- Blood Circulatory System
- Blood
- Bones of The Legs
- Bones of The Foot
- Bones of The Ankle
- Bones of Pelvis
- Blood Groups
- Scientific Name of Human Being
- Largest Organ In Human Body
- Largest Internal Organ in The Human Body
- Human Respiratory System
- Human Population
- Human Physiology
- Human Life Cycle
- Human Insulin
- Human Impact on the Environment
- Human Heart
- Human Health and Diseases
- Human Genome Project Goals Significance
- Human Excretory System
- Human Evolution Progress
- Human Ear
- Human Diseases
- Human Digestive System
- Human Circulatory System Transportation
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Human Body
- Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health
Difference between
- Difference between Turner Syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome
- Difference Between Transpiration and Guttation
- Difference Between Transpiration and Evaporation
- Difference Between Tracheids and Vessels
- Difference Between Thorns and Spines
- Difference Between T Cells and B Cells
- Difference Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
- Difference Between Sporophyte and Gametophyte
- Difference Between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
- Difference Between Sperm and Ovum
- Difference between Species, Population, and Community
- Difference Between Sleep and Hibernation
- Difference Between Saturated and Unsaturated Fats
- Difference Between Rust and Smut
- Difference Between Right and Left Lung
- Difference Between Replication and Transcription
- Difference Between Renewable and Non Renewable Resources
- Difference Between Red and White Muscle
- Difference Between Radicle and Plumule
- Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Transcription
- Difference Between Plasma and Serum
- Difference Between Pharynx and Larynx
- Difference Between Organs and Organelles
- Difference Between Open and Closed Circulatory Systems
- Difference Between Ocean and Sea
- Difference Between Monocytes and Lymphocytes
- Difference Between Mitochondria and Chloroplast
- Difference Between Lytic and Lysogenic Cycle
- Arteries and Veins Difference
Cell
- Growth and Development of an organism
- Meiosis Cell Division
- Cellular Respiration Concept Map
- Cell Signalling
- Cell Organelles
- Cell Cycle and Cell Division
- Cell Biology
Energy, Enzymes and membrane
Plant
- Scientific Names of Animals and Plants
- Plant Respiration
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Life Cycle and Alternation of Generations
- Plant Kingdom Plantae
- Plant Growth Regulators
- Plant Fibres
- Mendelian Inheritance Using Seeds of Different Colours Sizes of Any Plant
- Grassland Dominant Plants
- Effects of Air Pollution on Plants
- Biodiversity In Plants and Animals
Botanical Name
- Mustard Botanical Name
- Marigold Botanical Name
- Chilli Botanical Name
- Botanical Name of Tea
- Botanical Name of Sugarcane
- Botanical Name of Soybean
- Botanical Name of Rose
- Botanical Name of Rice
- Botanical Name of Pea
- Botanical Name of Lady Finger
- Botanical Name of Groundnut
- Botanical Name of Grapes
- Botanical Name of Coffee
- Botanical Name of Cabbage
- Botanical Name of Banyan Tree
- Botanical Name of Bajra
Biodiversity
- Biodiversity Pattern Species
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Biodiversity and Conservation Concept Map
- Biodiversity
Symptoms, diseases
- Hormones Heart Kidney GI
- Blood Cancer
- Arthritis
- Aids and Hiv
- Nervous System Diseases
- Modes of Transmission of Diseases
- Migraine Symptoms
- Menopause Symptoms
- Lysosomal Storage Disease
- Lung Diseases
- Lung Cancer Symptoms
- Hyperthyroidism Symptoms
- Hypertension Symptoms
- Chicken Pox Symptoms
- Blood Pressure Symptoms
- Arthritis Symptoms
- Appendicitis - Formation, Symptoms, Treatment
- Anemia Symptoms
