend you do it gradually,
never cold turkey. You can wean off acid blockers and use antacids in place while you work to
heal the issue and add in whole foods/supplements that support the underlying issue.
Taking acid blockers long term can erode the esophagus, it can lead to cancer, leaky stomach,
decreased levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, and an
increased risk of developing osteoporosis, depression, IBS, pneumonia and more. Blocking
stomach acid increases your risk of SIBO. It is has found that people on PPIs have higher levels
of IgE antibodies after 3 months of usage. Women over 50 increase risk of hip fracture. The
longer anyone takes a PPI the higher the risk of fracture due to poor mineral absorption. This is
scary since there are now so many people on acid blockers unmanaged by any practitioner. They
never are told that it's dangerous to their long term health.
Hydrochloric acid Test
Precautions: If you are taking acid and too much of it, can cause a burning sensation. If any
discomfort arises, stop taking it immediately. If you have a known peptic ulcer do not take acid.
Start by healing the ulcer first. HCL can irritate sensitive tissue and be corrosive to teeth.
Capsules should not be emptied into food or dissolved in beverages. Spend 1-2 months using
support other than the HCL to heal the sensitive tissues in the stomach if needed, then try the
HCL test. This process tends to be self-weaning, your stomach should tell you when you need to
back off with a warming sensation. If your dose is not decreasing over time then it's time to look
at deeper issues, such as H. Pylori overgrowth, poor thyroid function, or other pituitary issues.
It's best to work with a qualified practitioner to help you evaluate the possible deeper reasons
you are not seeing progress.
Self-testing for stomach acid: I have included two ways for you to do this assessment. One is a
gradual slow approach and one is an approach to find out your dose in just one meal. I will just
say that the approach you use to find your dose in one meal can cause a lot of potential die off
reactions and can be unpleasant for some. I've seen some people very sensitive even to one pill
and some people not have any noticeably uncomfortable reactions from several. Everyone will
be different. However, if you have been on enzymes, probiotics, and a real food diet with broth
and ferments for some time or have used an acv tonic some time, the one meal loading dose test
may be tolerable without any reactions. If you are concerned, go with the slow but steady
approach. Realize if you have anything going on in your stomach, such as H. Pylori or have had
a low pH for a time taking even just a little bit of acid could really cause a reaction. Please don't
think this means you don't need the acid or shouldn't take it.
The only reason to NOT take it or stop immediately is if you have any ulcerations in the
stomach. You will know because it will be very painful. If you suspect you have any ulcerations
or have been on acid blockers for a long time you may want to spend 2-4 weeks working on your
stomach health before trying the acid supplementation. People with ulcers, or acute reflux should
take some time to heal prior to starting acid supplementation.
To heal the stomach first: Make sure to chew slowly at every meal, relax, support with herbal
bitters before and/or after meals, licorice (DGL - deglycyrrhizinated), digestive/pancreatic
enzymes, Gastrazyme (gut healing nutrients), and maybe some Aloe Vera Juice if there are
ulcerations. Cabbage juice, several ounces daily, could be very helpful and start to help the
parietal cells of the stomach to make its own HCL (this is only if you do not have a thyroid
problem - goitrogenic foods such as cabbage are contraindicated in thyroid issues). Vitamins A
& D and even L-glutamine may also help. Supplemental B1, methylated B12 and zinc - nutrients
support acid production.
Then add the HCL, keep using probiotics and enzymes daily. Working to add properly fermented
foods daily would be optimal, aim to have a small serving with each meal.
Zinc Test
To start this test you should not have had anything to eat or drink (except water within 30
minutes). Swish with 1 TBS. liquid zinc around in your mouth for up to 30 seconds and note the
second you taste something other than water. Write down whether it tastes like one of the
following descriptions:
-Strong unpleasant taste
-definite taste that gets stronger
-no immediate taste but slightly minerally, dry or furry
-no specific taste after 30 seconds
-sweet taste after 30 seconds
Since zinc helps to build HCL it would be a good thing to get a gauge on whether you are
deficient or not. Supplement with a few bottles of liquid zinc while working to rebuild your
stomach acid. The liquid is more readily absorbed, since zinc is only pulled out of your
food/supplements with adequate HCL, it is a good approach to help bypass digestion.
Zinc is required as a cofactor involved in more than 300 enzymatic activities. These zinc
metalloenzymes account for virtually every aspect of the metabolism of animal and plant foods.
