Common Diseases of The GI System and Why?

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are the most common type of illness in the United States, affecting more than 60 million people each year. The gastrointestinal (GI) system is responsible for absorbing food and water from the stomach and intestines, and breaking down these nutrients into their parts for absorption into the body.

The GI system is also responsible for removing waste products from the body. Diseases that affect the GI system can lead to a host of health problems, because its including malnutrition, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach cancer.

Introduction

Many people overlook their gut health, but the gut is a very important part of our body. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that help us digest food. When the gut is healthy, it can function as a barrier against infection and promote overall health. However, there are five common diseases of the gut that can impact your health: Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, IBS, and Crohn’s disease.

Common Diseases of The GI System and Why?

The gastrointestinal (GI) system is responsible for digesting food and helping to eliminate waste from the body. Diseases that can affect this system include irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and Gastroenteritis. Many common diseases can affect the GI system, such as GERD, Crohn’s disease, and ulcers. These diseases can cause a lot of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. In addition to causing physical discomfort, these diseases can also lead to a decreased quality of life.

There are many reasons why people develop diseases of the gastrointestinal system (GIS).

Some of these reasons include:

  • Eating unhealthy foods,
  • Drinking too much alcohol,
  • Not exercising enough,
  • Smoking, and
  • Having a compromised immune system.

Here are five common diseases of the GI system and why they are problematic: 

1. Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach or intestines. It is caused by bacterium, viruses, or parasites. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of gastroenteritis, but often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Because gastroenteritis is one of the most common causes of infectious illness in children and young adults.

2. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which stomach acid flows backward up the esophagus (food pipe leading from the stomach to the mouth).

3. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized by abdominal pain and diarrhea or constipation.

4. Ulcers are damage to the inner lining of the GI system, most commonly caused by infection or inflammation. It can occur anywhere in the GI system but are most common in the stomach and small intestine. Ulcers can be painful and difficult to treat and can lead to long-term health complications such as malnutrition or gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD).

5. Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the bowels and small intestine.

Each of these conditions has its symptoms and can be difficult to diagnose. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine if you have a problem with your gut.