Digestion Health Issues

About the digestive system and its working

The Digestive System is made up of a group of organs that combine together to form the Gastrointestinal Tract also called The Gut. The Gut is the long tube that begins from the mouth and ends at the anus. The gut is responsible for breaking down foods into nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and proteins to release energy that is absorbed by the body to function. 

These organs of the digestive system or the gut perform this function in harmony and produce chemicals that promote digestion. These organs include:

• Mouth
• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small Intestine
• Large Intestine
• Pancreas
• Liver
• Gallbladder

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine and causes extreme pain and discomfort. Symptoms of IBS can be managed by making a few lifestyle and dietary modifications.

Common signs and symptoms of IBS include:

• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Rectal bleeding
• Unintended weight loss
• Vomiting
• Change in the frequency of bowel movement
• Cramping during bowel movement

Acid Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

This condition is characterized by the rushing back of stomach acid or bile flow to the esophagus that causes heartburn and discomfort. This condition is usually experienced after the consumption of spicy, oily, or heavy foods in most people.

When acid reflux occurs too often or more than twice per week, it is called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Common symptoms of this digestive issue include-

• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Dry cough
• Trouble in swallowing
• Heartburn
• Burping
• Feeling of a lump in the throat
• Burning sensations in the throat and chest
• Sour taste at the back of the mouth

Ulcerative Colitis

This is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease that leads to inflammation and the development of ulcers in the digestive tract. The condition affects the rectum and innermost lining of the large intestine.

Symptoms for ulcerative colitis appear over a period of time and include-

• The urgency to defecate
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Rectal bleeding
• Difficulty passing bowel movements despite the urgency
• Rectal pain
• Diarrhea accompanied by pain, pus, and bleeding
• Unintended weight loss

Indigestion

Dyspepsia commonly known as indigestion or an upset stomach causes discomfort in the upper abdomen along with a set of other symptoms that lead to discomfort. The condition is extremely common but the severity of the symptoms differs from one person to the other and sometimes may also be an indication of digestive diseases.

Common symptoms of indigestion are-

• Extreme discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Gas
• Bloating
• Burning in the upper abdomen
• Feeling full during the beginning of a meal
• Nausea
• Diarrhea or constipation

Taking care of your digestive health is important as if overlooked, these problems can lead to further complications such as piles or hemorrhoids, gallstones, cancer development, etc.