Zinc assists the various enzymes that metabolize carbohydrates, alcohol, and essential fatty
acids. It works with the enzymes that synthesize proteins. Zinc also works with pancreatic
enzymes. These enzymes have some pretty important jobs and they can't do them without the
assistance of zinc. Zinc is a common deficiency in our modern culture.
It took me 10 months of dedicated supplementing with HCl before I could stop taking it with
every meal. And when I started out my dose was pretty low compared to many people. Now, I
don't recommend long term supplementation of HCl, 6 months max for all my clients. If it does
not start to resolve then deeper issues may need to be addressed. You want your body to be able
to make its own stomach acid and it should over time with the supplementation regime . When it
doesn't make quite enough on its own, that's when looking at other pieces with a practitioner may
be necessary. For the most part, daily supplementation at every meal will take you a long way.
The Pancreas
One of the main functions of the pancreas is to produce digestive enzymes to break down fat,
carbohydrate, and protein. It also produces bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid once the food
moves from the stomach to the duodenum. The main health problems with the pancreas related
to our topic today are insufficiency of enzymes and possibly acute or chronic pancreatitis. If your
pancreas cannot secrete enough enzymes you have pancreatic insufficiency , this is rather
common. Signs of this would be abdominal discomfort, a tendency towards bleeding, bloating,
can't gain weight, failure to thrive in children, fatigue for no obvious reasons, food sensitivities,
gas, hypoglycemia, malabsorption, pale colored stools, stools that float and undigested food in
your stools. Pancreatic insufficiency is common in people who have celiac disease, psoriasis,
cirrhoses, pancreatitis, and cystic fibrosis. Other triggers are parasites, bacterial overgrowth,
inflammatory bowel disease, dermatitis heretiformis, stress (mental and physical), getting older,
nutritional deficiencies, poor diet, eating only cooked food with no enzymes from raw foods,
exposure to radiation or toxins, hereditary weaknesses, drugs, and infection.
The specific digestive enzymes manufactured by the pancreas are:
Pancreatic amylase - digests starches and sugars
Protein splitting enzymes - trypsin, chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase, and elastase
Pancreatic lipase and collapse break fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
Ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease digest old RNA & DNA
Pepsin digests proteins
A word on pepsin (gastric protease) - The peptic and mucous cells secrete several different types
of pepsinogen which initially have no digestive activity. However, as soon as pepsinogen comes
in contact with hydrochloric acid, it is immediately activated forming pepsin. This is actually a
safety factor, because if pepsin were secreted in its active form, it would digest the protein in the
very cells that produced it. Pepsin is an active proteolytic enzyme with an optimal pH of 1.8 to
3.5. Pepsin becomes completely inactivated in a short amount of time and has little proteolytic
activity above a pH of about 5. Hydrochloric acid is as necessary as pepsin for protein digestion
in the stomach. So, if you don't have enough hydrochloric acid, the pepsinogen secreted cannot
be turned into pepsin, and in turn, the proteins you eat will not be properly digested.
Here is an excellent summation of the enzyme secretion/function through digestion by Dr.
Anthony J. Chicoke:
Salivary glands secrete saliva (full of salivary amylase) in response to the presence of food in the
mouth. Salivary amylase breaks down carbohydrates. Hydrochloric acid in the stomach converts
pepsinogen to pepsin. Pepsin breaks down proteins. Rennin breaks down casein in milk products.
Mucus protects the stomach from hydrochloric acid. Lipase breaks down fat and initiates the
digestion of triglycerides. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates. Intrinsic factor bonds with B12
and is necessary for intestinal absorption.
Enterokinase in the small intestine activates trypsinogen to form trypsin, which breaks down
protein peptides. It is converted into chymotrysinogen and breaks down protein peptides.
Converted by trypsin from proelastaste to elastase - breaks down peptides. Carboxypeptidase is
activated by trypsin (from procarboxypeptidase). Amylase from the pancreas further breaks
down starch and glycogen. Lipase breaks down fats and Ribonuclease breaks down
deoxyribonucleic acid. Deoxyribonuclease breaks down deoxyribonucleic acids. Cholesterol
ester hydrolase breaks down cholesterol esters. Phospholipase A breaks down phospholipids. In
the small intestine amino peptidase breaks down polypeptide. Dipeptidases break down
dipeptides. Sucrase breaks down sucrose. Maltase breaks down maltose. Lactase breaks down
lactose. Phosphatase breaks down organic phosphates. Isomaltase breaks down glucosides.
