- THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Your digestive system is specifically designed to perform the function of turning the food that you consume into energy, as well packaging the residue for disposal.
Food passes through a long tube inside the body known as the alimentary canal or the gastrointestinal tract. The alimentary canal is made up of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and large intestine.
Food passes through a long tube inside the body known as the alimentary canal or the gastrointestinal tract. The alimentary canal is made up of the oral cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and large intestine.
Along with the Gastrointestinal Tract there are a few other vital organs that help when your body digests food. These are called the accessory organs and they include:
• teeth
• tongue
• salivary glands
• gallbladder
• pancreas
• teeth
• tongue
• salivary glands
• gallbladder
• pancreas
DIGESTIVE system anatomy
Oral cavity
The journey food takes through the digestive system begins in the mouth, also known as the Oral Cavity. Inside the oral cavity there are organs that assist in the digestion of food: the tongue, the salivary glands and the teeth.
The smell of food triggers the salivary glands in your mouth, causing your mouth to water. When you actually taste the food, saliva increases. When you start chewing and breaking the food down into small pieces, other components come into play. A lot more saliva is produced to start the process of breaking down food into a form that can be absorbed and used. There are also juices which are produced to help to further break down food.
The journey food takes through the digestive system begins in the mouth, also known as the Oral Cavity. Inside the oral cavity there are organs that assist in the digestion of food: the tongue, the salivary glands and the teeth.
The smell of food triggers the salivary glands in your mouth, causing your mouth to water. When you actually taste the food, saliva increases. When you start chewing and breaking the food down into small pieces, other components come into play. A lot more saliva is produced to start the process of breaking down food into a form that can be absorbed and used. There are also juices which are produced to help to further break down food.
Pharynx
The pharynx is a funnel shaped tube that collects the food from the mouth and transfers it to the esophagus. Both food and air passes through the pharynx, a flap of tissue called the epiglottis, closes over the trachea to prevent choking or asphyxiation when food is being swallowed.
The pharynx is a funnel shaped tube that collects the food from the mouth and transfers it to the esophagus. Both food and air passes through the pharynx, a flap of tissue called the epiglottis, closes over the trachea to prevent choking or asphyxiation when food is being swallowed.
Esophagus
The esophagus is a narrow muscular tube that begins at the pharynx, it's job is to carry food from the mouth to the stomach. The walls of the Esophagus propel food through wavelike muscular contractions called peristalsis, peristalsis occurs and propels food downward, then the food passes through the lower esophageal sphincter and makes its way into the stomach.
The esophagus is a narrow muscular tube that begins at the pharynx, it's job is to carry food from the mouth to the stomach. The walls of the Esophagus propel food through wavelike muscular contractions called peristalsis, peristalsis occurs and propels food downward, then the food passes through the lower esophageal sphincter and makes its way into the stomach.
Stomach
The stomach is a muscular organ, which receives food from the esophagus through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. As well as holding the food, it's also a mixer and grinder. The stomach secretes acid and powerful enzymes that continue the process of breaking down the food. When it leaves the stomach, food is the consistency of a liquid or paste. From there the food moves to the small intestine.
The stomach is a muscular organ, which receives food from the esophagus through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. As well as holding the food, it's also a mixer and grinder. The stomach secretes acid and powerful enzymes that continue the process of breaking down the food. When it leaves the stomach, food is the consistency of a liquid or paste. From there the food moves to the small intestine.
Small intestine
The small intestine is located after the stomach and before the large intestine, it where 90% of the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and absorption is completed, the other 10% occurring in the stomach and large intestine. The nutrients produced are absorbed through the lining of the small intestine and transferred to the bloodstream.
The small intestine is located after the stomach and before the large intestine, it where 90% of the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates and absorption is completed, the other 10% occurring in the stomach and large intestine. The nutrients produced are absorbed through the lining of the small intestine and transferred to the bloodstream.
Large intestine
The primary role of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food and to prepare for the elimination of feces.
The primary role of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food and to prepare for the elimination of feces.
irritable bowel syndrome
HOW DOES IBS AFFECT THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the colon (the large intestine). The colon's main function is to absorb water and nutrients from partially digested food. Anything that is not absorbed is slowly moved through the colon toward the rectum and out of the body in the form of feces.
The Colon possesses a large supply of nerves that connect it to the brain, the role of these nerves is to manage the rhythmic contractions of the colon and can cause abdominal pain during stressful times. People usually experience cramps otherwise known as butterflies when they are really nervous or distressed. However, during IBS the colon is overly responsive to even the slightest bit of stress or conflict.
