Digestion

Fateh Srajeldin N.D.*

Digestion takes place where enzymes are found. Enzymes such as amylase, protease, lipase and cellulose are essential for digestion. Yet, they are found at different levels along the digestive tracks.

- Amylase is found mainly in the mouth and it digests carbohydrates.
- Lipase is found in the beginning portion of the intestine and it digests fatty substances.
- Protease is found in the intestine too and it digests protein.
- Cellulose is found in the intestine and its digests very heavy fiber plants.

Chewing allows for proper mixing of food and digestive enzymes. Unlike an old dog,
your body will learn new tricks should you insist and be firm in discipline.

Since amylase is found in the mouth, then digestion starts in the mouth, unlike the myth that states that digestion starts in the stomach. The emphasis on chewing the food long enough is very strong. Chewing allows for proper mixing of food and digestive enzymes. It was a little boring and jaw cramping at the beginning when I started to pay closer attention to my chewing. I went through the same thing that my patients go through.

The body is just like an old dog and it does not want to learn new tricks. “I am fine this way,” your body will scream. Unlike an old dog, your body will learn new tricks should you insist and be firm in discipline. The body may attempt to show you that it does not work using old tricks that you already know. Soon after, your body will develop the habit of good chewing and the discomfort will subside. This will help to reduce your water intake during meals. It will also eliminate the acidity you feel in your stomach as well as constipation, bloating and gase.

*) Fateh Srajeldin N.D. of Toronto Canada is the director of the largest naturopathic and allergy clinic in North America.
Currently, he is treating members of the royal families and dignitaries from the Gulf region who have traveled to Canada specifically to be treated by him.