Polynucleotidase breaks down nucleic acid. Nucleosidases break down purine or pyramidine
nucleosides. Trehalas breaks down trehalose.
This is fascinating to me and shows just how hard our body is working for us. We can help
ourselves by understanding the process and further support ourselves.
Low secretion of pancreatic enzymes can lead to nutritional deficiencies - vitamin B12
requires protein-splitting enzymes to separate it from its carrier molecule, so poor pancreatic
function can lead directly to vitamin B12 deficiencies.
Pancreatic enzymes on an empty stomach can further assist in digestion if you lack the natural
production. Normalizing HCl output and the pH of the stomach can also help to normalize
pancreatic output.
Some have deficiency of lipase which is a fat digesting enzyme. This may be more prevalent in
those prone to diabetes and glucose dysregulation. Lipase can also help to ward off allergic
conditions, infectious viruses, and cushion our bodies against traumatic blows and bruises. In
addition, gastric lipase's initiate the digestion of triglycerides.
Taking additional lipase to what may already be in a digestive enzyme supplement (there are
specific brands that have extra lipase or only lipase and that are enterically coated to get through
the stomach acid in the stomach) can help to restore healthy fat digestion for some. Although
lipase can and does attack large fat globules, its action is much more effective when fats are first
emulsified (split into tiny particles) by the action of bile salts from the gall bladder (if you don't
have a gall bladder you will need to supplement for the rest of your life). Cool fact - lipolytic
enzymes can break down up to 175 grams of fat per hour.
What does this have to do with absorption? Well, if you are not producing the components
needed, such as adequate HCL and pepsin in the stomach, enzymes and bicarbonate from the
pancreas, you will not be able to properly digest your food. It won't break down, it will
rot/putrefy and rancidity and cause a whole host of problems further on down the line. You will
not benefit from the nutrients in your food to supply your body with adequate building materials.
Again, it's going to be critical to iron out any issues in the north - the stomach and pancreas to
further iron out digestive problems in the south.
Enzymes play a decisive role in food absorption from the gut to the bloodstream and are essential
in the transport of nutrients. Without digestive enzymes, 1/3 to 1/2 of the carbohydrates, proteins,
and the majority of fats entering the small intestine will not be absorbed. There are chronic forms
of pancreatitis and this means that tissue destruction is irreversible. This usually is due to
alcoholism. It is believe that drinking more than 100 grams of alcohol per day for several years
may cause obstruction of pancreatic ducts. Over time this obstruction becomes more widespread
and causes additional abnormalities. Acute pancreatitis is when you suffer severe abdominal pain
that radiates through to the back. If you think you have this condition see your doctor
immediately. Chronic pancreatitis is from alcoholism, only rarely does this develop from other
issues. Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and alcohol puts a great strain on the
pancreas and can decrease the amount of enzymes produced.
So, now what? How do you supplement with enzymes ? When should you? For how long?
Practical advice on the use of enzymes:
Eating more enzyme rich foods can aid your digestion and take a burden off the pancreas. Since
we eat so many foods that are cooked and have lost their enzyme activity we really need to
consider how to adjust our diets to remedy this. I don't recommend an all raw diet like is trendy
in some circles, but pay attention to the amount of raw foods you eat. What percentage is it? Is it
10%, 20%, 50%? If it's less than 50% you may need to change that or use digestive enzymes.
Consider when you eat foods like cooked proteins that are more difficult to digest that you pair it
with plenty of enzyme rich foods. Fresh herbs, greens, or even some lacto-fermented foods like
sauerkraut. If you are not getting enzyme rich foods with your meals, it's a really good idea to
take enzymes before your meal.
According to Dr. Edward Howell, in his book 'Enzyme Nutrition', a diet without enzymes can
result in enlargement of the pancreas. He believes that eating fresh or raw foods (rich in
enzymes) can inhibit the pancreas, preventing its enlargement. He says an enlarged pancreas is
correlated to an increase in chronic degenerative diseases and cancer.