Irritable bowel syndrome can also affect the immune system. It causes nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances, and weakens all organ function. It also creates an additional toxic load for the body to deal with and lowers how effectively the body can convert food into a form of energy.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder that affects the colon (the large intestine). The colon's main function is to absorb water and nutrients from partially digested food. Anything that is not absorbed is slowly moved through the colon toward the rectum and out of the body in the form of feces.
The Colon possesses a large supply of nerves that connect it to the brain, the role of these nerves is to manage the rhythmic contractions of the colon and can cause abdominal pain during stressful times. People usually experience cramps otherwise known as butterflies when they are really nervous or distressed. However, during IBS the colon is overly responsive to even the slightest bit of stress or conflict.
Irritable bowel syndrome can also affect the immune system. It causes nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalances, and weakens all organ function. It also creates an additional toxic load for the body to deal with and lowers how effectively the body can convert food into a form of energy.
SYMPTOMS OF IBS.
Symptoms of IBS vary widely from person to person and often those of other diseases. Among the most predominant symptoms are:
- pain in your lower abdomen
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea or constipation or alternating bouts of both
- Immediate need to move your bowels when you wake up, or during or after meals
- Relief of pain after bowel movements
- Feeling of incomplete emptying after bowel movements
- Mucus in your stool
Symptoms of IBS vary widely from person to person and often those of other diseases. Among the most predominant symptoms are:
- pain in your lower abdomen
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea or constipation or alternating bouts of both
- Immediate need to move your bowels when you wake up, or during or after meals
- Relief of pain after bowel movements
- Feeling of incomplete emptying after bowel movements
- Mucus in your stool
DIAGNOSING IBS
In most cases a diagnosis is based on whether you have the typical symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome, usually your GP will check how long you have been suffering from these symptoms:
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- diarrhoea and constipation
Many cases of IBS can be diagnosed based on your symptoms alone, however in some cases further tests may be needed.
Your GP may organise blood tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as an infection or coeliac disease.
Further tests may be needed when you have certain serious symptoms, these red flags indicate to your doctor that you may have a potentially serious condition that could lead into something even more severe, like cancer.
These symptoms include:
- swelling or lumps in your stomach or back passage
- unexplained weight loss
- bleeding from your rectum
There are also different tests that are highly recommended for those with a medical history of either bowel cancer or ovarian cancer in their family, or if you are older than 60 years of age and have had sudden changes in your bowel habits that have lasted for over 6 weeks.
In these certain cases doctors will recommend undertaking a colonoscopy, this is where your rectum and colon are examined using an endoscope.
In most cases a diagnosis is based on whether you have the typical symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome, usually your GP will check how long you have been suffering from these symptoms:
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- diarrhoea and constipation
Many cases of IBS can be diagnosed based on your symptoms alone, however in some cases further tests may be needed.
Your GP may organise blood tests to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as an infection or coeliac disease.
Further tests may be needed when you have certain serious symptoms, these red flags indicate to your doctor that you may have a potentially serious condition that could lead into something even more severe, like cancer.
These symptoms include:
- swelling or lumps in your stomach or back passage
- unexplained weight loss
- bleeding from your rectum
There are also different tests that are highly recommended for those with a medical history of either bowel cancer or ovarian cancer in their family, or if you are older than 60 years of age and have had sudden changes in your bowel habits that have lasted for over 6 weeks.
In these certain cases doctors will recommend undertaking a colonoscopy, this is where your rectum and colon are examined using an endoscope.
WHAT CAUSES IBS?
There is not one exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome that has been discovered by researchers however many causes have been suggested, including inflammation, certain diets and infections, although none of these have been proven to have a direct link to the causes of IBS.
It is also thought that people that suffer from this disease possess very sensitive colons, this colon being unusually reactive to certain foods and stress.
There is not one exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome that has been discovered by researchers however many causes have been suggested, including inflammation, certain diets and infections, although none of these have been proven to have a direct link to the causes of IBS.
It is also thought that people that suffer from this disease possess very sensitive colons, this colon being unusually reactive to certain foods and stress.
TREATMENTS?
The symptoms of IBS can usually be managed well through changes in diet and lifestyle, although in some cases medication or psychological treatments may help.
Watch what you eat!
Changing your diet and what you are consuming can assist greatly in controlling your symptoms, however there is not particularly one diet for people with the disease. The diets vary depending on how you react to different foods. Carrying a food diary to record the foods you are eating and whether they affect you or not is a very good idea. This will help you find out what foods you need to avoid, however you must remember these foods may not necessarily need to be ruled out of your diet for life.
