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Disorders of the Digestive System in the Human

A disorder is a state of abnormal functioning of the organism. Digestive diseases could be defined as the disorder which impacts the process of digestion.

Any condition which pertains to the digestive system or tract might be dubbed a digestive disorder. 

Digestive diseases are fairly frequent in people. Our digestive tract comes in contact with numerous bacteria and other objects.

 The organs of the digestive system are very critically structured to create enzymes and digest all the complicated food that is consumed. 

Every one of us has experienced stomach irritation or pain at some point in our lives, which can be caused by a variety of factors.

Digestional problems are the term used to describe this sensation of irritation and pain.

More or less all people suffer from digestive comfort once in a while. Below described are several problems of the digestive system.

Parts of the Human Digestive System

The digestive system of the human body comprises a number of organs that work together in digesting food into energy and other fundamental nutrients to power the body.They are:

1.Mouth

2.Pharynx

3.Oesophagus

4.Stomach

5.Small Intestine

6.Large Intestine

7.Rectum

8.Accessory Organs

9.Pancreas

10.Liver

Functions of the Human Digestive System

Digestion and absorption are the two fundamental activities of the digestive system.

Digestion is important for breaking down food particles into nutrients that are needed by the body as an energy source, cell repair and growth.

Food and drink need to be transformed into smaller molecules of nutrients before it is absorbed by the circulation and delivered to the cells throughout the body. 

The body breaks the nutrients found in the liquids and food into carbs, vitamins, lipids and proteins.

How do eating disorders influence the digestive system

There is a wide range of digestive symptoms that can emerge as a result of disordered eating. 

These include:

  • Heartburn
  • Acid regurgitation
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Having a feeling of full stomach after eating even little amounts
  • Bloating
  • Weaknesses in the muscles of the oesophagus and sphincter
  • Kidney failure is a medical emergency.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Having difficulty swallowing

Causes of Digestive Disorders That Are Common

However, while specific digestive diseases may have a variety of distinct causes, there are a few general factors that might contribute to poor digestive health, which can result in a variety of abnormalities in the digestive system. 

The following are examples of such things:

Bad nutrition intake

 A bad diet is one in which essential elements such as vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and other nutrients are not included in a person’s normal diet. 

A diet that is deficient in fibre might also be a contributing factor to chronic constipation.

Overeating

On the one hand, eating too little results in malnutrition, while on the other hand, a diet high in fats and dairy products can result in a variety of digestive tract disorders depending on the individual.

Examine some of the most common digestive diseases, such as constipation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and indigestion:-

Vomiting

Vomiting is an uncontrollable bodily function.

 Vomiting is caused by the stomach’s contents being forced out through the mouth, which causes the stomach to contract. 

It is possible that vomiting is induced by any of the following factors:

  • Allergy to certain foods.
  • Gastrointestinal illness or food poisoning
  • As a result of the gastroesophageal reflex at work.

Diarrhoea

When there is abnormal bowel movement and the appearance of continuous flow of fluid from the anus, the condition is called diarrhoea.

It is possible that diarrhoea is caused by one of the following factors:

  • Allergies to certain foods
  • Infection with a virus in the stomach.
  • Bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Intestinal parasitic infection caused by a parasite.

Constipation

Chronic constipation is characterised by irregular and difficult bowel movements that are accompanied by hardened faeces and other symptoms.

It is possible that constipation is caused by one of the following factors:

  • Digestion of dairy foods is impaired.
  • Digestion of foods with a high fat content.
  • Digestion of foods containing a high amount of fibre
  • There is insufficient water in the diet.

Indigestion

When it comes to digestion in the stomach, indigestion is defined as trouble digesting food in the stomach.

As a result, the digestive tract experiences pain or discomfort. Indigestion can be brought on by any of the following factors:

  • A deficiency in digestive enzyme synthesis in the stomach.
  • Anxiety.
  • Food poisoning.
  • Overeating.
  • Consumption of hot and spicy foods

Conclusion

Functional digestive diseases are caused by the digestive system’s inability to work properly.

The majority of them manifest themselves as stomach diseases (e.g., loss of appetite, nausea, burning, hiccups, and bloating) or intestinal disorders (e.g. bloating and intestinal gas).

In addition to eating a large meal that is difficult to digest (such as fatty or spicy foods or acidic foods), eating food without chewing properly, drinking carbonated beverages or abusing alcohol, as well as experiencing stress or anxiety, are all potential causes of functional digestive disorders.

There are some recommendations made by doctors to help prevent digestive diseases and treatment modalities to treat any digestive disorder :

  • Ensure that you chew your food fully and that you do not overeat.
  • Make sure you drink plenty of fluids.
  • Eating a range of meals that are high in dietary fibre is recommended.
  • Reduce your intake of fats and alcoholic beverages.
  • If you’re not sure if the shellfish you’re eating came from a safe source, avoid eating it uncooked.
  • Do some exercise every day.

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