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The No Nonsense Guide to your Digestive System
This guide aims to provide a basic understanding of the functions and processes of the human digestive system. We have detailed the processes of digestion that are carried out when we eat and we also explain how common complaints can be minimised in order to improve the function of the digestive system.
Why is digestion important?
When we eat food such as bread, vegetables and pasta it is not in the form that the body can use as nourishment. This food must be broken down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the blood and carried to cells throughout the body. The main function of the human digestive system is to complete the process whereby food is broken down and so that the body can use this nourishment to grow and also to provide energy.
The Human Digestive System
The human digestive system is split up into 7 major parts.
1 The Brain
Even before you actually begin to eat food the digestive process begins. The process starts in the brain where as you smell that gorgeous apple pie or homemade Sunday lunch your senses go into overload. Imagining taking the first bite of your favourite food makes you start to salivate.
2 The Salivary Glands
Saliva is produced by the salivary glands, which are located underneath the tongue and near the lower jaw. In response to the sense and smell of food around you the brain triggers the release of saliva in preparation for the consumption of a meal. As your teeth chop and tear food the saliva is used to moisten the remaining substance. Also at this time an enzyme called amylase contained within the saliva begins the breakdown of carbohydrates whilst the food is still in the mouth.
3 The Pharynx, Epiglottis, Esophagus and Sphincter
As you prepare to swallow the tongue pushes a piece of broken down food, called a bolus, to the back of the pharynx, or throat. A flexible flap of tissue called the epiglottis reflexively opens and closes to prevent choking. Once the bolus is swallowed it travels down the esophagus. Here waves of muscle movements, which cannot be felt, push the bolus down to the opening of the stomach. The sphincter is a round ring at the opening of the stomach that allows the bolus to pass into the stomach. It then closes tightly shut to ensure no food or liquid escapes back into the esophagus.
4 The Stomach
The stomach is the location in the digestive system where food is churned and broken down into smaller molecules until it is ready to travel to the rest of the body. The food is broken down using a mixture of acids and enzymes. An acidic environment must be present in the stomach for complete digestion to occur. Some substances such as water, salt, sugars and alcohol can be absorbed directly through the stomach wall. All other food needs further digestion before it can be absorbed. In order for this to take place the remaining food is processed into a thick liquid called chyme. This is stored in a muscular tube at the outlet of the stomach called the pylorus.
5 The Small Intestine
When the chyme reaches the right consistency it is ready to be squirted into the small intestine. The small intestine is made up of the duodenum, the jejunum and the ileum. Digestion of food continues in the small intestine until nutrients are ready to be passed into the blood stream. The small intestine is made up of millions of villi that allow nutrients to be passed into the body.
6 The Pancreas, Gallbladder and Liver
The pancreas produces enzymes that help digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It also makes a substance that neutralizes stomach acid. The liver produces bile, which helps the body absorb fat. Bile is stored in the gallbladder until it is needed. These enzymes and bile travel through special channels, called ducts, directly into the small intestine, where they help to break down food. The liver also plays a major role in the handling and processing of nutrients, which are carried to the liver in the blood from the small intestine.
7 The Large Intestine
The remaining food that has not been digested travels from the small intestine to the large intestine. By the time the food reaches the large intestine the majority of the digestion process is complete. The main function of the large intestine is to remove water from the undigested matter in order to form solid waste that can be excreted. The large intestine is split into three major parts, each with a different function. First of all, the cecum is a pouch at the beginning of the large intestine that also connects to the small intestine. This is used to pass the indigested matter from the small intestine to the large intestine. The appendix is situated at the end of the cecum. This does not have any function within the body’s digestive process. The colon has three parts, which include the ascending colon and transverse colon, which absorb fluids and salts, and the descending colon, which holds the resulting waste. Bacteria in the colon help to digest the remaining food products. The rectum is where faeces are stored until they leave the digestive system through the anus as a bowel movement.
