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The human digestive system is a complex union of a range of organs that promote the assimilation of ingested food and regulate the elimination of waste products ("Digestive"). Most animals have a digestive system that centrally embodies the gastrointestinal tract that extends from mouth to anus. The digestive system essentially converts food into a usable form that can be distributed and utilized by the other bodily systems, in particular the circulatory system ("Digestive"). A range of issues can impede the optimal functioning of the digestive system, however, birthing significant problems and barricading the health and wellness of the individual. In the twenty-first century, stress is a considerable problem for an unfortunate number of individuals, and the digestive system can manifest stress in the form of ulcers. The following inquiry explores the functioning of the digestive system as it relates to the formation of stomach ulcers.
Brief Overview of the Human Digestive System
Digestion begins as soon as food is placed into the mouth where it is chewed, reducing it to a finer texture and becoming moist through the saliva ("Digestive"). During mastication, starch begins to be converted into simple sugars as well via the salivary amylase enzyme. After the food is swallowed, it passes through the pharynx and down through the esophagus to the stomach ("Digestive"). Cells within the stomach then secrete digestive enzymes which further break down the food. Concurrently, the stomach churns and mixes the food while the pepsin enzyme acts on the food's proteins. Additional enzymes work on fats and sugars, before the food is passed on again to the duodenum, or the initial section of the small intestine ("Digestive").
Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver then act on the food in order to break down the fats, starches, carbohydrates, and proteins ("Digestive"). The food is absorbed into the circulatory and lymphatic systems through the villi, or tiny tubes in the intestinal wall. Material that has not yet been digested that passes into the large intestine where the water is absorbed and the solid material is excreted through the anus ("Digestive").
The Digestive System and Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are small lesions in the stomach lining or small intestine that can cause excruciating pain if not treated (Fenner 20). Though an overwhelming number of ulcer sufferers are men, at approximately seventy percent, women and children can suffer from peptic ulcers as well. Millions of Americans suffer from ulcers annually, and they can be life-threatening in rare cases (Fenner 20).
Pepsin, the aforementioned enzyme used to digest food in the stomach, is secreted, ideally, only when it has food upon which to act. When pepsin is either over-secreted or the stomach lining can no longer withstand erosion from the enzyme, the lining is damaged by the corrosive nature of pepsin (Fenner 20). Classified as either duodenal or stomach according to the place of formation, ulcers are more frequently problematic in smokers and alcoholics. Additionally, aspirin is strongly linked to the development of ulcers, as are drugs for arthritis (Fenner 20).
Stress is a salient contributor to ulcers' development as well, though there is no definitive correlation between a particular personality type or working environment and the development of ulcers (Fenner 20). Studies have, however, linked stressful events with the development of peptic ulcers. After the ulcer is developed, certain foods can exacerbate ulcer pain.
Some foods such as soda, beer, and coffee stimulate the production of stomach acid and also travel rapidly through an empty stomach (Fenner 20); these can be somewhat buffered by drinking milk but not entirely. The most frequent recommendations for ulcer sufferers are to eat frequently in order to keep the stomach acid from acting on the stomach lining, and avoid foods that stimulate acid production. Ulcers can heal with time, but can also lead to internal bleeding in ten to twenty percent of ulcer patients.
Usually, the first warning sign of a bleeding ulcer is dark, tar-like stool. There may also be vomiting of blood, faintness, or sudden collapse due to anemia (Fenner 21). In five percent of patients, the ulcer will eat all the way through the stomach wall, allowing digested food and bacteria to spill onto the abdominal cavity and cause infection. Surgery is almost always mandated in these severe cases, and, in the absence of treating, they can prove fatal.
Ulcer Prevention and Conclusions
Animal fats, stress, and acidic drinks are known contributors to the formation of ulcers (Modeland 15). Alcoholism, smoking, and family history of ulcers are also significant supporters of the condition that also prevent treatment efficacy. The overall maintenance of digestive health is paramount in preventing the formation of ulcers as well as supporting the overall well-being of the individual. Nutritional knowledge has come a long way during the twentieth century, and much is now known regarding how poor eating practices can foster a myriad of health issues.
In supporting human health and wellness, the digestive system is integral to all other bodily systems. Stomach ulcers can be detrimental to one's health, and they are relatively difficult to heal. Most often, ulcers begin silently and with little pain, only to develop into a serious problem. By cultivating healthy eating practices, preferably at an early age, and decreasing overall levels of stress through medication or yoga, an individual can counter ulcers before they develop.
Works Cited
"Digestive System." The Columbia Encyclopedia. 6th ed. 2009. Questia. Web. 16 May 2011.
Fenner, Louise. "When Digestive Juices Corrode, You've Got an Ulcer." FDA Consumer July-Aug. 1984: 20-31.
Modeland, Vern. "Ulcers: Screaming or Silent, Watch Them with Care." FDA Consumer June 1989: 14-21.
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