A Step By Step Guide to Normal and Abnormal Function of the Digestive System Along with Tests and Treatments

Mouth

Tongue

Pharynx

Esophagus

VagusNerve

stomach

Appendix

Pancreatic

Liver

Gallbladder

Small
Intestine

Large
Intestine

tooth

The Salivary
Glands

Key

At Home Interventions

Prescribed By Physician

Requires Specialist Physician

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The information in this graphic is based on the author’s research and experience. However, it is important to note that everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
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Normal function:

1: Regulates heart rate, digestion, and respiration, and influences emotions.

2: Forms the gut-brain connection, influencing mood and cognitive function.

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Nausea

2: Vomiting

3: Abdominal pain

4: Depression

5: Anxiety

6: Blood pressure abnormalities

7: Heart rate abnormalities

8: Changes in behavior

9: Changes in mood

Testing for Vagus Nerve Function:

1: Heart rate variability analysis

2: “ahh” test 

3: Pupil dilation test

Vagus Nerve Supplements, Rx, and Interventions:

1: Omega-3 fatty acids

2: Acetyl-L-carnitine

3: Probiotics

4: B vitamins

5: Deep breathing exercises

6: Cold water face immersion

7: Singing or chanting

8: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

Normal function:

1: Bacterial reservoir

2: Role in immune system

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Abdominal pain

2: Fever

3: Decreased appetite

4: Nausea and vomiting

Testing for Appendix Function:

1: Blood tests for elevated white cells

2: Ultrasound

3: CT

Appendix Health: Supplements, Rx, and Interventions:

1: Observation in hospital with antibiotics (if not perforated)

2: Surgery if perforated

Normal function:

1: Absorbs water and electrolytes Forms and stores feces

2: Gut microbiota aid in digestion and vitamin synthesis

3: Contains immune cells and lymphoid tissue

4: Eliminates waste through defecation, controlled by anal sphincters

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Changes in bowel habits

2: Abdominal pain, discomfort, or rectal bleeding

3: Discomfort or pain around the anus

4: Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or fecal incontinence

5: Leaky gut leading to chronic inflammation and related symptoms

Testing for Large Intestinal Function:

1: Stool tests

2: Colonoscopy

3: Anorectal manometry

4: Barium enema

5: Sigmoidoscopy

Large Intestine Health: Supplements, Rx, and Interventions

1: Probiotics

2: Fiber supplements

3: Omega-3 fatty acids

4: Zinc carnosine

5: Glutamine

6: Butyrate

7: Garlic

8: Oregano

9: Berberine

10: Carminative herbs

11: Demulcent herbs

12: Anti-inflammatory medications

13: Antidiarrheal medications

14: Antibiotics

15: Medications for constipation

Dietary recommendations for Large Intestinal Health:

1: High-fiber foods

2: Fermented foods

3: Probiotics

4: Prebiotics Adequate hydration

5: Limit processed foods

6: Limit alcohol intake

 

Normal function:

1: Regulates absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream

2: Digests fats, carbohydrates, and proteins

3: Contains immune cells

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Abdominal pain

2: Nausea and vomiting

3: Malabsorption

4: Diarrhea

5: Bloating and distention

6: Loss of appetite

7: Fatigue and weakness

8: Unexplained weight loss

9: Changes in bowel habits

Testing for Small Intestinal Function:

1: Blood tests for nutrients absorbed in small intestine (B12, iron, etc.)