When the Digestive System goes wrong
3 The Pharynx, Epiglottis, Esophagus and Sphincter
Heartburn
This is a common symptom of a condition called acid reflux. Heartburn occurs when the sphincter, at the entrance of the stomach, does not work correctly and therefore relaxes or is weak and allows food and stomach juices back into the esophagus causing a burning sensation.
- Tips to Control Heartburn
-
- Avoid lying down straight after eating and 2-3 hours before bedtime
- - Elevate the head of your bed 4-6 inches
- - Lose weight if over weight
- - Stop smoking
- - Avoid large meals. Eat small, regular meals instead
- - Avoid consuming:
- - Chocolate
- - Coffee
- - Alcohol
- - Fried and fatty foods
- - Mint products (e.g. Spearmints, Peppermint)
- - Carbonated drinks and citrus fruits or juices
- - Tomatoes and tomato by-products
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is when the contents of the stomach regularly reflux back up into the esophagus. This is a chronic condition that, besides causing heartburn, can lead to other complications such as sore throats, hoarseness, chronic cough, asthma, chest pains and a feeling of a lump in the throat. The treatment for GERD is mainly through the lifestyle changes associated with heartburn and esophagitis.
Esophagitis
This is an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. If left untreated, this condition can become very uncomfortable, causing difficulty in swallowing and ulcers or scarring of the esophagus. In rare instances, a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus may develop, which is a risk factor for cancer of the esophagus.
Treatment of Esophagitis
Treatment for esophagitis depends on its cause. While medications that block acid production may be recommended, other medications may be prescribed for infectious causes of esophagitis. To treat pain brought on by esophagitis, your doctor may give you an analgesic to gargle with and then swallow. While being treated for esophagitis, there are certain steps you can take to help limit any discomfort. These include:
- Avoiding spicy foods such as those with pepper, chilli powder, curry and nutmeg
- Avoiding hard foods such as nuts, crackers, and raw vegetables
- Avoiding acidic foods and beverages such as tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits and their juices. Instead, try nectars and imitation fruit drinks with vitamin C
- Including more soft foods such as apple sauce, cooked cereals, mashed potatoes, custards, puddings and high protein shakes in your diet
- Taking small bites and chewing your food thoroughly
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco
4 The Stomach
Gas
The urge to pass intestinal gas can strike at the worst possible moment, during an important meeting, on a crowded elevator or on a first date. Although passing intestinal gas usually isn't serious, it can be seriously embarrassing. Everyone passes gas, generally at least 12 or more times a day. The reason you pass gas is because air is swallowed every time you eat or drink. You may even unknowingly swallow air when you're nervous. Some of that air finds its way into your lower digestive tract. But lower intestinal gas is produced when bacteria in your colon ferment carbohydrates that aren't digested in your small intestine. In some cases, gas you can't expel can cause intense, intermittent pain. The good news is that although you can't stop gas from forming, a few simple measures can go a long way toward reducing the amount of gas you produce and relieving your discomfort and embarrassment.
Preventing Gas
One or more of the following suggestions may help prevent excessive gas:
Try to identify and avoid the foods that affect you the most - Some of the worst offenders for many people include beans, onions, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, artichokes, asparagus, pears, apples, peaches, prunes, sugar-free sweets and chewing gum, whole-wheat bread, bran cereals or muffins, beer, sodas and other carbonated beverages, milk, cream, ice cream.
Try cutting back on fried and fatty foods - Often, bloating results from eating fatty foods. Fat delays stomach emptying and can increase the sensation of fullness.
Temporarily cut back on high-fibre foods - Add them back gradually over weeks. If you take a fibre supplement, try cutting back on the amount you take and build up your intake gradually. Be sure to take fibre supplements with at least 8 ounces of water and drink plenty of extra liquids throughout each day.
Reduce your use of dairy products - Try using low-lactose dairy foods, such as yogurt, instead of milk. Consuming small amounts of milk products at one time and or consuming them with other foods also may make them easier to digest. In some cases, however, you may need to eliminate dairy foods completely.
Try smaller meals - Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of two or three larger ones.
Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and don't gulp - If you have a hard time slowing down, put down your fork between each bite.
Avoid chewing gum and eating hard sweets - These activities can cause you to swallow more air.
