Assimilation/Elimination: Foundation for Health Digestion Assimilation/Elimination: Foundation for Health

Digestive Process begins with Mouth & Mind Mind signals digestion to get ready Chewing plus saliva break down food in mouth Chewing food sufficiently promotes better digestion Need teeth in good condition

Digestion in the Stomach Digestive juices and enzymes break down food beginning in mouth Food is further broken down in the stomach by acids Prior to entrance into the small intestines, more juices are mixed with food from the liver and gall bladder

Absorption: Occurs in the small intestine, large intestine, liver, and bloodstream Broken down small food particles go through intestinal wall into the bloodstream

Inside of small intestine

Assimilation Nutrients enter cells as fuel for Energy, Storage, Structure Need: Food that has balanced nutrients and enzymes to deliver to the cells Healthy intestinal walls and villi for absorption

Ten Trillion Cells Make up the Body

Cells Brain Cells Heart Cells Lung Cells Bone Cells Blood Cells Nerve Cells Skin Cells

Elimination Wastes are filtered through the Liver and kidneys, and excreted (taken away) through the: Colon (Large Intestine) kidneys skin Lymph nodes

Elimination Need: Water Fiber Exercise/Relaxation Enzymes Friendly Flora = good microbes

How can you help your client to have good digestion and assimilation?

Encourage sufficient chewing Offer food that is nutritious Food with enzymes intact (cooked lightly or not cooked) Offer liquids before meals or hours after meals, so as not to wash away digestive juices in the stomach while food is digesting

Constipation Chronic Constipation can cause weakening of the intestinal wall, and small holes in the intestinal wall With leaking of waste into the bloodstream and resulting health problems

For Good Health: Healthy digestion, digestive tract, intestines Healthy assimilation and elimination 70% of the immune system is in the intestines!

How can you help your client with good elimination?

Offer water between meals Encourage movement, exercise Encourage foods high in fiber Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, whole grains Avoid refined flours and sugars

SUMMARY 1. Digestion starts in the mind and mouth 2. Food goes into the stomach, acids further break it down, the liver and gall bladder add juices, and then it goes into the small and large intestines, and out of the body 3. Absorption occurs in the small and larger intestines 4. Assimilation is taking vital nutrients from food to fuel cells

5. Elimination is when wastes are removed from the body 6. Constipation can negatively affect the health of your clients 7. Help clients by providing healthful meals, encouraging movement, and hydrating them sufficiently