The Mucosal Lining of the Stomach and Upper Duodenum
ORGAN OF THE MONTH
Howard F. Loomis
Jr., DC
This month, we look at the visceral-somatic connections between the central nervous system, the mucosal linings in the digestive tract, and the musculoskeletal system. The effect of chronic, unrelenting stress has a deleterious effect on the mucosal linings throughout the body, including the lungs, uterus, and urinary bladder. Those organs are covered elsewhere in this series of articles. Here we concentrate on the stomach and duodenum and the development of digestive symptoms, which are commonly seen in our patient-base.
Are there direct connections to the structural symptoms that patients present to us? The answer is a resounding “yes,” and your recognition of the connections can add substantially to your clinical success. Most notably, involuntary muscle contractions involved in shoulder problems and loss of the normal midthoracic kyphosis suggest palpating the abC domen for associated similar muscle contractions in the upper abdomen.
Symptoms of Stress in the Stomach and Duodenum
The “fight-or-flight” response is conducted by stimulation to the sympathetic nervous system. Its effects are intended to be temporary and pass when the crisis passes. Part of this sympathetic response is to inhibit the production of stomach acid and reduce peristalsis in the stomach—not a good time to be digesting food. However, prolonged or chronic unrelenting stress eventually exhausts the response mechanisms, and compromised digestion in the stomach produces many digestive symptoms. Medically, these are usually treated with antacids, proton-pump inhibitors, or H2 blockers, either over the counter or by prescription. While these remedies relieve symptoms, they do nothing to remove the causative stress and restore normal function. Thus, they always lead to more insidious side effects in time.
Our concern here is when the “fight-or-flight” sympathetic response becomes exhausted. That is when the mucosal lining becomes inflamed and begins to erode. At this point, I think it is worth looking at the embryology of the digestive mucosal lining and its functions.
Embryological Development and Structure
Mucous membranes originate from the endoderm. They consist of one or more layers of epithelial cells overlying a layer of loose connective tissue. CM, They line various cavities in the body, such as digestive tract, and cover the surface of internal organs.
Some mucous membranes secrete mucus, a thick protective fluid that protects the body and prevents its tissues from becoming dehydrated.
• Mucosa in the stomach protects it from stomach acid.
• Mucosal lining of the bladder protects the underlying tissue from acidity and alkalinity in the urine.
•In the uterus, the mucous membrane (endometrium) swells each month and is eliminated during menstruation.
Mucous membranes are the primary barrier between the external world and the interior of the body. Along with providing a physical barrier, they also contain key parts of the immune system. They stop pathogens from entering the body and serve as the interface between the body proper and the microorganisms in the gut. Consequently, they are often the source of stasis within the lymphatic system.
Mucous membranes also play a role in absorbing and transforming nutrients. The stomach must regenerate a new layer of mucus every two weeks, or damage to the epithelium may result.
Structural Relationships
For many years, physical diagnosis textbooks have taught that pain on palpation below the xiphoid process is indicative of a compromised mucosal lining in the stomach or upper duodenum. What is not known by palpation is the extent of the compromise. Is the tissue inflamed, or has it advanced to ulceration? Is the cause of stress ever investigated?
Palpation in this area is on the linea alba, which is formed of fibers from the aponeuroses of the two rectus abdominis muscles. These muscles are involved with movement of the trunk and work in harmony with other muscles that control the abdominal wall.
Involuntary muscle contraction (IMC) in this area often refers pain to the root of the neck and upward along the side of the neck. It may also be felt over the shoulder blades and down the front portion of the arm to the forearm.
IMC Stress Point Palpation
The role of specialized musculoskeletal tissues, including bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and loose connective tissue, is strongly associated with posture and movement and intimately connected with the other organ systems that also rely on and maintain homeostasis within the extracellular fluid.
In other words, deviations from normal posture and range of motion and palpation of involuntary muscle contractions (ICMs) can be used as an accurate means of diagnosis of energy deficiency.
Nutrition
Unfortunately, there are no “magic bullet” nutrients that will relieve the symptoms of indigestion and restore the mucosal linings. Of course, mucilaginous herbs have often been used and sometimes are effective because they contain mucilage, a thick, gluey substance produced by nearly all plants that softens and relieves irritation of the mucous membranes.
Of course, they do require adequate digestion, which, unfortunately, is already compromised. I stated previously that the stomach will regenerate a new layer of mucus every two weeks, provided it is well nourished and stress is minimal and not chronic.
Therein lies the key to treatment. Reduce stress in these cases and remember that stress comes from three sources in your patients—structural, visceral, or emotional sources. Who else bothers to even consider that possibility?
Conclusion
Next month, we’ll look at other visceral and structural connections of the stomach, but I would like to point out that once stress has exhausted the mucosal linings of the stomach, the next area to be affected (compensation) is the heart, specifically the pericardium. Between the various layers of the pericardium is a space called the pericardial cavity, which is normally lubricated by a film of pericardial fluid. This fluid reduces friction, lubricating the epicardial surface and allowing the membranes to glide over each other with each heartbeat. I will explore and explain that in a later article.
Howard F. Loomis, Jr., DC, has an extensive background in enzymes and enzyme supplements. He is the founder and president of the Food Enzyme Institute™. His extensive knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, and enzymology has made him a sought-after speaker and a prolific writer. Dr. Loomis published ENZYMES: The Key to Health in 1999, as well as The Enzyme Advantage: For Healthcare Providers and People Who Care About Their Health, in 2015. [email protected] or call 800-662-2630.