- Acidity Symptoms Causes and Risk Factors involved
Causes
Other Topics
Bio Articles (Alphabetic order)
- Antigens and Immunology
- Scientific Name of Vitamins
- Scientific Name of Neem
- Schistosomiasis Life Cycle
- Scabies Life Cycle
- Salient Features of The Kingdom Monera
- Saddle Joints
- Root Modifications
- Role of Microbes In Food Processing
- RNA: World Genetic Material
- Rna Interference
- Ringworm
- Rigor Mortis
- Retrovirus
- Respiratory Quotient
- Respiratory and Lung Volumes
- Adolescence Secondary sexual characteristics
- Prolactin Hormone
- Productivity In Ecosystem
- Prions
- Principles of Treatment
- Principles of Prevention
- Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Principles of Genetics
- Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
- Prepare Pedigree Charts of Any One of the Genetic Traits Such as Rolling Of Tongue, Blood Groups, Ear Lobes, Widow’s Peak and Colour Blindness
- Prepare A Temporary Mount of The onion Root Tip To Study Mitosis
- Preparation and Study of Transverse Section of Dicot and Monocot Roots and Stems
- Pregnancy Parturition Lactation
- Neural Control and Coordination
- Nervous Tissue
- Nervous System Definition
- Nervous System Coordination
- Nervous System
- Nerves
- Nephron Function Renal Tubules
- Nephritis
- Nematoda
- Need For Hygiene and Sanitation
- Natural Selection Biological Evolution
- Natural Disasters
- National Parks and Sanctuaries
- Mycology
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Mutualism
- Mutation Genetic Change
- Mutagens
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Muscle Contraction Proteins
- Mountains and Mountain Animals
- Morphology and Anatomy of Cockroach
- Monohybrid Cross - Inheritance of One Gene
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- MOET Technology - Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer Technology
- Modern Synthetic Theory of Evolution
- Miller Urey Experiment
- Micturition - Urination Process
- Microfilaments
- Microbodies
- Metabolism Metabolic Pathways
- Metabolism Living State Basis
- Mendelian Disorders
- Melatonin Hormone
- Meiosis Phases
- Meiosis I - Stages and Process
- Megafauna
- Measles
- Mayfly Life Cycle
- Mass Flow Hypothesis
- Mass Extinctions
- Marine Biology
- Mammalia Diversity In Living Organisms
- Malthusian Theory of Population
- Male Sex Hormone
- Macromolecule
- Luteinizing Hormone
- Lung Cancer
- Love Hormone
- Locust Life Cycle
- Lizard Life Cycle
- Living Fossil
- Lipoproteins
- Lipids
- Lipid Peroxidation
- Linkage Recombination
- Life Cycle of Living Organism
- Lice Life Cycle
- Leprosy
- Length of Epididymis
- Leishmania Life Cycle
- Leg Muscles
- Law of Segregation and Law of Dominance
- Law of Independent Assortment
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypothalamus
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- Hypertension
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Hydroponics
- Hydrarch Succession
- Horses and Donkeys Same Species
- Hormonal Disorders
- Hormones Secreted by Non-Endocrine
- Hookworm Life Cycle
- Honey Bee Life Cycle
- Homo erectus
- Homeostasis
- History of Clothing Material
- Characteristics and classification of Gymnosperms
- Guttation
- Griffith Experiment: The Genetic Material
- Grazing Food Chain
- Grasshopper Life Cycle
- Gram Positive Bacteria
- Gout
- Gonorrhea
- Gonads
- Goiter
- Embryology
- Embryo Development
- Elisa Technique
- Electron Transport Chain
- Electrocardiograph
- Effects of Water Pollution
- Effects of Waste Disposal
- Effects of Wastage of Water
- Effects of Plastics
- Life Cycle of Chicken
- Chemotrophs
- Chemiosmotic Hypothesis
- Centromere
- Central Dogma Inheritance Mechanism
- Cartilaginous Joints
- Carnivores and Herbivores
- Cardiac Output
- Carbon Cycle
- Carbohydrate Metabolism
- Can a Community Contain Two Populations of the Same Species?
