The mouth offers the mechanical (teeth) and initial enzyme breakdown of
whole food sources into smaller and simpler complexes. The salivary glands
secrete amylase (ptyalin), which is an alkaline digestive enzyme for starch
and carbohydrate breakdown. This enzyme hydrolyzes starch and glycogen
to maltose.
STOMACH
The stomach is located between your esophagus and duodenum (first portion
of the small bowel). It is below the diaphragm and to the right of the spleen.
A portion of the stomach lies under the liver. Foods enter the upper portion
of the stomach through the cardiac sphincter valve and leave through the
pyloric sphincter valve. The wall of the stomach has four layers. The inner
lining or mucosa contains simple tubular glands that secrete your gastric
juices. Some secrete pepsinogen and others HCL (hydrochloric acid). There
are also cells that secrete mucus.
When we see, smell, or imagine food, this triggers the secretion of gastric
juices. The actual presence of food stimulates production of the hormone
gastrin from the stomach, which in turn releases more gastric juice.
Protein digestion begins in the stomach when the HCL converts
pepsinogen to pepsin, which then breaks down complex protein structures
into smaller structures called peptones. This is an acid digestive process. If
there isn’t any protein in the food consumed, the stomach acts as a temporary
holding compartment for carbohydrate and fat digestion. These foods start
digesting in the mouth with alkaline digestive juices—amylase (ptyalin), etc.
If protein is present, then the stomach acids neutralize these enzymes until
these foods move into the duodenum where they are reactivated and added to.
The stomach acts like a time-release capsule, allowing your food time to
digest (or be broken down) so the body can actually use it properly. The
action of your stomach is through nerve and hormonal control. The stomach
can absorb mostly alcohol and water, including tinctured herbs and some fruit
and vegetable juices.
Spiritually speaking, your stomach reflects the solar plexus, which is the
center of the nerve field that feeds the head (upper), mid, and lower
extremities of the body. Weaknesses of the stomach can weaken your whole
body, affecting emotions (can foster fear), oxygen demands, consciousness,