Top 15 questions about the digestive system - Essential information : Your online pharmacy selection

What is the digestive system and how does it work?

The digestive system is a complex set of organs responsible for breaking down food into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth and cellular repair. This process begins in the mouth, where chewing and salivary enzymes begin the breakdown of food. Masticated food is transformed into a food bolus, which is then transported to the stomach via the oesophagus.

In the stomach, the food bolus is mixed with gastric acids, further breaking down proteins and other complex components. The contents of the stomach then pass into the small intestine, where the majority of nutrients are absorbed by the body through small structures called villi. Digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver play a crucial role in this process.

Unabsorbed substances pass into the large intestine, where water is reabsorbed and remaining waste is expelled from the body in the form of stool. Optimal functioning of the digestive system is essential to maintain general health and avoid a variety of digestive disorders.

What are the most common disorders affecting the digestive system?

Digestive system disorders can range from mild to severe. Among the most common are

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD ): a backflow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus, causing burning and discomfort.
• Gastritis: inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by infection, alcohol abuse or prolonged use of certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a functional disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and altered transit (diarrhea or constipation).
• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: forms of inflammatory bowel disease, causing chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

How can we maintain a healthy digestive system?

To promote a healthy digestive system, it is advisable to follow several key practices:

• Adopt a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grains while limiting saturated fats, processed foods and added sugars.
• Drink sufficient water throughout the day to aid digestion and prevent constipation.
• Engage in regular physical activity to stimulate intestinal transit and reduce stress, which has a negative impact on the digestive system.
• Avoid irritants such as tobacco, alcohol and medications that can affect the digestive mucosa.

What role does the liver play in the digestive system?

The liver plays several crucial roles in digestion. It produces bile, essential for digesting fats in the small intestine. In addition, the liver is involved in protein and carbohydrate metabolism, detoxification of harmful substances and storage of essential nutrients. Proper liver function is therefore essential for maintaining the body's nutritional and chemical balance.

How do probiotics influence digestive health?

Probiotics are live micro-organisms which, when ingested in adequate quantities, provide health benefits, mainly by improving the intestinal microbial balance. They can help prevent or treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, infectious diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Probiotics can be incorporated into the diet by consuming fermented products such as yoghurt, kefir or specific food supplements.

What are the consequences of poor digestion on overall health?

Poor digestion can lead to a number of health problems, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic fatigue, abdominal pain, and even mood disorders due to the interaction between the digestive and nervous systems. Irregular intestinal transit, whether too slow or too fast, can also encourage the onset of more serious illnesses such as metabolic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease or certain types of cancer.

What is a digestive endoscopy, and when is it necessary?

Digestive endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses an endoscope, a flexible tube fitted with a camera, to visualize the inside of the digestive system. It is often performed to diagnose symptoms such as bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, or to assess the condition of the esophagus, stomach and early small intestine. This procedure can also be used to take biopsies or treat certain conditions, such as polyp removal.

How important is intestinal flora in digestion?

The intestinal flora, or intestinal microbiota, is made up of billions of bacteria that reside in the large intestine. These bacteria play an essential role in digestion, breaking down fibers, producing certain vitamins (such as vitamin K) and protecting against infection. An imbalance in intestinal flora can lead to digestive disorders, increased intestinal permeability and various inflammatory diseases. Maintaining a balanced microbiota is therefore crucial for efficient digestion and overall health.