DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

The digestive system is a group of organs working together to convert food into energy and basic nutrients to feed the entire body. Food passes through a long tube inside the body known as the alimentary canal or the gastrointestinal tract.

TYPES OF DISEASES:

1. GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD): happens when stomach acids are allowed to back up and flow into the esophagus.

TREATMENTS: Antacids that neutralize stomach acid, medications to reduce acid production, medications that block acid production and heal the esophagus, etc.

HOW TO AVOID IT: Lose weight, avoid foods known to cause reflux, don't lie down after eating...

2. DIVERTICULITIS: happens when the small pouches lining the large intestine become infected and inflamed.

TREATMENTS: Medicines such as antibiotics and pain relievers, changes in diet, starting with a clear-liquid or bland diet that is low in fiber until the pain goes away, then increasing the amount of fiber, etc.

HOS TO AVOID IT: Consume a diet with high amounts of fiber. Adequate amounts of fiber in your stool can help prevent constipation, allowing waste to move easily and preventing you from putting pressure on the colon during bowel movements.

3. INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE:  is a disease of chronic swelling and inflammation in various parts of the digestive tract. There are two types of IBD, including Crohn’s Disease, which affects the digestive tract, and ulcerative colitis, which affects the large intestine.

TREATMENTS: Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, etc.

HOW TO AVOIS IT: Eating well, getting enough exercise, and keeping bad habits to a minimum...

4. CELIAC DISEASE: is a severe intolerance to gluten in foods, and consuming gluten will cause an autoimmune response with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, weight loss, and constipation.

TREATMENTS: Glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, etc.

HOW TO AVOIS IT: Eating a gluten-free diet, avoid consuming grains and grain byproducts, especially wheat...

5. IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: the cause of this digestive system disease isn’t well understood, and the symptoms can be confusing and vary widely from patient to patients. Some experience diarrhea while others are constipated.

TREATMENTS: Fiber supplements, anti-diarrheal medications, anticholinergic and antispasmodic medications, etc.

HOW IT AVOID IT: Try eating smaller meals, more often, spread throughout your day, Slow down; don't rush through meals, avoid meals that over-stimulate everyone's gut.

Susana Hernandez, Patricia Martin.