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Understanding the Clinical Hierarchy of Your Gastrointestinal Tract

Writer's picture: Amy CorcoranAmy Corcoran

Ever feel like your gut is just out of sync? Bloated after meals, tired all the time, or just generally feeling off?


What if I told you that there’s a hierarchy to your digestive system, a roadmap that can help uncover what's actually going wrong inside your gut? That’s exactly what we’re diving into today.


Let’s walk through the clinical hierarchy of GI function, a structured framework that helps us break down the layers of digestive distress and get to the root cause.


Photo by Anton Darius on Unsplash
Photo by Anton Darius on Unsplash

Before We Get Started: Assessing Diet Quality


So, what’s on your plate? If your meals tend to lean toward processed foods, that could be impacting your gut health.


A diet high in refined carbs, unhealthy fats, and low-quality protein can lead to gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of your gut bacteria), triggering everything from bloating to heartburn. The fix? Whole foods. That’s your first step.


Potential Diet Adjustments: Swap out processed foods for whole grains, lean proteins, and veggies.


Step 1: The Brain


Okay, this one might surprise you: digestion doesn’t start when food hits your stomach. It begins the moment you see, smell, or even think about food.


This is called the cephalic phase of digestion, and it’s responsible for about 20% of your stomach’s acid secretion when you eat. Your brain gets the signal that food is coming, and it gets your stomach ready.


  • What messes with it? Stress (hello, early morning Zoom meetings), mindless eating, poor appetite, or just not enjoying your meals can stop this process from kicking into gear.


So, if your gut feels sluggish, it might not just be about what you're eating, it could be about how you're approaching food. Slow down, breathe, and actually enjoy the process. Your gut will thank you.


Step 2: The Mouth


Your mouth is your first digestive tool. The process of breaking down food with your teeth and mixing it with saliva is key for proper digestion.


Pro tip: Aim to chew each bite 30–40 times. Sounds excessive? It’s not. Chewing thoroughly ensures that your stomach doesn’t have to do all the work, which means you’re less likely to end up bloated or gassy later.


Plus, your saliva is packed with digestive enzymes. So, if you’re constantly struggling with gas, bloating, or indigestion, maybe it’s time to start chewing a bit more.


Step 3: The Stomach


Now we’re talking stomach acid. Your stomach produces gastric acid to break down food, especially proteins. But here’s the kicker: not enough (or too much) acid can lead digestive distress.


  • Low Stomach Acid: If you’re burping after meals, feel like food is sitting in your stomach, or have bloating after protein, it could mean your stomach isn’t producing enough acid to properly digest food.

  • High Stomach Acid: If you feel the burn, or you’ve become reliant on antacids, you might have acid reflux or gastritis.


Getting your stomach acid levels right is key to proper digestion.


Photo by Europeana on Unsplash
Photo by Europeana on Unsplash

Step 4: The Small Intestine


The small intestine is where the magic happens: nutrient absorption. If you’re having trouble here, you could be dealing with SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Common symptoms include distention and bloating, indigestion, and nausea.


SIBO is often triggered by things like H. pylori, prolonged use of antacids, or changes in motility. If your symptoms have been hanging around for a while, it might be time to check out what’s going on in your small intestine.


Step 5: The Pancreas


The pancreas is responsible for releasing enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.


If the pancreas isn’t working properly, you might have trouble digesting, leading to nausea, gas, and foul-smelling stool. Conditions like pancreatitis or diabetes can contribute to this process.


If you’re noticing these symptoms, a check-in with your doctor is a must. The pancreas plays a crucial role in your digestion, and we don’t want to leave it unaddressed.


Step 6: The Liver and Gallbladder


Your liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and released when you eat fat. If your gallbladder isn’t functioning properly, you might experience nausea after eating fatty foods, floating stools, or diarrhea.


Step 7: The Large Intestine


The large intestine absorbs water and ferments fiber into short-chain fatty acids, helping to nourish your gut. If your large intestine isn’t working right, it can lead to constipation, diarrhea, or gas and bloating.


The key here? Fiber. Fiber supports healthy gut bacteria, helps with smooth digestion, and keeps things moving in the right direction.


Photo by Elton Sipp on Unsplash
Photo by Elton Sipp on Unsplash

Wrapping It All Up: Getting Your Gut Back on Track


There you have it: the clinical hierarchy of GI function. It’s a roadmap to understanding why your gut might be struggling.


Remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to gut health. If you’re dealing with chronic digestive issues, it’s time to dig deeper and address the root causes, not just the symptoms.


Got gut issues? Start with the basics, and if you need personalized help, we’re just a message away. 💛

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