Digestion and Absorption of the Food Nutrients

Chapter 3

Part 3

GI Tract Disorders

Factors influencing GI function Emotional state

Intestinal cramping, queasy stomach Exercise - moderate

Reduces liver disease Gallstones Constipation Colon cancer

GI Tract Disorders

Factors influencing GI function Exercise – high intensity

GERD Hiatal hernia Irritable bowel syndrome Viral gastroenteritis

GI Tract Disorders

More frequent in women Common in young athletes Infrequent in gliding movement sports

Cycling Serious medical conditions

GI Tract Disorders

Constipation Defecation habits are different among people.

Difficult or infrequent evacuation Many causes are possible.

Ignoring normal urges Muscle spasms

Slows feces movement Certain medications and supplements

Antacids, calcium, iron

GI Tract Disorders

Constipation Colonic irrigation is the internal washing of the

large intestine and can be hazardous. Strategies

High-fiber diet Increased fluids Exercise regularly. Respond quickly to the urge to defecate.

GI Tract Disorders

Laxatives Can work on the intestinal nerve plexus or mucosal surface Bulk producing laxatives

Bran Stool softeners

Dulcolax Hydrating agents

Milk of magnesia Hyperosmotic agents

Glycerol Draw water into the large intestine Regular use can be harmful

Decreases muscle action of large intestine

GI Tract Disorders

Belching and Gas Strategies

Eat slowly. Chew thoroughly. Relax while eating. Watch bothersome foods.

Hiccups are triggered by eating or drinking too fast.

GI Tract Disorders

Hemorrhoids may be a problem. Swollen veins of the rectum and anus Intense pressure and straining Dietary recommendation:

Fiber and fluid

GI Tract Disorders

Diarrhea: 2009-1.5 million deaths worldwide Frequent, loose, watery stools

Irritable bowel syndrome or colitis Infections-bacteria, viruses Cause excess intestinal secretions

GI Tract Disorders

Types of Diarrhea Secretory

Increased secretion or reduced absorption of fluids Cholera (secretes Cl- into intestinal lumen, Na+ follows)

Osmotic Lactose intolerance, high sugar solutions (particularly during ex.)

Exudative Crohn’s disease (blood in bowel)

Motility related Increased motility, diabetic neuropathy

Inflammatory Infections

Dysentery Blood in stool, caused by salmonella poisoning, for ex.

GI Tract Disorders

Diverticulosis Intestinal walls weaken and bulge. The

bulging pockets are called diverticula Diverticulitis

Worsened condition – inflammation Requires intervention - surgery

Increase fiber intake

GI Tract Disorders

Heartburn Lower esophageal sphincter – relaxes

Reflux Painful

Acid from stomach reaches esophagus and irritates lining

GI Tract Disorders

Heartburn and Acid Indigestion Strategies

Small meals Liquids between meals Sit up while eating. Wait 1 hour after eating before lying down. Wait 2 hours after eating before exercising. Refrain from tight-fitting clothing. Avoid bothersome foods. Refrain from tobacco use. Lose weight if overweight.

GI Tract Disorders

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Backward flow of stomach contents into

the esophagus. Exercise exacerbates GERD > 60% athletes

Worst in weightlifters Mild in endurance runners

GI Tract Disorders

Antacids and acid controllers may help indigestion.

4 hr from evening meal to bed Avoid exercising after eating Avoid foods that relax sphincter

Chocolate, peppermint, coffee, alcohol, tobacco,

GI Tract Disorders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Cramps, bloating, increased frequency, diarrhea, constipation

Causes Altered intestinal peristalsis Decrease pain threshold

GI Tract Disorders

Individualized treatment Elimination diet-dairy, gas-forming foods

(cabbage, beans), some fruit-grapes, cherries

high fiber foods Moderate caffeine, avoid dairy Low-fat, small, frequent meals Stress reduction

Choking

Food becomes lodged in the trachea. The larynx cannot make sounds. The Heimlich maneuver may need to be

used. Strategies

Small bites Chew thoroughly. Don’t talk or laugh with food in the mouth. Don’t eat when breathing hard.

Ulcers

Peptic ulcer Area of GI tract eroded by gastric acid,

pepsin Exposes nerves 15% stomach 85% duodenal Diet

Soluble fiber – fruits, vegetables: protective Refined sugar: increases risk

Ulcers

Treatment Antibiotics

Helicobacter pylori Cause of most ulcers

Proton pump (H+) inhibitors Keep HCL from forming

Antacids Neutralize stomach acids

Vomiting

Body’s adaptive mechanism Dehydration is a concern. May be self-induced as in eating

disorders