Chapter 17.2: Care and Problems of the Digestive System Nutrition Unit

Healthy Behaviors and the Digestive System Choices Good eating habits can lead to a lifetime free of digestive issues Poor eating habits can lead to disease.

Healthy Behaviors and the Digestive System Good Choices A well balanced diet includes a variety of foods that are low in fat, and high in fiber. Ex: Fruits and Vegetables

Healthy Behaviors and the Digestive System Good Choices Wash hands before preparing or eating a meal to reduce that risk of harmful bacteria entering your body. Ex: Money and Door Handles have millions of E.coli, Staphylococcus, Aureas, plus fungal and viral infections which can all lead to food poisoning.

Healthy Behaviors and the Digestive System Good Choices Eat slowly and thoroughly chew your food. Connection: By thoroughly chewing your food, you increase its _____________ ________ which allows for better _______________ digestion.

Healthy Behaviors and the Digestive System Good Choices Eat slowly and thoroughly chew your food. Connection: By thoroughly chewing your food, you increase its surface area which allows for better chemical digestion.

Healthy Behaviors and the Digestive System Good Choices Drink at least eight 8oz glasses (64oz) of water each day. Not enough water can lead to dehydration and constipation.

Healthy Behaviors and the Digestive System Good Choices Do not use food as a crutch to deal with emotional issues. Find other outlets such as exercising or writing when stressed.

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems- Discomfort that results from illness, stress, or eating certain foods

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 1. Indigestion: Feeling of discomfort in the upper abdomen. A feeling of fullness sometimes accompanied by gas and nausea. Eating too much, eating too quickly, Spicy foods, or fatty foods

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 2. Heartburn: Burning sensation at the center of the chest. Acid from the stomach rises and burns the bottom of the esophagus. Hiatal Hernia- Part of the stomach pushes through an opening in the diaghram

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 2. Heartburn: Burning sensation at the center of the chest. Continuous heart burn can indicate a more serious problem so don’t ignore! Continual burning of the esophagus can lead to cancer

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 3. Gas: Cramps or uncomfortable feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Different foods can cause gas for different people, however, foods high in Carbohydrates tend to cause gas in most. Ex: beans, broccoli, & onions

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 4. Constipation: Feces become dry and hard. Bowel movements are difficult. Usually caused by not drinking enough water or eating enough fiber. Water+ Fruits and Vegetables+ Exercise will lead to regular bowl movements

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 5. Nausea: Feeling of discomfort that sometimes precede vomiting. Vomiting is caused when strong muscles contractions in the abdomen force food from the stomach back into the esophagus.

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 5. Nausea: Feeling of discomfort that sometimes precede vomiting. Motion sickness, pathogens, some meds, & dehydration can all cause nausea/ vomiting

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 6. Diarrhea: passage of watery faces. Caused when feces passes too quickly through the large intestines and water is not properly reabsorbed.

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 6. Diarrhea: passage of watery faces. Changes in eating styles, overeating, emotional turmoil, nutritional deficiency, bacterial or viral infections, some meds

Problems of the Digestive System Functional Digestive Problems 6. Diarrhea: passage of watery faces. Dehydration is the major concern when diarrhea occurs. Fluid + electrolytes should be supplemented

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems- A part of the digestive system in not properly working or damaged

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 1. Gallstones: Cholesterol in Bile crystallizes and blocks the bile duct between the gall bladder and small intestine. Pain in the upper right portion of the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 1. Gallstones: Cholesterol in Bile crystallizes and blocks the bile duct between the gall bladder and small intestine. Medications or high intensity ultra sounds may be used to try to break the stones down. Surgical removal of the gall bladder is common.

Gall Stones

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 2. Appendicitis: the inflammation of the appendix Blockage caused by the bacteria the appendix stores or foreign object.

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 2. Appendicitis: the inflammation of the appendix Pain in the lower right portion of the abdomen, fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 2. Appendicitis: the inflammation of the appendix If the appendix bursts, the good bacteria that it stores will spill outside of the digestive system creating a severe (usually lethal) infection. The appendix will be surgically removed.

Appendicitis

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 3. Gastritis: Inflammation of the mucus membrane that lines and protects the stomach. Too much stomach acid production, alcohol, tobacco, bacterial or viral infections, medications (aspirin)

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 3. Gastritis: Inflammation of the mucus membrane that lines and protects the stomach. Pain, indigestion, decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 3. Gastritis: Inflammation of the mucus membrane that lines and protects the stomach. Avoid irritants, take meds for relief of irritation or antibiotics to rid of infection

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 4. Peptic Ulcer: a sore in the lining of the digestive tract. Over use of anti-inflammatory drugs or a bacterial infection caused by Heliocobacter pylori (H. pylori)

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 4. Peptic Ulcer: a sore in the lining of the digestive tract. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain that worsens when the stomach is empty. Bleeding may occur and eventually, the ulcer can perforate the wall

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 4. Peptic Ulcer: a sore in the lining of the digestive tract. Medications that neutralize acids or eliminate infection. Avoid irritants such as aspirin, cigarette smoke, and alcohol.

Peptic Ulcer

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 5. Cirrhosis: Destruction of the liver tissue. Prolonged and heavy alcohol consumption Alcohol interferes with the liver’s ability to break down fat. This extra fat blocks blood flow causing destruction of the tissue.

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 5. Cirrhosis: Destruction of the liver tissue. If the cirrhosis is advanced, a liver transplant may be needed due to liver failure. Death may occur.

Cirrhosis

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 6. Crohn’s Disease: inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract Diarrhea, weight loss, fever, abdominal pain Seems to be an Autoimmune Disease (body attacks itself)

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 7. Colon Cancer: Cancer of the colon and rectum is the 2 nd leading cause of death from cancer in the USA. The cancer usually forms near the rectum.

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 7. Colon Cancer: Cancer of the colon and rectum is the 2 nd leading cause of death from cancer in the USA. As the cancer grows, the colon can become blocked and may cause bleeding during a bowel movement.

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 7. Colon Cancer: Cancer of the colon and rectum is the 2 nd leading cause of death from cancer in the USA. This cancer is slow to spread so early intervention is key. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR POOP!

Colon Cancer

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 8. Colitis: Inflammation of the Large Intestine. Bacterial or Viral infection Fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea that may contain blood

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 9. Hemorrhoids: veins in the rectum and anus that are swollen as a result of increased pressure. Constipation, pregnancy, and childbirth Itching, pain, bleeding

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 9. Hemorrhoids: veins in the rectum and anus that are swollen as a result of increased pressure. Regular physical activity and a diet high in fiber can help to avoid hemorrhoids. Rubber banding or laser MAY temporarily fix

Hemorrhoids

Problems of the Digestive System Structural Digestive Problems 10. Tooth Decay: Breakdown of the enamel of the teeth. Linked to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer Brushing and flossing daily is the best way to prevent tooth decay Lower sugar intake