Digestive Secretions

Stress reduces hydrochloric acid production in the stomach. Stress reduces enzyme production in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine. Hydrochloric acid, digestive enzymes, bile, and beneficial gut bacteria are the key digestive secretions reduced during prolonged fasting. Absorption and assimilation require active transport and energy rather than happening automatically. Reduced enzymes and hydrochloric acid make digestion less complete. Bile deficiency causes nausea and bloating, with discomfort localised on the right side under the rib cage. Pancreatic enzyme deficiency causes bloating and pain localised on the left side under the lower rib cage. Gut flora disruption from prolonged fasting causes diarrhea and loose stools. Hydrochloric acid deficiency causes gas, abdominal bloating, and undigested food in the lower digestive tract. The anatomical location of digestive discomfort after breaking a fast is a useful diagnostic signal for identifying which secretion is deficient.