Get Physical
A lot of people have discovered that exercise helps relieve their symptoms, if you don't know what exercise you should be doing your GP can advise you on what is best for you.
Stop Stressing
Reducing stress may also help reduce the severity of your symptoms. There are many techniques you can easily complete at home, such as breathing exercises and meditation, there are physical activities that you could try, yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi, Or you could just try regular exercise like walking or swimming.
Medication
Some of the medications that help treat IBS include:
• laxatives
Laxatives are recommended for people who suffer from constipation as a result of their disease. It's very important to drink fluids during the time in which you are taking laxatives as you don't want them to cause obstructions in your digestive system.
• antispasmodics
these help relieve abdominal pain or cramping, they work by relaxing the muscles in your digestive system, there aren't many common side effects that occur when using this drug.
• antidepressants
There are two types of antidepressants that are used to treat patients with IBS, TCAs (tryclic antidepressants) and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) the TCAS are usually recommended when antispasmodics haven't been effective.these work by stopping the signals that are sent to the nerves in your digestive system. You may feel dizzy or have constipated and diarrhoea as a side effect of the TCAS.
Talk about your issues
If your IBS symptoms are still causing problems after 12 months ,you may be referred for a type of therapy.
There are various types of psychological therapy. They all involve teaching you techniques to help you control your condition better, and there is good evidence to suggest they may help some people with IBS.
Psychological treatments that may be offered include:
• phsychotherapy
This is a type of therapy that involves talking to a trained therapist to help you to look deeper into your problems and worries
• cognitive behavioural therapy
CBT involves examining how beliefs and thoughts are linked to behaviour and feelings, and teaches ways to alter your behaviour and way of thinking to help you cope with your situation
•hypnotherapy
used to change your unconscious mind's attitude towards your symptoms
it's very important to understand that not all of these treatment methods will help your personal condition of IBS. Make sure you see your gp to discuss the right combination of methods that suit you.
The symptoms of IBS can usually be managed well through changes in diet and lifestyle, although in some cases medication or psychological treatments may help.
Watch what you eat!
Changing your diet and what you are consuming can assist greatly in controlling your symptoms, however there is not particularly one diet for people with the disease. The diets vary depending on how you react to different foods. Carrying a food diary to record the foods you are eating and whether they affect you or not is a very good idea. This will help you find out what foods you need to avoid, however you must remember these foods may not necessarily need to be ruled out of your diet for life.
Get Physical
A lot of people have discovered that exercise helps relieve their symptoms, if you don't know what exercise you should be doing your GP can advise you on what is best for you.
Stop Stressing
Reducing stress may also help reduce the severity of your symptoms. There are many techniques you can easily complete at home, such as breathing exercises and meditation, there are physical activities that you could try, yoga, Pilates or Tai Chi, Or you could just try regular exercise like walking or swimming.
Medication
Some of the medications that help treat IBS include:
• laxatives
Laxatives are recommended for people who suffer from constipation as a result of their disease. It's very important to drink fluids during the time in which you are taking laxatives as you don't want them to cause obstructions in your digestive system.
• antispasmodics
these help relieve abdominal pain or cramping, they work by relaxing the muscles in your digestive system, there aren't many common side effects that occur when using this drug.
• antidepressants
There are two types of antidepressants that are used to treat patients with IBS, TCAs (tryclic antidepressants) and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) the TCAS are usually recommended when antispasmodics haven't been effective.these work by stopping the signals that are sent to the nerves in your digestive system. You may feel dizzy or have constipated and diarrhoea as a side effect of the TCAS.
Talk about your issues
If your IBS symptoms are still causing problems after 12 months ,you may be referred for a type of therapy.
There are various types of psychological therapy. They all involve teaching you techniques to help you control your condition better, and there is good evidence to suggest they may help some people with IBS.
Psychological treatments that may be offered include:
• phsychotherapy
This is a type of therapy that involves talking to a trained therapist to help you to look deeper into your problems and worries
• cognitive behavioural therapy
CBT involves examining how beliefs and thoughts are linked to behaviour and feelings, and teaches ways to alter your behaviour and way of thinking to help you cope with your situation
•hypnotherapy
used to change your unconscious mind's attitude towards your symptoms
it's very important to understand that not all of these treatment methods will help your personal condition of IBS. Make sure you see your gp to discuss the right combination of methods that suit you.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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