Diet and Gastrointestinal Problems

DIET AND GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is where digestion and absorption of food occur. The primary organs include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestine. The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are accessory organs that are also involved in these processes.

Numerous disorders of the gastrointestinal system cause countless indi-viduals distress and consequently affect the nation’s economy because they keep so many people home from work. Some problems are physiologically caused; others can be psychological in origin. It is sometimes difficult to deter-mine the cause or causes of a GI problem. Consequently, controversy exists in some cases about proper treatment.