The Pyloric Sphincter and its Role in Digestion
It is a muscular ring located at the junction between the stomach and the small intestine, that acts as a gateway. This valve consists of strong muscles that contract and relax to regulate the flow of food, allowing for optimal digestion and absorption.
As well as controlling the release of partially digested food, the pyloric sphincter maintains digestive pace ensuring optimal absorption of essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
It also acts as a barrier, preventing backflow flow into the stomach, and reflux.
Factors Affecting Pyloric Sphincter Function
Several factors can influence the function of the pyloric sphincter, including:
Diet and Eating Habits: Consuming large meals, particularly high-fat or heavy meals, can put additional stress on the valve, potentially affecting its function.
Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as peptic ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can impact the pyloric sphincter’s ability to function correctly.
Age and Muscle Tone: As we age, muscle tone and function can decline, potentially affecting the pyloric sphincter’s efficiency.
Pyloric Sphincter Deficiency and Side Effects
The leading cause for about 80% of our chronic gut cases, pyloric sphincter deficiency problems include bile reflux, gastroparesis, or pyloric stenosis – a narrowing or blocking of the valve – more commonly found in infants that can cause projectile vomiting and feeding difficulties.
In children and adults this deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms, commonly including nausea, heartburn, acid reflux, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
Additionally, green or yellow vomit or a persistent cough may be indicative of bile reflux.
Whereas gastroparesis symptoms include:
- Vomiting (especially undigested food)
- The sensation of fullness after eating small amounts
- Abdominal bloating
- Fluctuations in blood sugar levels
- Poor appetite
Is My Pyloric Sphincter Deficient & What Can I Do?
If you have a chronic gut condition, then the answer is 80% likely to be YES. Though the pyloric sphincter may seem like a small player in the grand scheme of our digestive system, its role is undeniably crucial.
At Optimal Health we can assess the digestive health parameters of your body and recommend individualised treatment to help the body restore homeostasis.
The first step is to be assessed with the Heidelberg Test, before patients then undergo Onnetsuki Treatment.
The Heidelberg Test
Exclusive to the Optimal Health Group in the UK, this is the Gold Standard Medical Test for the assessment of stomach acid and gut function.
It is a non-invasive, in-clinic procedure administered by a trained clinician that involves swallowing a small capsule to measure the pH levels and function of the gastrointestinal tract.
It offers same-day results, giving our Clinicians gold-standard information upon which to base your Optimal-Health Treatment Pathway© which will likely include Onnetsuki Treatment.
Pyloric Valve Protocol featuring Onnetsuki Treatment
Effective for any symptoms associated with pyloric sphincter deficiency the patented Japanese Onnetsuki device is unique and transformational for patients.
Onnetsuki, which means comfortable heat in Japanese, uses Far Infra-Red (FIR) technology based on the traditional thermal medicines of moxibustion and acupuncture for deep body warming. This facilitates the gentle, holistic balancing of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, boosting of the immune function and restoring homeostasis through self-healing mechanisms.
How Optimal Health Can Help
If you suspect pyloric sphincter deficiency, or are living with chronic gut issues, we recommend starting with The Heidelberg Test. Exclusive to the Optimal Health Group in the UK, this is the Gold Standard Medical Test for the assessment of stomach acid and gut function. It is a non-invasive, in-clinic procedure administered by a trained clinician.