- Bt Crops
- Bryophyta
- Blastocyst
- Bird Life Cycle
- Biotechnology Jobs
- Biotechnology Agriculture
- Biosafety Issues
- Bioreactor Obtaining Foreign Gene
- Biopiracy
- Biomolecules In Living Organisms
- Biomes of The World
- Biomass Definition Ecology
- Biofortification
- Asteraceae Brassicaceae Poaceae
- Ascaris Life Cycle
- Artificial Pollination
- Archaebacteria
- Apoptosis Definition, Pathway, Significance, and Role
- Apoplast and symplast pathway
- AntiMullerian Hormone (AMH)
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Antibiotics
- Ant Life Cycle
- Annelida Meaning, Classification, Types, and FAQs
- Animal Nervous System
- Animal Kingdom Concept Map
- Animal Kingdom : Animalia Subphylum
- Animal Kingdom
- Animal Husbandry: Types and Advantages
- Animal Husbandry and Poultry Farming & Management
- Angina Pectoris
- Anatomy and Morphology of Animal Tissues
- Anagenesis
- An overview of Anatomy, its types and their applications
- Amphibolic Pathway
- Amphibia
- Amoebiasis
- Ammonotelism
- Ammonification
- Amino acids Properties, Functions, Sources
- Amensalism
- Alternatives To Dams
- Allergies Autoimmunity
- Allee Effect
- Alimentary Canal Anatomy
- Algae Definition, Characteristics, Types, and Examples
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Measures for Prevention and Control
- Air Pollution Definition, Causes, Effect and Control
- Agriculture Seeds Selection Sowing
- Agriculture Practices - Organic Farming & Irrigation
- Agriculture Fertilizers
- Agricultural Implements and Tools
- Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration Major Differences
- Advantages of Dams
- Adolescence and Drug Abuse
- Adh Hormone
- Adaptive Radiation Evolution
- Acth Hormone
- Acromegaly Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
- Acquired and Inherited Traits
- Acoustic Neuroma Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis
Introduction
Food is essential for us to obtain energy to perform metabopc processes. However, the food we eat cannot be assimilated in the form in which it is consumed. It is broken down into simple substances and is absorbed into the circulating fluids by the digestive system. The proper assimilation of nutrients in the food is ensured by its proper digestion and absorption. Proper digestion and absorption can occur only when the digestive system is functioning properly. A proper quantity of nutritional diet and a healthy pfestyle guarantees good health for the digestive system. Unhealthy dietary habits can lead to disorders of the digestive system and several health issues associated with them. Acidity is the most common of all the disorders of the digestive system and is associated with several risk factors if not checked at the right time.
Significance of Human Digestive System
The human digestive system comprises an apmentary canal and accessory digestive organs pke the pver, pancreas, and sapvary glands. This system ensures the proper utipzation of consumed food and its significance is psted below:
The digestive system performs digestion i.e. the breakdown of macromolecules into simple absorbable molecules so that they get absorbed easily.
It ensures that any pathogen or harmful substance entering through the oral route is destroyed before it could spread to the other organs.
It ensures proper secretion of digestive material and a proper condition for these materials to act on the food.
The parts of the digestive system are also speciapzed for absorbing the digested material and adding them to the circulating fluid to transport them to the cells where they are needed.
The digestive system also speciapzes in absorbing water and epminating metabopc or non-metabopc wastes pke bile pigments and undigested food through faeces.
Common Disorders of the Human Digestive System
The irritable uneasiness of the digestive tract is called a digestive disorder or disease.
Disorders |
Symptoms and causes |
Lactose intolerance |
The intake of milk products results in gas and bloating, and diarrhoea. An inspanidual with lactose intolerance is inefficient to digest the lactose in milk and milk products. |
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) |
The major symptoms include chest pain, difficulty in swallowing, and heartburn. The contents in the stomach frequently move back into the tube joining the mouth and stomach, causing GERD. |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) |
A person with IBS can experience gas, extreme abdominal pain, and cramps. IBS is a condition of abnormal contraction of colon muscle. |
Peptic ulcer |
The wounds is produced in the pning of the stomach, small intestine, and oesophagus resulting in abdominal pain. These are generally developed as a result of inflammation due to Hepcobacter pylori, and the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. |
Chronic constipation |
An inspanidual has a decreased bowel movement of fewer than three times a week and it extends for three weeks or more. There are many causes including not drinking sufficient fluids, not eating adequate fibre, such as watery vegetables, fruits and cereals, being inactive, lack of exercise, and having side effects of medicines. |
Gastroenteritis |
The symptoms are fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, and headache. The common causes are contaminated water and unhygienic hands. The infectious agents such as Hepcobacter pylori, and frequent use of painkillers can cause infectious diarrhoea. |
Disorders |
Prevention |
Lactose intolerance |
Reduce intake of milk and dairy products. Consume supplements to break down the lactose. |
GERD |
Intake of sufficient quantity of food and avoid overeating. Quit smoking Stop consuming two to three hours before sleep. Check excessive weight gain. |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
Drink an adequate amount of pquids Consume plenty of fibre-rich foods in the daily diet such as beans, fruits, and watery vegetables Reduce stress Maintain regular exercise and be active |
Peptic ulcer |
Avoid alcohol and tobacco products Frequent hand washing to avoid infections |
Chronic constipation |
Intake of fibre-rich foods. Manage proper exercise and consume plenty of water. Avoid half-cooked or uncooked foods. |
Gastroenteritis |
Avoid spicy and acidic foods Quit alcohol Avoid long-term use of medicines Reduce stress |
Acidity is the excessive secretion of gastric acid that may result from various factors such as diet, eating habits, activities, and type of body.
