Chapter 4: Common Digestive Problems
When nutrients and energy are in short supply, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems do not function properly. As a result, unbalanced diets can cause illness and disease. Conversely, certain illnesses and diseases can cause an inadequate uptake and absorption of nutrients, which in turn, simulates the health consequences of an unbalanced diet. Overeating high-fat foods and nutrient-poor foods can lead to obesity and exacerbate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallstones, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many diseases and illnesses, such as celiac disease, interfere with the body getting its nutritional requirements. A host of other conditions and illnesses, such as peptic ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, can also impair the process of digestion and/or negatively affect nutrient balance and decrease overall health. In this chapter, we will explore a variety of these digestive disorders.
Sections:
4.1 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
4.5 Inflammatory Bowel Disease
4.7 Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Chapter from Jellum et al., Principles of Nutrition.
Nutrients are substances the body needs to stay healthy.
Organs are a group of tissues arranged in a specific manner to support a common physiological function.
Organ systems consist of two or more organs that work together to support a specific physiological function.
Obesity is the condition of having excess accumulation of body fat. It is associated with health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
