The esophagus is the tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to the stomach. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) happens when a band of muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly allowing stomach contents to leak back into the esophagus. This often causes a painful burning feeling in your chest or throat called heartburn.
The digestive system consists of all parts of your body that are involved in the digestion of food and liquids. This includes the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. These pieces work together to make sure that nutrients your body requires are absorbed from food, and then to expel the waste that’s left behind.
The GI tract (gastrointestinal tract) consists of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (including the rectum) and anus. These are all hollow organs that are joined together, and which carry food from the mouth to the anus. The liver, pancreas and gallbladder are solid organs involved in digestion.
There are also bacteria that live within your GI tract that help with digestion. Parts of the circulatory and nervous system are also involved in the digestive process.
You may not think about your GI tract or how the digestive system works when you are feeling well. But when problems occur, it can have a big effect on your daily routine and overall quality of life.
Knowing more about your digestive system will help you and your loved ones to better understand what you can do to prevent or treat GI issues. Or when to see a doctor.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to GI health. We’re constantly adding to our collection of GI resources. So, be sure to bookmark this page to access the latest tips for understanding and managing GI health and the problems and diseases that can occur.
GI Tract Health: Common Problems and How To Avoid Them
Knowledge of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract will help you, and your loved ones, understand issues you or they may be having with digestion.
There are ways to alleviate or prevent common problems such as: heartburn, diarrhea, and bloating.
Understanding when you should see your doctor is also important.
Celiac Disease Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Other FAQs
People with celiac disease undergo an immune reaction in the small intestine when they ingest gluten. Over time, this results in damage to the intestine.
While many people today are reducing their intake of gluten, those who have the disease must totally avoid gluten to prevent serious damage to the small intestines.
Do you, or someone you love, suffer from celiac disease?
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