Dr. Weston Price, during his travels studied healthy indigenous people groups, he found that one
of the key pieces to their health was that they ate a large portion of their foods raw, including
meats/dairy. If you are not consuming enough raw foods try to change that. I make sure we eat
something raw or fermented at every meal and include some meals that are heavier on the raw
foods. My boys eat fresh fruit for breakfast every day and likely a fermented beverage to get
their day started out right. Dinner includes at least one raw veggie or ferment and a fermented
beverage. Lunches are a bit harder, but I include fruit or veggie slices and raw cheese and
dehydrated seaweed as I can. If you make it a habit now for you and your kids you can help them
instill a good habit for life. Please make sure your produce is organic and not sprayed with
pesticides as they are ruined by pesticide toxins. Also, you will want to learn how to properly
soak and prepare your seeds, nuts, legumes, and grains as they contain enzyme inhibitors. Price
found that traditional cultures took great efforts to prepare these foods to make them more
digestible. I don't recommend grains and legumes while you are healing your gut, BUT if you do
eat these foods be sure to prepare them properly. You can find some posts on my site on how to
do this, or check out GNOWFGLINS and Cooking Traditional Foods, both of their sites have
lots of education on how to properly prepare these foods. Fresh juices, fruits, vegetables, raw
dairy, soaked & sprouted seeds, legumes, nuts, raw meats, brined meats like ceviche, and air
cured meats are all going to contain various enzymes. Try to get some of these foods into every
meal you eat. 50% or more of your diet should optimally be from raw foods. This is not always
possible and that is when supplemental enzymes will come into play. Also, include lots of onions
and garlic. I like to have a jar of lacto-fermented onions and garlic in my fridge at all times. The
GAPS protocol includes fresh juices for a reason.
Enzymes help the following digestive problems:
Hypochlorhydria
Achlorhydria
Pancreatic insufficiency
Acute pancreatics
Chronic pancreatitis
Cystic fibrosis
Celiac Disease
Lactose intolerance
Intestinal toxemia
Malabsorption
Steatorrhea
Food allergies
Foods and supplements for Upper GI/digestive support
Supplements
Supplements to build acid:
-Hydrozyme -Tthis is a combo low dose of HCL and digestive enzymes (time released) the
enzyme component of the tablet does the work first then the hydrochloric acid.
-Betaine Plus HP- A high dose stomach acid at 700 mg per capsule, this is where most people
need to start to avoid taking a million tablets at every meal. These contain pepsin as well pepsin
is essential for protein digestion which is why it is often paired with the HCl.
Supplement to heal stomach:
-Gastrazyme - A supplement that contains gut healing nutrients to oppose inflammation in the
gastrointestinal tract. It's good for gastric inflammation, heartburn, acid reflux, ulcers or hiatal
hernia. This product can be chewed.
Supplements to help with pancreatic function:
Pancreatic enzymes work well as a digestive aid. Glandular based supplements are directed to
specific tissues, helping to initiate repair. Proteases help digest proteins, lipases help digest fats
and amylase helps digest carbohydrates. Pancreatic enzymes also help to restore the balance of
the GI flora and continued use of them can help with repair of pancreatic tissue.
-Bio 6 Plus from Biotics is a great product , it is a broad spectrum pancreatic enzyme and
includes all of the above. This is good for those who have maldigestion issues, bloating,
problems in the distal small intestines, illeocecal valve problems or diarrhea. Take before the
meal.
-Other great enzymes are from Premier Research Labs, Theramedix has a lot of varied blends,
Klaire Labs, Tri Enza (I've used their chewables for my kids). Also Enzymedica has good
enzyme products.
-TriEnza -from Houston Enzymes comes in good powder form, chewables, and pills. It is a high
quality enzyme and is great for kids.
-Bromelain Plus - good for inflammation and digestive problems (take on empty stomach coated to get through stomach's acidity). Papain from papaya, which is found in this product is
excellent for treating those with celiac, it is used to help absorption in an already damaged gut.
Foods
-Cabbage juice can help the parietal cells of the stomach to create stomach acid it is good for
people who can't swallow pills (children). A small amount before meals or a few ounces a day
can be very supportive.
-Good quality sea salt is also need to help produce hydrochloric acid.
-Digestive acid replacement - use the malic acid in apple cider vinegar 1-2 tablespoons in water,
sip before meals.
-Properly prepared ferments, such as sauerkraut, kimchi, beet kvass, kombucha etc. We will
cover more on ferments in a couple weeks.
-Enzymes in food can replace digestive enzymes in the body. Some examples include cultured
foods like yogurt and kefir. A chutney made from papaya and pineapple would be good to get
bromelain and papain.
-If you need to heal before starting with stomach acid take some aloe. George's aloe vera juice is
an excellent brand.
-Chlorophylls from green juices and cabbage juice can be very healing to the gut and are rich in
enzymes. (only if you do not have hypothyroid or have oxalate issues)
-Fresh fruits and vegetables contain enzymes and antioxidants.