A Gastrointestinal Journey

When you think about it… the mouth and stomach are similar in function . They’re both responsible for the physical and chemical predigestion of our food.  Arguably, the most important phase of the digestive process because of the unique way they breakdown food; respectively.  If all things go well during the pre-digestive process that occurs in our mouth and stomach, we’ll optimally digest and absorb the nutrients from our food, and successfully influence energy production which can be used for repair, growth, and normal every day energy requirements used to run our body.

Saliva production is one of the first steps of the pre-digestive process, and it’s stimulated by the thought, sight, smell, and memory of the food we’re about to eat. The thing about saliva production is that it’s “sensitive” and easily influenced by stress, anxiety, and depression. These mental and emotional states significantly reduce the production of saliva; and that’s not good.

I was in a multi-department meeting last month, and for those of you who haven’t experienced work meetings like this, they feel like they last forever, usually non-productive, and seem more like a formality. I didn’t say much through the course of the meeting because I wanted to get back to my office and finish up some work.  

As the meeting was winding down, a young lady, new to our company was introduced, and she shared her most previous work experience, why she decided to come work with our company, and what she’d like to bring to the ‘team’.  She was well spoken, inspired and motivated. I thought, “Nice, she was a good pick-up for the team.”

Edith

She said something that triggered a thought, and before you know it I courteously interrupted her and began to share my epiphany. Humbly she smiled, and motioning with her hand she deferred the floor to me. It just came together, all of it, and 45 minutes later I had comprehensively laid out a new area of business for our company, as well as the logistics. 

Anthony and Edith

“That was the end of much simpler times, and the beginning of too much responsibility.”

After the meeting I was bum-rushed with dozens of questions while the department executives gathered in the corner to talk. A loud voice boomed from behind us, “Everyone! Everyone please, I want your attention, we’ve decided to go forward with the proposed venture and Anthony (that’s me) you’re going to spearhead this operation, as of now you’re the Vice President of New Business Operations & Logistics.” There were gasps of awe, shock, and envy, a few congratulatory shouts and pats on the shoulder.  As for me, I had to take a breath and soak it all in.  I was flooded with emotions, and as grateful as I was, my thoughts and feelings were soon overrun by a single thought, “What did I just do to myself?”  Another executive raised his voice, and said, “Everyone! Everyone. That’s it for now, have a good day, and Edith…where’s Edith?” Spotting her hand raised, he said, “Edith, congratulations!  You’re going to be working side-by side with Anthony.  I want the both of you to meet us in the lobby in an hour. We’ll talk more during lunch.”

Several Weeks Later…

Edith was out of town recruiting a potential ‘specialist’ for our new department. Oh yea, I didn’t tell you that we are officially The Division Of Operations & Logistics.

I was shoveling some leftover Chinese food from a Pagoda box into my mouth when Edith walked in to our office. She said, “Yea, I can’t do the ‘chop-sticks’ thing. I’m envious, how did you manage to get all of that food in your mouth with those sticks?” Then she made a puffer fish face and I nearly choked to death laughing.

I smiled, shrugged my shoulders, and said, “It’s like my super power”, as I choked down a mix of Mu-Shu chicken and chicken fried rice.  She smiled and unpacked her black-leather courier bag onto her desk.  Mindlessly, I scarfed down as many bites of food before my phone rang, we got another delivery for our office, or someone else stopped by our office to talk.  Usually two or three of those things were happening simultaneously. Edith said, “You should probably slow down.”  And that’s when I flashed back to when I a kid.  My grandmother used to yell, “You’re Eating Too Fast, SLOW DOWN! You in a rush? Where’re you going?” I replied, “I know, I know, thanks Nana”, which I immediately regretted saying, and Edith instantly replied, “Awwwwwww Nana, that’s so sweet.”  She caught me by surprise while I was mid-shovel, and I began to laugh and cough again, while covering my mouth to mask a burp of Chinese-heartburn.

In today’s world of ‘On-the-Go’, it may seem like an impossible feat to efficiently chew our food and mindfully mix it with saliva. This can only be achieved by slowing down and taking our time.  Who said that the fast-paced-world we live in gets to dictate the terms or our current state of wellbeing, or the future of our health, wellness, and vitality?  I did.  I gave the world the authority and power over me. I just didn’t know to what extent yet, and I didn’t know how hard it was going to be to get it back; yet.

You know it’s possible? We can successfully control our environment and our thoughts long enough to allow our brain to successfully and effectively communicate through the proper channels before, during and after our meal. And we can still perform at a high-level, live our lives, and fight the good fight.

Whether we’re stressed, depressed, or anxious, it’s within our power and authority to take control of our lives, and govern it considerately with all intents and purposes of providing our bodies with the nutrients needed to live a vibrant, healthy, strong, and productive life. And not allow stress to slowly kill us along with malabsorption, food-sensitivities/allergies, auto-immune diseases, etc. The question remains, “What do you believe?”

The gastrointestinal journey is just beginning.  Next week, things take a turn…

-J