Things That Can Go Wrong Nearly everyone has a digestive problem at one time or another. Some conditions, such as indigestion or mild diarrhea, are common; they result in mild discomfort and get better on their own or are easy to treat. Others, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), can be long lasting or troublesome. GI specialists or gastroenterologists (doctors who specialize in the digestive system) can be helpful when dealing with these conditions.

Esophagitis (pronounced: ih-saf-uh-jeye-tus) or inflammation of the esophagus, is an example of a noncongenital condition. Esophagitis is usually caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which the esophageal sphincter (the tube of muscle that connects the esophagus with the stomach) allows the acidic contents of the stomach to move backward up into the esophagus. GERD can sometimes be corrected through lifestyle changes, such as adjusting the types of things a person eats. Sometimes, though, it requires treatment with medication. Occasionally, esophagitis can be caused by infection or certain medications. CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE ESOPHAGUS

Almost everyone has experienced diarrhea or constipation at some point in their lives. With diarrhea, muscle contractions move the contents of the intestines along too quickly and there isn't enough time for water to be absorbed before the feces are pushed out of the body. Constipation is the opposite: The contents of the large intestines do not move along fast enough and waste materials stay in the large intestine so long that too much water is removed and the feces become hard. Other common stomach and intestinal disorders include: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal disorder that affects the colon. When the muscles in the colon don't work smoothly, a person can feel the abdominal cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea that may be signs of IBS. There's no cure for IBS, but it can be managed by making some dietary and lifestyle changes. Occasionally, medications may be used as well.

Under normal conditions, the stomach and duodenum are extremely resistant to irritation by the strong acids produced in the stomach. Sometimes, though, a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori or the chronic use of certain medications weakens the protective mucous coating of the stomach and duodenum, allowing acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath. This can irritate and inflame the lining of the stomach (a condition known as gastritis) or cause peptic ulcers, which are sores or holes that form in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum and cause pain or bleeding. Medications are usually successful in treating these conditions. The kinds and amounts of food a person eats and how the digestive system processes that food play key roles in maintaining good health. Eating a healthy diet is the best way to prevent common digestive problems. Now, have you ever heard about anorexia and bulimia? What do you think about these disorders… These are strong pictures but it is important to know about its consequences… let´s watch!

Eating disorders are so common in America that 1 or 2 out of every 100 students will struggle with one. Each year, thousands of teens develop eating disorders, or problems with weight, eating, or body image. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa andbulimia nervosa (usually called simply "anorexia" and "bulimia"). But other food-related disorders, like binge eating, body image disorders, and food phobias, are becoming more and more common. Anorexia People with anorexia have a real fear of weight gain and a distorted view of their body size and shape. As a result, they can't maintain a normal body weight. Many teens with anorexia restrict their food intake by dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise. They hardly eat at all — and the small amount of food they do eat becomes an obsession. Others with anorexia may start binge eating and purging — eating a lot of food and then trying to get rid of the calories by forcing themselves to vomit, using laxatives, or exercising excessively, or some combination of these.

Bulimia Bulimia is similar to anorexia. With bulimia, someone might binge eat (eat to excess) and then try to compensate in extreme ways, such as forced vomiting or excessive exercise, to prevent weight gain. Over time, these steps can be dangerous — both physically and emotionally. They can also lead to compulsive behaviors (ones that are hard to stop). To be diagnosed with bulimia, a person must be binging and purging regularly, at least twice a week for a couple of months. Binge eating is different from going to a party and "pigging out" on pizza, then deciding to go to the gym the next day and eat more healthfully. People with bulimia eat a large amount of food (often junk food) at once, usually in secret. Sometimes they eat food that is not cooked or might be still frozen, or retrieve food from the trash. They typically feel powerless to stop the eating and can only stop once they're too full to eat any more. Most people with bulimia then purge by vomiting, but may also use laxatives or excessive exercise. Although anorexia and bulimia are very similar, people with anorexia are usually very thin and underweight but those with bulimia may be a normal weight or can be overweight.

Sometimes a person with anorexia or bulimia starts out just trying to lose some weight or hoping to get in shape. But the urge to eat less or to purge or over-exercise gets "addictive" and becomes too hard to stop. Teens with anorexia or bulimia often feel intense fear of being fat or think that they're fat when they are not. Those with anorexia may weigh food before eating it or compulsively count the calories of everything. People to whom this seems "normal" or "cool" or who wish that others would leave them alone so they can just diet and be thin might have a serious problem. How do you know for sure that someone is struggling with anorexia or bulimia? You can't tell just by looking — a person who loses a lot of weight might have another health condition or could be losing weight through healthy eating and exercise. But there are some signs to watch for that might indicate a person has anorexia or bulimia.

become very thin, frail, or emaciated be obsessed with eating, food, and weight control weigh herself or himself repeatedly deliberately "water load" when going to see a health professional to get weighed count or portion food carefully only eat certain foods, avoiding foods like dairy, meat, wheat, etc. (of course, lots of people who are allergic to a particular food or are vegetarians avoid certain foods) exercise excessively feel fat withdraw from social activities, especially meals and celebrations involving food be depressed, lethargic (lacking in energy), and feel cold a lot

Eating disorders are serious medical illnesses. They often go along with other problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use. Eating disorders can lead to the development of serious physical health problems, such as heart conditions or kidney failure. Someone whose body weight is at least 15% less than the average weight for that person's height may not have enough body fat to keep organs and other body parts healthy. In severe cases, eating disorders can lead to severe malnutrition and even death. With anorexia, the body goes into starvation mode, and the lack of nutrition can affect the body in many ways: A drop in blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate Hair loss and fingernail breakage Loss of periods Lanugo hair — a soft hair that can grow all over the skin Lightheadedness and inability to concentrate Anemia Swollen joints Brittle bones

 fear weight gain  be intensely unhappy with body size, shape, and weight  make excuses to go to the bathroom immediately after meals  only eat diet or low-fat foods (except during binges)  regularly buy laxatives, diuretics, or enemas  spend most of his or her time working out or trying to work off calories  withdraw from social activities, especially meals and celebrations involving food WITH BULIMIA, CONSTANT VOMITING AND LACK OF NUTRIENTS CAN CAUSE THESE PROBLEMS:  constant stomach pain  damage to the stomach and kidneys  tooth decay (from exposure to stomach acids)  "chipmunk cheeks," when the salivary glands permanently expand from throwing up so often  loss of periods  loss of the mineral potassium (this can contribute to heart problems and even death)