Don't eat when you're anxious, upset or on the run - Try to make meals relaxed occasions. Eating when you're stressed can interfere with digestion.
Don't smoke - Cigarette smoking can increase the amount of air you swallow.
Try a cup of peppermint tea - Peppermint oil contains menthol, which appears to have an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of your digestive tract. You may find that a warm cup of peppermint tea can provide relief from gas and gas pain. On the other hand, peppermint may contribute to heartburn and acid reflux.
Indigestion
Indigestion is a general term used to describe discomfort in the upper abdomen. It's not a disease, but rather a collection of symptoms. You may notice a burning sensation in your upper abdomen, nausea, bloating and belching.
Controlling Indigestion
Eat smaller, more frequent meals - Chew your food slowly and thoroughly. Avoid anything that triggers indigestion, such as fatty and spicy foods, carbonated beverages, caffeine and alcohol.
Maintain a healthy weight - Excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing acid to back up into your esophagus.
Exercise regularly - Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. It can be as simple as a nightly walk after dinner.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is pain. Until recently doctors believed that the main cause of ulcers was the lifestyle a patient lived. Doctors now know that infections or medication are the main causes of peptic ulcers. The main bacterium involved in the development of ulcers is known as H. pylori.
Before the discovery of H. pylori, doctors often advised people with ulcers to eat a restricted diet and reduce the amount of stress in their lives. Now that food and stress have been eliminated as direct causes of ulcers, these factors are no longer of as much importance. However, while an ulcer is healing, it's still advisable to watch what you eat and to control stress. Acidic or spicy foods may increase ulcer pain. The same is true for stress. Stress may increase acid and slow digestion, allowing food and digestive acid to remain in your stomach and intestines for a longer period. If stress is severe, it may delay the healing of an ulcer.
5 The Small Intestine
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive condition triggered by consumption of the protein gluten, which is found in bread, pasta, cookies, pizza crust and other foods containing wheat, barley or rye. Oats may contain gluten as well. When a person with celiac disease eats foods containing gluten, an immune reaction occurs in the small intestine, resulting in damage to the surface of the small intestine and an inability to absorb certain nutrients from food. Eventually, decreased absorption of nutrients can cause vitamin deficiencies that deprive your brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and other organs of vital nourishment, which can lead to other illnesses. This is especially serious in children, who need proper nutrition to develop and grow.
Treatment of Celiac Disease
In order to treat Celiac disease it is essential that gluten be avoided in the diet. Many different types of foods contain gluten so it is essential that food labels be investigated before food is consumed. The following types of food should be avoided unless they are labelled as gluten-free or made from corn, rice, soya or other gluten-free grains:
- Breads
- Cereals
- Crackers
- Pasta
- Cookies
- Cakes and pies
- Gravies
- Sauces
A relatively normal diet can still be consumed away from the above types of foods. The basic foods that should become part of a Celiac’s diet include:
- 
Meat, fish and poultry
- Most dairy products
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Gluten-free flours like rice, soya, corn and potato
Lactose Intolerance
This is where a person cannot fully digest the milk sugar lactose, which is commonly found in dairy products. Being lactose intolerant is not normally dangerous but it can lead to symptoms that can be very uncomfortable. The underlying cause of being lactose intolerant is a lack of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose so it can be absorbed in the blood stream.
Controlling Lactose Intolerance
Being lactose intolerant does not necessarily mean that you have to completely cut all types of dairy food from your diet. However, this may be a good way to start. After this, it may be a good idea to introduce different dairy foods back into your diet on a small basis. Lactose intolerance varies greatly between different people. By doing this you will be able to test different foods to see how your body reacts to there consumption. The aisles of supermarkets are also full with lactose-reduced and lactose free products that may be beneficial. Following this, it is also prudent to take care not to consume prepared foods that contain hidden lactose. On top of this, due to dairy products being restricted in the diet, an alternative source of calcium should be consumed. This could in the form of a supplement, dark green leafy vegetables, almonds and oranges, as all these are good alternative sources.