problems are inflammatory conditions — those names ending in
“itis.” From the mouth (gingivitis) to the large intestine (colitis),
inflammation is the end result of a chronic condition that includes an
imbalance of fats as previously discussed. Restoring fat balance is a
key step to eliminating inflammatory problems. In addition, ulcers
are specifically part of the inflammatory process; treating an ulcer
begins with restoring a balance of fats.
The Mouth
We use it for talking, singing, screaming, kissing and even making
odd noises. It’s the mouth, and it serves another important function
that many people neglect — helping us get more nutrients from our
food and keep our gut working well. Many gut problems begin in the
mouth, and many can be significantly improved by using the mouth
more. Gut problems can come from not chewing food, which may be
due to problems with the teeth or jaw joint (TMJ), and low salivary
pH. Most often, however, it’s due to rushing meals, poor eating habits
or never having learned to properly chew your food.
Chewing
Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov’s groundbreaking research into the
importance of chewing and human digestion won him a Nobel Prize
in 1904. After more than a century, physiologists continue building on
that understanding of the benefits of chewing.
The taste receptors on the tongue detect extremely small concen-
trations of substances within a fraction of a second of tasting it — one
reason we love the taste of food. This stimulation elicits a variety of
immediate responses throughout the body, including stimulating
heat production and fat-burning, and improving digestion, absorp-
tion and even the use of nutrients from foods. Chewing our food,
called the “cephalic phase” of digestion, can also help control blood
sugar and control fluid and mineral balance.
Chewing of foods with various tastes, textures and temperatures
is an important oral stimulation for everyone, especially for the very
young and the elderly. Infants with increased oral stimulation grow
better with fewer medical complications, and the elderly benefit with
improved digestive function and better overall health. And, exercis-
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