The digestive system, which includes organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines, functions in breaking down the food we eat into usable nutrients to be absorbed and used by the body for energy. Digestive health depends on appropriate consumption of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and fluid to aid with the passing of food through the digestive system. Poor diet and lifestyle habits can cause digestive diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, diverticular disease, and heartburn.
Normal Digestion
Digestion begins as soon as you start chewing food when salivary glands in the mouth break down carbohydrates in the food you eat and form it into a soft ball of food, or bolus, that is swallowed into the esophagus. The bolus travels down the esophagus into the stomach where digestive juices continue to break down the protein, fat, and carbohydrates from the food into usable nutrients. The small food particles then travel to the intestines where nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream where they are delivered to organs and tissues throughout the body. Waste products are taken out of the food particles as they travel through the colon and are excreted from the body through the rectum.
Upper Digestive Diseases
Eating large meals or fatty foods can place pressure on the upper digestive system that can contribute to the development of gastroesophageal reflux. More commonly known as acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower opening of the esophagus opens spontaneously or does not close properly, thereby allowing stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus and cause pain or discomfort in the chest or throat. When stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, the resulting discomfort may cause a burning sensation known as heartburn, which is one of the most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, GERD is persistent gastroesophageal reflux that occurs twice a week or more, and may be caused by such factors as a hiatal hernia, obesity, smoking, pregnancy, or consuming acidic, spicy, or fatty foods.
Lower Digestive Diseases
According to the American College of Gastroenterology, constipation occurs when stools are too small, too hard, difficult to pass, and are produced less than three times per week. Constipation may be caused by side effects of medication, emotional or physical stress, a lack of physical activity, or medical problems, but it is commonly caused by a lack of dietary fiber or fluids. Long term effects of a lack of fiber in the diet may lead to diverticular disease, which involves the formation of small pouches called diverticula that can form primarily in the large intestine. Diverticulosis involves diverticula with little to no symptoms, while diverticulitis occurs when the pouches become infected or inflamed. Diverticulitis can cause symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, with complications including diverticular bleeding, intestinal blockages, and openings in the bowel wall.
Considerations
In order to prevent the development of digestive diseases, it is important to maintain a healthy weight by consuming plenty of fiber-rich whole-grain foods, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and low-fat dairy products, as well as plenty of fluids. In addition, it is important to consume small, frequent meals throughout the day since larger portions of foods at meals can place pressure on the digestive tract. Please contact a healthcare provider for additional treatment if you experience severe or long-term digestive discomfort.
References
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Digestive Disorders: Symptoms
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Your Digestive System and How It Works
- Harvard School of Public Health: Carbohydrates: Good Carbs Guide the Way
- American Academy of Family Physicians: FamilyDoctor.org: Diverticular Disease
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- The American College of Gastroenterology: Digestive Health Tips
