Digestive Diseases ( Gastrointestinal diseases )

Digestive system is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube. It runs from mouth to anus and includes esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines.Liver, gallbladder and pancreas are also involved. They produce juices to help digestion.There are many types of digestive disorders. The symptoms vary widely depending on the problem. In general, you should see your doctor if you have

* Blood in your stool
* Changes in bowel habits
* Severe abdominal pain
* Unintentional weight loss
* Heartburn not relieved by antacids

The primary causes for functional disorders include:

* Eating a diet low in fiber
* Not getting enough exercise
* Traveling or other changes in routine
* Eating large amounts of dairy products
* Being stressed
* Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
* Resisting the urge to have bowel movements due to pain from hemorrhoids
* Overusing laxatives (stool softeners) that, over time, weaken the bowel muscles
* Taking antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
* Taking certain medicines (especially antidepressants, iron pills, and strong pain medicines such as narcotics)
* Being pregnant

X-ray examinations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract-- which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines and rectum-- enable your physician to detect abnormalities in these organs.

Gastrointestinal examinations are usually called either "upper GI" or "lower GI," depending on the organs that are to be studied:

* The upper GI test examines the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine. For this test, the patient swallows a contrast solution that contains barium.
* The lower GI test examines the large intestine and the rectum. For this test, barium is administered rectally by enema.
Our diets can contribute to digestive system difficulties. Many people eat too much processed food and sugar, and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Poor eating habits, such as eating too quickly or skipping meals, can also be part of the problem. Many digestive problems can be prevented through lifestyle. Be sure to get adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

10 Tips on Dietary Fiber

1. Keep in mind that a high-fiber diet may tend to improve:
* Chronic constipation
* Coronary heart disease
* Hemorrhoids
* Diabetes mellitus
* Diverticular disease
* Elevated cholesterol
* Irritable bowel syndrome
* Colorectal cancer
2. Try to double your daily fiber intake.
* Average intake: 10-15 grams per day
* Recommended intake: 20-35 grams per day
3. Understand what fiber is, where it comes from:
* Insoluble fiber
o Cereals
o Wheat/wheat bran
o Whole grains
* Soluble fiber
o Brans
o Fruit
o Oatmeal/oat bran
o Psyllium
o Vegetables
4. Substitute high-fiber foods for high-fat and low-fiber foods.
5. Keep your daily fiber intake stable. Consider a fiber supplement if you:
* Travel
* Eat away from home often
* Find it difficult to get enough fiber through food choices alone
6. Don't shock your system: Increase fiber levels in your diet gradually.
7. Always increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices) when you increase fiber.
8. Add both soluble and insoluble fiber, from a variety of sources.
9. Compare fiber content of foods:
10. Choose foods high in fiber content.

Fruits and Vegetables (Highest in Fiber Per Serving):

Artichokes
Apples, pears (with skin)
Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Dates
Figs
Prunes
Beans (baked, black, lima, pinto)
Broccoli
Chick-peas
Lentils
Parsnips Peas
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Squash (winter)

Other Good Fiber Choices:
Barley
Bread, Muffins (whole wheat, bran)
Cereals (branflakes, bran, oatmeal, shredded wheat)
Coconut
Crackers (rye, whole wheat)
Nuts (almonds, Brazil, peanuts, pecans, walnuts)
Rice (brown)
Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)

Eating high-fiber foods is a healthy choice for most people. If you have ever received medical treatment for a digestive problem, however, it is very important that you check with your doctor to find out if a high-fiber diet is the right choice for you.