2: Ultrasound

3: CT/MRI

4: CDTB/Vinculin Test

5: Small bowel series

6: Small bowel endoscopy

7: Capsule endoscopy

Small Intestinal Health: Supplements, Rx, and Interventions

1: Probiotics

2: Digestive enzymes

3: Glutamine

4: Zinc carnosine

5: Vitamin B12

6: Butyrate

7: Garlic

8: Oregano

9: Berberine

10: Carminative herbs

11: Demulcent herbs

12: Antifungals

13: Antispasmodics

14: Rifaximin

Dietary Approaches for SIBO

1: Low FODMAP diet

2: Elemental diet

3: Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)

4: Low histamine diet

Dietary Approaches for SIFO:

1: Anti-Candida diet

2: Low FODMAP diet

3: Low-mold diet

4: Gut healing diets

Normal function:

1: Stores and concentrates bile

2: Regulates the flow of bile

3: Aids in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Abdominal pain

2: Nausea and vomiting

3: Indigestion

4: Diarrhea

5: Light-colored stools

6: Jaundice

7: Fever

Testing for Gallbladder Function:

1: Bilirubin test

2: Liver enzyme test

3: Blood tests

4: Ultrasound

5: CT/MRI

6: Fecal fat test

7: HIDA scan

8: ERCP

Gallbladder Health: Supplements, Rx, and Interventions

1: Milk thistle

2: Digestive enzymes

3: Choline

4: Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)

5: Vitamin C

6: Magnesium

7: Antibiotics

8: UDCA

9: CDCA

Normal function:

1: Produces digestive enzymes

2: Regulates blood sugar

3: Produces bicarbonate

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Upper abdominal pain

2: Nausea and vomiting

3: Unintentional weight loss

4: Diarrhea

5: Greasy or oily stools

6: Blood sugar dysregulation symptoms

7: Easy bruising or bleeding

8: Jaundice

Testing for Pancreatic Function:

1: Trial digestive enzymes

2: Amylase

3: Lipase

4: Ultrasound

5: CT/MRI

6: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

7: Pancreatic enzyme levels in stool

Pancreatic Health: Supplements, Rx, and Interventions

1: Digestive enzymes

2: Probiotics

3: Vitamin D

4: Omega-3 fatty acids

5: Magnesium

6: Fasting

7: Insulin

Normal function:

1: Processes nutrients

2: Produces bile

3: Detoxifies

4: Produces proteins involved in digestion

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Jaundice

2: Fatigue

3: Abdominal pain

4: Swelling

5: Itching

6: Nausea and vomiting

7: Easy bruising or bleeding

8: Fever

Testing for Liver Function:

1: check tenderness of liver

2: Liver function tests

3: Viral hepatitis tests

4: Ammonia level

5: Bilirubin level

6: Ultrasound

7: CT/MRI

8: FibroScan

9: Biopsy

Liver Health: Supplements, Rx, and Interventions

1: Milk thistle

2: Glutathione

3: N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)

4: Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)

5: Vitamin E

6: Vitamin D

7: Omega-3 fatty acids

8: Antiviral medications

Normal function:

1: Breaks down food into chyme

2: Stores food until it can be digested and absorbed

3: Kills harmful bacteria in food

4: Regulates the release of nutrients into the small intestine

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Nausea and vomiting

2: Abdominal pain

3: Bloating

4: Acid reflux

5: Loss of appetite

6: Constipation or diarrhea

7: Fatigue

Testing for Stomach Function:

1: Gastric emptying study

2: Upper endoscopy

3: pH monitoring

4: Intrinsic Factor Antibodies

5: Anti-pepsin antibodies

6: Helicobacter pylori Antibody Test

7: Heidelberg test

8: Baking soda pH test

Stomach Health: Supplements, Rx, and Interventions

1: Probiotics

2: Digestive enzymes

3: Ginger

4: Garlic

5: Licorice root

6: Peppermint

7: Betaine HCl

8: Antibiotics

Normal function:

1: Transports food and liquid to the stomach via peristalsis

2: Lower esophageal sphincter prevents reflux

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Difficulty swallowing 

2: Chest pain

3: Heartburn

4: Regurgitation

5: Chronic cough

6: Hoarseness

Testing for Esophagus Function:

1: Esophageal manometry

2: 24-Hour pH monitoring

3: Esophageal impedance monitoring

4: Endoscopy

5: Barium swallow

6: Esophageal pH capsule

7: High-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM)

