9.7 - Health Issues Related to the Digestive System and Eating Habits

Adaptation of Digestive Organs

Gastric bypass is one of the surgical procedures that can be performed on obese people. It helps to reduce body weight as it changes how the stomach and small intestine handle the food consumed. After the surgery, the stomach becomes smaller and it is easier to feel full with less food.

Figure 7 - A gastric sac (small pouch) is created from the stomach and connected directly to the small intestine. Hence, the food will move into the gastric sac and then directly into the small intestine.

Health Issues Related to Defecation

Constipation is one of the most common issues related to defecation. Our daily diet should have sufficient amount of water and fibres such as fruits and vegetables. Chronic constipation can potentially lead to hemorrhoids, colon cancer and rectum cancer. Here are some of the functions of fibres:

• Stimulate peristalsis
• Absorb and remove toxic substances
• Control the absorption of glucose (important for diabetic patients)
• Increase the population of gut bacteria

Water helps to soften the fibres and increases its bulk. This helps movement of stools along the colon, preventing constipation.

Health Issues Related to Eating Habits

Poor eating habits are linked to various health problems which can affect many people in their daily lives.

Gastritis

• Inflamed or damaged epithelial lining of the stomach due to absence of food.
• Severe condition can lead to gastric ulcers
• It can be due to regular times of food intake, excessive alcohol or aspirins consumption and stress.

Anorexia nervosa

• Common among teenagers due to intense fear of gaining weight.
• Persistently concerned about their body weight and shape.
• Their body weights are 15% or more below normal body weight.
• Potentially fatal.
• Recognized as a psychological disorder.

Muscle dysmorphia

• Over concerned by one's body being too small or not muscular enough.
• Consequently, they perform excessive weightlifting and muscle building exercise.
• Consume steroids or other supplements to build more muscles.

Bulimia nervosa

• Different from anorexics, bulimia victims have normal body weights.
• Characterized by excessive food intake and purging.
• Over time, it can lead to dehydration, nutritional problems, cardiovascular disease or kidney failure.