Vitality - Spring 2014 - (Page 9)

Podcas 3 1 SETTING OUT: THE MOUTH Your mother was right: Don't eat too fast, and chew your food carefully. That's because digestion actually starts in the mouth, according to Howard S. Kroop, M.D., a gastroenterologist and a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology. "Saliva moisturizes your food so it's easier to swallow," Kroop says. "And it contains enzymes that make it easier for you to digest your food." 2 HEADED DOWNHILL: THE ESOPHAGUS The esophagus is a muscular tube that pushes food down into your digestive tract. If it hurts to swallow, something might be irritating the lining, such as acid reﬂux. If this symptom occurs regularly, the condition is known as gastroesophageal reﬂux disease, or GERD, and you may feel heartburn right after you eat or notice acid backing up into your throat when you lie down, Kroop says. GERD can be treated with dietary changes such as avoiding spicy or acidic foods and, if needed, medication. Trouble swallowing also could be the sign of an infection, or something more serious (see sidebar). 4 EMBARRASSED TO ASK? LISTEN FIRST REST AREA: THE STOMACH The stomach is a large, muscular storage sack that churns and mixes food with acid and enzymes that begin to break down solids into smaller particles, Kroop says. Ulcers that form in the stomach are known as gastric ulcers. In some cases, eating can make ulcers more uncomfortable, but in others, having food in the stomach "comforts the ulcer," Kroop says. Antacids or acid blockers will usually bring relief. BACK ON THE ROAD: THE UPPER INTESTINE Once food is broken up by the stomach, it moves into the upper (or small) intestine, which is called the duodenum. This is where food, nutrients and vitamins are absorbed. "People who have bloating or gassiness after they eat may have a gluten allergy called celiac disease," Kroop says. "Fortunately, it's correctable with the appropriate diet." Ulcers can form in the duodenum as well, and are treated the same as those in the stomach. As food continues through the upper intestine, it mixes with enzymes from the pancreas to form more easily absorbed units. When people have an infection, such as viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning, lack of absorption can cause diarrhea. In most cases, Kroop says diarrhea will go away on its own after 24 to 48 hours or with over-the-counter medication. t 5 LAST STOP: THE COLON Also known as the large intestine or bowel, the colon reabsorbs the ﬂuids secreted by the stomach and upper intestine to solidify bowel movements. Diarrhea isn't the only cause of loose stools. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease both cause the colon to be inﬂamed and malfunction. These conditions can't be cured, but they can be managed. There's one bump in the road to healthy digestion that causes no symptoms: polyps. When these form in the colon, they may become cancerous. Screenings such as a colonoscopy are recommended for everyone starting at age 50, or if you notice rectal bleeding or a change in bowel movements. That leads to a ﬁnal question for our expert. How often should people have a bowel movement? "There is no right answer," Kroop says. "Some people have a bowel movement after every meal and others have one every three days. Unless you're uncomfortable, the only reason to see your doctor is if what's typical for you changes." Get answers to the most common questions about digestive conditions at the American College of Gastroenterology's patient site. Go to citizensmemorial.com/ vitality and click on "Digestive Conditions." YIELD TO DANGER SIGNS Many common gastrointestinal disorders can be treated with dietary changes and medication. But a few symptoms require prompt medical attention. * If it feels as if food is trapped in your chest, your esophagus may be obstructed, which can be a medical emergency. * Diarrhea that doesn't go away within a day or two, or causes severe dehydration, warrants a visit to a doctor. * Bowel movements that contain blood or mucus suggest something serious- especially if there's cramping or extreme pain. Don't wait to see a doctor. C I T I Z E N S M E M O R I A L .C O M | 9 http://www.citizensmemorial.com/vitality http://www.citizensmemorial.com/vitality http://www.CITIZENSMEMORIAL.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vitality - Spring 2014

Vitality - Spring 2014