Do you ever think about what goes on in your digestive system? For starters, it comprises 25 feet worth of hollow organs starting from your mouth all the way to your anus. In between, it passes through the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines.
The more solid organs in the digestive system include your pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. To put it briefly, the human digestive system is nothing less than an anatomical marvel.
Shutterstock | A 3D model of the human digestive system
But, How Does It Work?
The process by which food moves through your digestive system is termed peristalsis. The gastrointestinal tract consists of a series of muscles that permit movement in their walls, causing the food and liquid in it to be pushed through.
Your body requires nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, water, minerals, and vitamins. As these nutrients make their way through the GI tract, your system breaks them down into smaller and smaller parts.
BSAC | Substances are broken down enough so they can enter the bloodstream for cell repair, energy, and growth
When to See a GI Doctor
We're all too familiar with troubles in the digestive system - a little heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation are no big deal.
However, some issues in the GI tract cannot and should not be ignored. If you're experiencing one or more of the following problems, you need to see a GI doctor immediately.
1. Frequent Heartburn: Heartburn is normal but feeling it constantly on an everyday basis is not. The symptom could be indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and worst comes to worst, of esophageal cancer.
2. Abdominal Pain and Bloating: If you feel a painful sensation and bloat after almost every meal, especially if it's followed by painful bowel movements or nausea, you need to consult an expert immediately.
3. Abnormal Bowel Movements: If your diarrhea or constipation doesn't let up after a few days, it's best to see a doctor. This could be indicative of GI issues like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or blockage, to name a few.
4. Rectal Bleeding: If you're experiencing this, it is most likely that some part of your GI system is bleeding. You need to bring your doctor's immediate attention to this to determine the cause.
5. After Age 50: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises Americans to start screening for colorectal cancer from the ages of 50 to 75. African Americans, however, should start screening themselves after the age of 45.
Pexels | A doctor will offer a proper diagnosis and highlight the way forward
Final Note
If you're unsure about whether a certain condition warrants a visit to the GI doctor, lean on this as your rule of thumb: if the problem is either severe or persistent, you need a proper diagnosis from an expert. Your health is no joke and it's better to be safe than sorry.