The Esophagus: Supplements, Rx, and Interventions

1: Probiotics

2: Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)

3: Aloe Vera

4: L-Glutamine

5: Slippery Elm

6: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

7: Vitamin E

8: Magnesium supplements

9: Avoid eating before bed

10: Chew food thoroughly

11: PPIs, H2 blockers, antacids short term only

Normal function:

1: Facilitates swallowing

2: Prevents food from entering the airways

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)

2: Choking or coughing

3: Regurgitation of undigested food or fluids

4: Hoarseness or voice changes

5: Nasal regurgitation and nasal speech

6: Frequent throat clearing

7: Breathing difficulties

Testing for Pharyngeal Function:

1: Modified barium swallow study

2: Pharyngeal manometry

3: Endoscopy

4: Electromyography (EMG)

Pharynx Health: Supplements, Rx, and Interventions

1: Vitamin C

2: Zinc

3: Vitamin D

4: Echinacea

5: Oil pulling

6: Marshmallow Root

7: Slippery Elm

8: Honey

9: Herbal throat sprays

10: Antibiotics (for Strep throat)

11: Antifungal medications

Normal function:

1: Saliva lubricates food particles

2: Enzymes aid in digestion of starches and fats

3: Saliva neutralizes acids

4: Antibacterial substances in saliva

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Halitosis (bad breath)

2: Cold sores or ulcers

3: Xerostomia (dry mouth)

4: Gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis)

Testing for Salivary Gland Function:

1: Oral examination

2: Saliva testing

3: Oral pH testing

4: Oral function assessment

5: Periodontal probing

6: Biopsy

Oral and Salivary Health Interventions:

1: Vitamin D and K2

2: Calcium

3: Probiotics

4: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

5: Oil pulling

6: Antimicrobials

7: Salivary stimulants

Normal function in digestion:

1: Break down food

 

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Halitosis (bad breath)

2: Cold sores or ulcers

3: Xerostomia (dry mouth)

4: Dental caries

5: Plaque buildup

6: Tooth infections 

7: Gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis)

Testing for Tooth Function:

1: Oral examination

2: Dental X-rays

3: Oral pH testing

4: Oral function assessment

5: Periodontal probing

6: Dental plaque analysis

Oral and Salivary Health Interventions:

1: Vitamin D and K2

2: Calcium

3: Probiotics

4: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

5: Oil pulling

6: Antimicrobials

7: Salivary stimulants

Normal function in digestion:

1: Taste

2: Mixes food with saliva

3: Propels food

 

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Halitosis (bad breath)

2: Cold sores or ulcers

3: Xerostomia (dry mouth)

Testing for Tongue Function:

1: Oral examination

2: Oral pH testing

3: Oral function assessment

4: Biopsy

Oral and Salivary Health Interventions:

1: Vitamin D and K2

2: Calcium

3: Probiotics

4: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

5: Oil pulling

6: Antimicrobials

7: Salivary stimulants

Normal function:

1: Facilitates intake of food and drink 

2: Tongue has thousands of taste buds

3: Saliva lubricates food particles Enzymes aid digestion of starches and fats

4: Saliva neutralizes acids

5: Antibacterial substances in saliva

Symptoms of abnormal function:

1: Halitosis (bad breath)

2: Cold sores or ulcers

3: Xerostomia (dry mouth)

4: Dental caries

5: Plaque buildup

6: Tooth infections 

7: Gum diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis)

Testing for Oral and Salivary Function:

1: Oral examination

2: Dental X-rays

3: Saliva testing

4: Oral pH testing

5: Oral function assessment

6: Periodontal probing

7: Dental plaque analysis
Biopsy

Oral and Salivary Health Interventions:

1: Vitamin D and K2

2: Calcium

3: Probiotics

4: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

5: Oil pulling

6: Antimicrobials

7: Salivary stimulants