Holistic practitioners and naturopathic doctors take a whole-body approach to digestion, recognizing that proper nutrient absorption, metabolism, and overall health begin with a well-functioning upper gastrointestinal (GI) system.
While lower GI health (such as colon function and gut microbiome balance) is widely discussed, the importance of upper GI function—stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder—cannot be overlooked.
Supporting the upper GI tract is crucial for:
- Optimal digestion and nutrient absorption
- Prevention of acid reflux, bloating, and indigestion
- Enzyme production for proper food breakdown
- Bile flow and liver detoxification
- Reducing inflammation and microbial overgrowth
Functional medicine and holistic practitioners use high-quality, whole-food supplements to support digestion at its source. Standard Process and MediHerb offer clinically effective formulas to enhance enzyme production, bile flow, and stomach acid balance, ensuring complete and efficient digestion.
Why Focus on Upper GI Health?
- The Role of Stomach Acid in Digestion
The stomach plays a pivotal role in breaking down proteins and absorbing essential nutrients like B12, iron, and calcium. Many people suffer from low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), which leads to:
- Poor protein digestion
- Bloating and acid reflux
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Increased risk of bacterial overgrowth (like H. pylori and SIBO)
Key Support: Zypan (Standard Process)
- Combines Betaine HCl and pancreatic enzymes to enhance stomach acid levels
- Supports protein breakdown and nutrient absorption
- Supports the digestive environment of the GI tract
- Enzymes: The Key to Proper Food Breakdown
Digestive enzymes, produced by the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine, are essential for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. A lack of enzymes leads to:
- Poor digestion and nutrient malabsorption
- Gas, bloating, and food intolerances
- Inflammation and gut dysbiosis
Key Support: Digest Forte (MediHerb), Multizyme (Standard Process), Zymex & Zymex II (Standard Process)
- DiGest Forte: Herbal formula that stimulates bile flow and supports toxin-elimination
- Multizyme: Contains pancreatic enzymes for protein, fat, and carbohydrate digestion
- Zymex: Supports a healthy GI microbiome and intestinal pH
- Zymex II: Appropriate for acid-sensitive individuals and encourages proper GI microbiota
- Liver and Gallbladder Function in Digestion
The liver and gallbladder play a vital role in breaking down fats and detoxifying the body. Without proper bile production and flow, individuals experience:
- Fat malabsorption (leading to vitamin deficiencies—A, D, E, K)
- Gallbladder congestion and sluggish liver function
- Constipation and bloating after fatty meals
Key Support: A-F Betafood (Standard Process)
- Supports bile production
- Supports healthy bile flow in the gallbladder
- Supports fat metabolism and
- Supports healthy bowel functioning
- Helps reduce gallbladder congestion and fatty liver issues
- Small Intestine Health and Nutrient Absorption
Once food leaves the stomach, it enters the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed. Poor upper GI function leads to:
- Leaky gut (intestinal permeability)
- Bacterial imbalances
- Incomplete digestion leading to inflammation
Key Support: Enzycore (Standard Process)
- Contains enzymes, glutamine to support digestion and absorption
- Aids in protein, fat, and carbohydrate digestion
- Supports gastric and intestinal phases of digestion
The Holistic Approach to Upper GI Health
Holistic practitioners and naturopathic doctors recognize that upper digestive health is foundational for overall wellness. Their approach includes:
- Supporting stomach acid production (rather than suppressing it)
- Enhancing bile flow and liver detoxification
- Providing digestive enzymes to prevent bloating and malabsorption
- Repairing the gut lining and preventing leaky gut
With Standard Process and MediHerb products, practitioners can target upper GI function to optimize digestion, boost nutrient absorption, and prevent chronic digestive discomfort.
In the End…
Holistic and naturopathic doctors emphasize upper GI support because good digestion starts at the top. By ensuring proper stomach acid, enzyme activity, bile flow, and nutrient absorption, individuals can experience better energy, reduced bloating, improved detoxification, and optimal gut health.
With Zypan, Digest Forte, Zymex, Zymex II, Multizyme, Enzycore, and A-F Betafood, holistic practitioners can effectively restore digestion and support overall wellness. Many products overlap support functions, so it can be a challenge to determine where to begin. Schedule an appointment with Healing Cornerstone to discuss your concerns and determine which supplements best support your health goals.
