Fuel of the Digestive System

[miles]

What fuels can the digestive system run off of?

[laterade]

You mean to increase acid production to break down food?
Maybe try raw vinegar...

[achillezzz]

Enzymess probiotics bacteria acid ermm glucose??

[Stancel]

Fiber...

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=59

Certain types of fiber are referred to as fermentable fibers because they are fermented by the "friendly" bacteria that live in the large intestine. The fermentation of dietary fiber in the large intestine produces a short-chain fatty acid called butyric acid, which serves as the primary fuel for the cells of the large intestine and helps maintain the health and integrity of the colon.

Two other short-chain fatty acids produced during fermentation, propionic and acetic acid are used as fuel by the cells of the liver and muscles. In addition, propionic acid may be responsible, at least in part, for the cholesterol-lowering properties of fiber.

In animal studies, propionic acid has been shown to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol by the liver. By lowering the activity of this enzyme, blood cholesterol levels may be lowered.

In addition, fermentable fibers help maintain healthy populations of friendly bacteria. In addition to producing necessary short-chain fatty acids, these bacteria play an important role in the immune system by preventing pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria from surviving in the intestinal tract.

As is the case with insoluble fiber, fibers that are not fermentable in the large intestine help maintain bowel regularity by increasing the bulk of the feces and decreasing the transit time of fecal matter through the intestines. Bowel regularity is associated with a decreased risk for colon cancer and hemorrhoids (when the hemorrhoids are related to straining and constipation).

[kurite]

I think hes asking if its like the brain and requires glucose or are like muscles and will use glucose if available but will otherwise use ketones.

[miles]

I think hes asking if its like the brain and requires glucose or are like muscles and will use glucose if available but will otherwise use ketones.

Yes, that's basically what I was asking, but I asked more generally because I don't even know enough about it to ask even that specifically.

[miles]

?

[achillezzz]

good question rofl

[ys]

first, fiber is not an essential nutrient for human what-so-ever.  human body can function perfectly fine without any fiber in the diet.

and second, this website you are referencing, it follows mainstream dogma of mostly low-fat, cooked grains, fruits and vegetables, salads.  

[laterade]

Tons of bacteria might help.
The stomach contains a huge amount of glands to fat and protein are most likely essential.

Do you have any specific issues or are you just curious?

[miles]

Digestion takes a lot of energy, at least from everything I've heard. I was just wondering what fuels it can use for that energy. I seem to remember hearing on a nature show, that a crocodile's digestive system worked anaerobically.

[ForTheHunt]

The digestive system is just a bunch of muscle contractions so it's just glucose.

[Hannibal]

human body can function perfectly fine without any fiber in the diet.

Human body can function without any fiber - that's true.
But not perfectly.

[goodsamaritan]

Fiber...

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=59

Certain types of fiber are referred to as fermentable fibers because they are fermented by the "friendly" bacteria that live in the large intestine. The fermentation of dietary fiber in the large intestine produces a short-chain fatty acid called butyric acid, which serves as the primary fuel for the cells of the large intestine and helps maintain the health and integrity of the colon.

Two other short-chain fatty acids produced during fermentation, propionic and acetic acid are used as fuel by the cells of the liver and muscles. In addition, propionic acid may be responsible, at least in part, for the cholesterol-lowering properties of fiber.

In animal studies, propionic acid has been shown to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol by the liver. By lowering the activity of this enzyme, blood cholesterol levels may be lowered.

In addition, fermentable fibers help maintain healthy populations of friendly bacteria. In addition to producing necessary short-chain fatty acids, these bacteria play an important role in the immune system by preventing pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria from surviving in the intestinal tract.

As is the case with insoluble fiber, fibers that are not fermentable in the large intestine help maintain bowel regularity by increasing the bulk of the feces and decreasing the transit time of fecal matter through the intestines. Bowel regularity is associated with a decreased risk for colon cancer and hemorrhoids (when the hemorrhoids are related to straining and constipation).

Interesting...

[Hannibal]

Interesting...

... and very true
Similar information can be found here - http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/fiber-its-natures-broom.html

[King Salmon]

... and very true
Similar information can be found here - http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/fiber-its-natures-broom.html

This article mentions that fiber decreases nutrient and mineral absorbtion.I wonder how many ZCers would be interested in that?

[Hannibal]

This article mentions that fiber decreases nutrient and mineral absorbtion.

But only a little bit.
"When fiber intake is increased from foods (as opposed to dietary supplements), there is generally an increase in mineral intake in the first place which should help to offset any issues."