The digestive system can be affected by disease and by poor eating habits. Understanding these problems helps us to choose healthier habits.
Common disorders
- Gastritis — inflammation of the stomach lining, often from irregular meals, spicy food or stress; too much acid irritates the wall.
- Peptic ulcer — an open sore in the stomach or duodenum wall, linked to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and to excess acid.
- Constipation — hard, infrequent faeces caused by too little fibre or water.
- Diarrhoea — watery faeces, often from infection or food poisoning; can cause dehydration.
- Obesity — excess body fat from taking in more energy than is used.
Key idea
Many digestive problems are linked to eating habits: irregular meals, too little fibre, too much fat or sugar, and eating contaminated food.
Poor eating habits and their effects
- Skipping meals and eating late can trigger gastritis.
- A high-fat, high-sugar diet increases the risk of obesity and related diseases.
- Eating unhygienic food can cause food poisoning and diarrhoea.
- Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia harm both the gut and general health.
Keeping the digestive system healthy
Eat regular, balanced meals; include enough fibre and water; limit fatty, sugary and very spicy foods; wash hands and prepare food hygienically; and chew food properly.
Many of these disorders can be prevented or managed. Constipation improves with more fibre and water; food poisoning is avoided by hygienic food handling; and ulcers linked to H. pylori can be treated with medicine. Building good habits early lowers the long-term risk of obesity, diabetes and other diet-related diseases.
Example
A student who often skips breakfast, eats spicy food late at night and drinks little water may develop gastritis and constipation. Regular balanced meals with fruit and water reduce these risks.
Remember
Peptic ulcers are often caused by H. pylori bacteria, not only by stress or spicy food alone.