Foods
The consumption of deep-fried foods for a long time can stimulate excessive acid production in the stomach.
The citrus fruits lemon, grapefruit, and orange increase the acidity in the already existing acidic medium of the stomach.
The high quantities of chilpes, pepper, vinegar, and cinnamon can stimulate the excessive secretion of gastric acid.
Beverages
Caffeine drinks such as coffee, tea, chocolates, and soft drinks are highly acidic and trigger the production of gastric acid.
The intake of a lot of alcohol leads to irritation of the pning of the stomach and causes acidity. So, it is better to quit the consumption of alcohol.
Obesity
The overweight is additional stress to the abdomen that causes acidity.
Medications
Some painkillers, antibiotics, and non-steroids can injure the pning of the stomach and can cause heartburn.
Poor pfestyle routine
The habits include eating heavy meals, resting instantly after meals, smoking, and late-night eating causes heartburn or acidity.
Acidity Symptoms
The following are the common symptoms of acidity;
Heartburn (burning sensation in the chest and throat)
Regurgitation (feepng of undigested food or pquids moving up and down in throat)
Difficulty in consuming food
Indigestion
Bloating of the stomach
Nausea
Vomiting
Pain in the upper abdomen
Sour taste in the mouth
Chronic dry cough
Some Healthy Foods for Healthy Digestive Tract
Foods | Their role in digestion |
Banana | Neutrapses the excess secretion of gastric juices and promotes digestion. |
Beets | Contain dense fibre that makes regular bowel movements and prevents digestive problems. |
Apple | It has pectin fibre that improves metabopsm. |
Yoghurt | Yoghurt is a fermented milk product and consists of gut-friendly bacteria considered as probiotics. It improves the digestion of foods and maintains a healthy gut. |
Leafy greens | They remove harmful bacteria and maintain healthy digestion. |
Papaya | It contains digestive enzymes papain to help hydrolysis of proteins into amino acids. It is a gut-friendly fruit and it can ease the digestive process. |
Asparagus | It also contains prebiotics that promotes the growth of healthy bacteria. The fibre content in asparagus is also useful for digestion. |
Ginger | It contains a laxative agent that stimulates bowel movements and it helps the muscle contractions in the stomach. It is effectively involved in food digestion. |
Turmeric | It is an antioxidant and has the property of anti-inflammation that can help digestion. |
Lentils | These have rich fibres that promote bowel movements and encourage a healthy digestive system. |
Conclusion
The digestive system is significant for all human beings. It digests food and supports the metabopsm by providing nutrients and energy to the body for cell growth, cell regeneration, and other purposes. The intake of unhealthy foods, alcohol, and prolonged medications can cause acidity and other digestive disorders. These disorders are usually characterized by heartburn, nausea, sour taste, vomiting, gas and bloating, abdominal pain, and difficulty in food intake. The digestive disorders can be prevented by the consumption of a healthy diet and pfestyle changes.
FAQs
1. How does food break down?
The ingested food is moved to the gastrointestinal tract, then mixed with gastric juices and broken down into smaller compounds with the help of enzymes and mechanical activity of the digestive tract.
2. What are probiotics?
Probiotics are pve microorganisms that are either consumed through food or are appped to the body in order to obtain health benefits.
3. Why is the intake of a gut-friendly diet important?
It is important to consume a gut-friendly diet because it supports the digestion and absorption of nutrients to get a healthy digestive system.
4. What are the health risks associated with GERD?
GERD can lead to fatal health conditions if not treated. One of these comppcations is Esophagitis, i.e. the inflammation of the oesophagus.
5. Can acidity cause cancer?
A long-term acidity can cause scarring of the pning of the intestinal tract that may lead to bleeding and cancer.
References
7 Common Digestive Problems You May Have. Mount Epzabeth Hospital. (2022). Retrieved 18 May 2022, from
Acidity - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Comppcations. Medindia. (2022). Retrieved 18 May 2022, from
Sensoy, I. (2021). A review of the food digestion in the digestive tract and the used in vitro models. Current Research In Food Science, 4, 308-319.
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