Digestive System

3 Main Functions a.Digestion – breakdown of foods within stomach and intestines for use by body’s cells b.Absorption – passage of digested food from digestive tract into blood c.Elimination – body’s expulsion of undigested food or body wastes.

The Digestive Process 4 sections 1. Mouth 2. Throat 3. Stomach 4. Intestines

The Digestive Process - Mouth a.Teeth break food you eat into smaller pieces b.Mastication – the process of chewing c.Saliva is produced by salivary glands. Saliva contains an enzyme that breaks down food in the mouth – Amylase.

The Digestive Process - Mouth d.Tongue – shapes and prepares food for swallowing Make sure to brush tongue to avoid bad breath!!!

The Digestive Process – The Throat a.The uvula – small flap of tissue at the back of the throat that prevents food from going to the nasal passages b.The epiglottis – flap of tissue which covers the throat, preventing food from entering your airways.

The Digestive Process – The Throat c.When food is swallowed, it enters the esophagus – a 10 inch tube that connects the throat to the stomach d.Peristalsis – series of involuntary muscle contractions that move food through the digestive system e.(similar to squeezing a tube of toothpaste from the bottom up)

The Digestive Process - Stomach a. Stomach - hollow sac-like organ connected to the esophagus b. Functions: - digests food with gastric juices - moves food into small intestine c. Converts food into chyme - a creamy mixture of food and gastric juices.

The Digestive Process - Intestines a. from the stomach, food moves into small intestines feet long, 1 inch in diameter This is where most of the nutrients from food are absorbed into the body!!! b. inner lining contains villi – tiny fingerlike projections that help absorb nutrients

The Digestive Process - Intestines c. any unabsorbed material goes from the small intestine into the large intestine d. here water is absorbed; helps to eliminate waste e. undigested food passes through the large intestine; or the colon f. exited through the anus

Helpers of the Digestive System 1. It is important to note food DOES NOT pass through these organs! 2. Pancreas a. produces enzymes to help break down food b. produces insulin to help regulate blood sugar levels

Helpers of the Digestive System 3. Liver a. produces bile b. Bile – a green fluid that helps breakdown fats 4. Gallbladder a. small pouch which stores the bile

HEARTBURN Heartburn is actually a symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and is caused by acid refluxing back into the esophagus. Risk factors include those that increase the production of acid in the stomach, as well as structural problems that allow acid reflux into the esophagus.

GAS Gas forms when bacteria in your colon ferment carbohydrates that aren't digested in your small intestine. Unfortunately, healthy, high-fiber foods are often the worst offenders. Fiber has many health benefits, including keeping your digestive tract in good working order and regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

NAUSEA Nausea a feeling of wanting to vomit - can stem from a number of causes. Some people are more sensitive to motion or to certain foods, medications, or the effects of certain medical conditions than others. All these things can cause nausea. Common causes of nausea include: GERD / Diet / Ulcer Infection / Virus / Flu Motion Sickness Medications / Alcohol

GASTRITIS Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE Lactose intolerance means the body cannot easily digest lactose, a type of natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. This is not the same thing as a food allergy to milk.

PEPTIC ULCER Peptic ulcer disease refers to painful sores or ulcers in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum

HEMORRHOIDS Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anal canal. This common problem can be painful, but it's usually not serious. Veins can swell inside the anal canal to form internal hemorrhoids. Or they can swell near the opening of the anus to form external hemorrhoids.

Digestive System Care 1. Eat foods high in fiber! Fiber helps food and waste pass through the digestive tract Reduces risk of colon cancer Beans, Prunes, Pears, and Leafy Green Vegetables are good sources

Digestive System Care 2. Drink plenty of water 8 glasses a day! Helps keep things moving regularly

Digestive System Care 3. Eat slowly and don’t hurry through your meals Eating too fast can cause gas or indigestion