CARING FOR YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

1
CARING FOR YOUR DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

• Follow a well balanced diet that includes a
  variety of foods that are low in fat and high in
  fiber.
• Wash your hands before preparing a meal and
  before eating.
• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
• Drink at least 8 eight ounce glasses of water
  each day.
• Avoid using food as a way of dealing with your
  emotions.

2
PROBLEMS OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

• INDIGESTION a feeling of discomfort in the
  upper abdomen
• HEARTBURN - a burning sensation in the center of
  the chest that may rise from the bottom of the
  breastbone up to the throat
• HIATAL HERNIA a condition in which part of the
  stomach pushes through and opening in the
  diaphram
• GAS caused by the breakdown of carbohydrates
• CONSTIPATION a condition in which the feces
  become dry and hard
• NAUSEA a feeling of discomfort that sometimes
  precedes vomiting. Motion sickness, pathogens,
  some medications, and dehydration can cause
  nausea.
• DIARRHEA frequent passage of watery feces

3
STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

• GALLSTONES forms when cholesterol in the bile
  crystallizes and blocks the bile duct.
• APPENDICITIS the inflammation of the appendix
• GASTRITIS an inflammation of the mucous
  membrane that lines the stomach
• LACTOSE INTOLERANCE body does not produce
  lactase enzyme and undigested lactose remains in
  the small intestine
• PEPTIC ULCER a sore in the lining of the
  digestive tract, usually caused by regular use of
  anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin.
• CIRRHOSIS destruction of the liver tissue,
  usually caused by prolonged and heavy alcohol use

4
STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS IN THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

• CROHNS DISEASE causes an inflammation of the
  lining of the digestive tract
• COLON CANCER second leading cause of cancer
  deaths in the United States. Usually develops in
  the lowest part of the colon, near the rectum.
• COLITIS an inflammation of the large intestine,
  it can be caused by bacterial or viral
  infections.
• HEMORRHOIDS occurs when the veins in the rectum
  and anus become swollen as a result of increases
  pressure.
• TOOTH DECAY - destruction of the tooth enamel,
  that can lead to the infection of the tooth root.