Digestive System Anatomy

A Slow Digestive System Needs Help

The digestive system anatomy is made up of the digestive tract. Common digestive problems include slow digestive system and inadequate enzyme digestive levels. Some home remedies are very effective.

Digestion is the means by which your food gets broken down into nourishment and energy. The digestive system anatomy is designed specifically for that purpose; the digestive tract begins at the mouth (ingestion of food) and ends with excretion.

In between, other key components to the digestive system include the:

• Throat
• Stomach
• Small Intestine
• Large intestine
• Liver
• Gall bladder
• Pancreas

In an average adult, this entire system measures about 30 feet. Inside that length there needs to be certain enzyme digestive levels doing the heavy work of making sure your body can accept, and process, the food necessary for on-going health. These enzymes also exist in saliva, starting the process the minute you take a bite or drink.

Slow Digestive System

When the digestive system anatomy isn't working quite right it can result in a slow digestive system (which is also known as constipation). A lot of people opt for increasing fiber in their diet to try to move things along at a more normal and comfortable rate. Exercise is another approach to relieve the distress experienced from a slow digestive system.

The main signs of a slow digestive system are constipation, bloating and heartburn. New studies are showing that this can be a stress-related disorder. Another factor that may contribute to a slow digestive system includes eating fatty food. Having a good understanding of the digestive system anatomy will help you to be resolve your digestive health issues.

Common Digestive Problems

The digestive system anatomy may suffer from a variety of other common problems besides slow digestion. Included among these problems is acid reflux (GERD). Gastroesophageal reflux disease can actually harm the esophagus from the acids being brought up. About 6 percent of the population experience this on a daily basis.

Heartburn is also a very common digestive problem. Characterized by a burning feeling in the chest, heartburn is exasperated by spicy foods, some prescription medications, and alcohol. Note that heartburn is usually part of GERD symptoms, but is a separate condition.

Constipation is also a common digestive issue, yet it can be often resolved by using a natural home remedy for constipation.

Other Digestive System Diseases include:

(See a doctor for confirmation of illness and treatment.)

Diverticulitis: an inflamed pouch in the intestinal tract that makes it very difficult to digest seeds and nuts.

• Natural Old Home Remedies: High fiber foods such as barley, quinoa, and brown rice are anti-inflammatory and will help. Papaya, kiwi and pears are also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Natural cures for indigestion and digestion typically use products that are easily accessible and that are natural and/or organic.

IBS (also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome): characterized by on-going diarrhea and pain in the abdomen. This may be accompanied by rectal bleeding and weight loss.

• Natural Old Home Remedies: Be tested for lactose intolerance (which can present as IBS).

  Avoid citrus fruits, spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol and smoking! (Yes it doesn’t sound like much fun, but neither is IBS.)

  Eat six small meals a day instead of three large ones. Try to reduce the amount of fluids at meal times - drink water between meals.

  Eat slowly and chew thoroughly (20 to 30 chews per bite).

Ulcer and Heartburn: characterized by on-going stomach pain (often exasperated under stress).

• Natural Old Home Remedies: Heal heartburn, and ulcers, holistically. Stop smoking. Limit or avoid alcohol. Do not eat spicy or fatty foods.

  Or if you eat something spicy, have yoghurt or sour cream with it to line the digestive tract and protection it from irritation.

Gallstones: balls of cholesterol and salt that sometimes get stuck causing abdominal pain. Obesity is a contributing risk factor to developing these.

• Natural Old Home Remedies: Minimize saturated fat intake but remember that you must have some fat in your diet (so that the gallbladder empties its bile).

  Exercise and drink 8 glasses of water daily. See a doctor if you believe you have developed gallstones (can be very painful).

Lactose intolerance: about 40 million people in America (and more around the world) lack the enzyme they need to properly digest milk. As a result, consuming the beverage causes upset stomach, gas, and sometimes diarrhea.

• Natural Old Home Remedies: Some people report an improvement with lactose intolerance when drinking a higher fat content milk (the fat slows the digestion a bit).

  However, the best solution is to replace milk products with soy (if you can tolerate soy) and to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

  Visit Carol's site for more information on lactose intolerance symptoms and what foods to avoid.

Digestive Supplements:

Herbs for digestion can be a good help in naturally helping your digestion process. My grandmother used fennel seed to help her digestion - she lived to a ripe age (and claimed she never had any stomach problems).

DigestAssist is a great product that promotes healthy digestion and comfort after meals. The health benefits include: support digestive comfort after meals, maintain healthy levels of stomach acid during digestion, and provide on-the-spot support for healthy digestion. If the natural remedies don't work, try this product to help your digestive system.

In addition to DigestAssist, if you suffer from chronic digestive disorders and wish to support the entire digestive process, we highly recommend Gastronic Dr. Studies show that regular use of the herbs found in Gastronic Dr. safely supports digestive health and all organs involved in digestion. Gastric Dr. also supports the sensitive mucus membranes of the digestive tract and promotes the natural balance of essential organisms (such as probiotics) for improved digestion health.

Summary of Digestive System Anatomy

This is just a very brief overview of the digestive system anatomy and some of the conditions that can occur when the system is out of balance. If you’re experiencing digestive trouble that seems to have no cause, consult your physician as this can be indicative of far more serious problems.

Additional Reading:

• Heartburn Indigestion Symptoms
• Gall Bladder Cleanse
• Gall Bladder Disease Diet
• Post Gall Bladder Surgery Diet
• What Causes Constipation?