Welcome to Part 1 of our three-part series on digestion! In this episode, we’re diving into the stomach, the "front door to health," and exploring its crucial role in breaking down food and starting the nutrient absorption process. 🧠 Why Stomach Health Matters: 1. First Stage of Digestion: It begins with chewing, which activates saliva enzymes to start carbohydrate breakdown. 2. Immune System Boost: Chewing stimulates the parotid glands, kickstarting your immune system by activating T-cells. 3. Key Players in the Stomach: o Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): Breaks down proteins and minerals. o Pepsin: Digests proteins into amino acids. o Intrinsic Factor: Essential for Vitamin B12 absorption. 🌡️ Heartburn: The Real Cause Contrary to popular belief, heartburn often results from low stomach acid, not excess. When digestion slows due to insufficient HCl, food sits in the stomach and ferments, causing acid to back up into the esophagus. Common Causes: • Age: By 40, HCl production decreases by 30-40%. • Overeating: Overfilling the stomach disrupts digestion. • Cold Drinks: Dilute stomach acid and shrink blood vessels. 🛠️ Tips to Improve Stomach Digestion: 1. Chew Your Food Thoroughly: Helps stimulate digestive enzymes and immune response. 2. Avoid Ice-Cold Drinks: Opt for warm beverages like tea or room-temperature water. 3. Portion Control: The stomach holds about 4 cups. Eat until 80% full, following the Okinawan principle of "Hara Hachi Bu." 4. Hydrochloric Acid Supplements: Support digestion, especially for those over 40. 5. Soothing Herbs for Heartburn: o Marshmallow root o Aloe vera juice o DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) 💡 Key Takeaways: • Heartburn is often a low-acid problem, not excess acid. • Prioritize chewing, warm drinks, and portion control for optimal digestion. • Use natural remedies and dietary changes to support stomach health. 👉 Share this episode with anyone battling digestive issues or relying on antacids—they’ll thank you for it! 🔔 Join Chris McKee every Thursday at 7 PM CST for simple, actionable tips to live a longer, healthier life, and achieve Restorative Longevity #StomachHealth #DigestiveWellness #HeartburnRelief #AchieveLongevity #HealthyEating