Learning About the Digestive System

What does your digestive system do?

Your digestive system takes in food, breaks it down into the nutrients and energy your body needs, and then gets rid of the waste. Most of your digestive system is a long tube that runs from your mouth to your anus. Your digestive system also includes organs that help digestion, such as the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver.

The major parts of your digestive system are your:

• Mouth, throat, and esophagus. Your mouth takes in food, breaks it into small pieces, and moistens it with saliva as it moves through the throat. Your esophagus moves food to your stomach.
• Stomach. The food starts to break down in your stomach and mixes with stomach acid so your body can absorb the nutrients.
• Small intestine. Your small intestine is a winding, tightly folded tube. It does most of the work of digesting food and absorbing nutrients.
• Large intestine (colon). The part of your food that is not absorbed (waste) goes through the large intestine. Most of the water from your food is absorbed there. The waste that is left is stool (feces). It moves to the rectum.
• Rectum. Your rectum is a short tube at the end of the large intestine. It connects your colon to your anus. The anus allows stool to pass out of your body.
• Liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Food and waste don't go through these organs. But these organs help your digestion.
  • Your liver helps with the breakdown of food into the nutrients the body can use.
  • Your pancreas makes digestive enzymes that break down food into nutrients.
  • Your gallbladder stores a fluid called bile that helps your body digest fats.

What problems can happen with your digestive system?

Digestive problems may include:

• Constipation. This means that you have a hard time passing stools (bowel movements) and are passing fewer stools. Stools may be hard, dry, or lumpy.
• Diarrhea. This means that you pass loose, watery stools several times a day or more often than is normal for you.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Heartburn. This is caused by stomach juices flowing backward into the esophagus.
• Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones.
• Hemorrhoids near the anus.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This is bloating, belly pain, and gas. It often gets worse after you eat or during times of stress.
• Peptic ulcers. These are sores in the lining of the stomach.
• Crohn's disease. In this disease, any part of the digestive tract may be inflamed. It usually affects the small and large intestine.
• Ulcerative colitis. The large intestine is inflamed and may have sores (ulcers). It usually affects the lower colon and the rectum.
• Diverticulitis. This occurs when pouches (diverticula) form in the wall of the large intestine (colon) and become inflamed or infected.
• Pancreatitis. The pancreas is inflamed.
• Cirrhosis. This is inflammation and scarring of the liver.
• Cancer of any part of the digestive system.

How can you prevent digestive problems?

Some digestive problems, such as ulcerative colitis, can't be prevented. But you can do a lot to prevent other problems or make them better. Most of these things are part of a healthy lifestyle.

• To help keep your digestive system healthy:
  • Be as active as you can every day. For many people, walking is a good choice. Or you may want to swim, bike, or be active in other ways. Housework and yard work count too.
  • Eat heart-healthy foods. These foods include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium, alcohol, and sugar.
  • To avoid constipation:
    • Include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains in your diet each day. These foods are high in fiber. If needed, take a fiber supplement, such as Citrucel or Metamucil, every day. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
    • Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
    • Schedule time each day for a bowel movement. Having a daily routine may help. Take your time and do not strain when having a bowel movement.
• To prevent diarrhea, avoid food or water that may be contaminated with harmful germs, such as bacteria. Eating raw or uncooked seafood and meat puts you at higher risk for getting sick. When you travel, avoid drinking the local water. Also avoid foods like salads, uncooked vegetables, and raw fruits that don't have a peel.
• To help prevent cirrhosis of the liver, limit alcohol, medicines, drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies that harm your liver. For some people, it's best to avoid alcohol completely.
• To prevent or ease digestive symptoms:
  • Don’t smoke, vape, or use other tobacco or nicotine products. Smoking can make digestion problems worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
  • Manage stress through deep breathing, guided imagery, or exercise. Any activity that helps you relax will help.