The Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive tract, is a system of organs primarily responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients and getting rid of the waste. In an adult the GI tract is about 25 feet long, and consists of the:

• mouth
• esophagus
• stomach
• intestines (which is divided into the small and large intestine)
• rectum
• anus.

Other organs, such as the liver and the pancreas, release enzymes to aid in the digestive process.

The gastrointestinal tract is a very sensitive system. Many different conditions and disorders may affect the digestive system, ranging from an upset stomach and indigestion to ulcers, autoimmune diseases and gastrointestinal cancers. In fact, every year over 95 million Americans experience problems with the gastrointestinal tract and ten million are hospitalized. While disorders of the digestive system do become more common as people get older, GI problems can affect anyone of any age, gender or ethnic or socioeconomic background.

Oral & Mouth Infections
Oral hygiene is critical for good health-and not just for the mouth. The fact is gum disease and bad breath (halitosis) can sometimes be an indicator of an underlying gastrointestinal illness, such as Sjögren's syndrome and even cancer.

Esophageal Disorders
While GERD (esophageal reflux) is the most common disorder of the esophagus, other conditions of this part of the digestive system range from disorders of the esophageal muscles to aggressive esophagus cancer.

Stomach Disorders
Everyone suffers the occasional stomachache, perhaps from overeating, the "stomach flu" or stress. Stomach disorders also include ulcers, rapid gastric emptying and stomach cancer.

Intestinal Disorders
Most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients take place in the intestines. Unfortunately, the intestines are very sensitive and are subject to a wide variety of disorders, including inflammatory bowel diseases, IBS and cancer.

Anorectal Problems
Hemorrhoids are perhaps the most common complaint of the lowest end of the GI tract, but some gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, can affect the anus and rectum in more serious ways.

Resource

American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). (nd). Introduction: Statistics. Common GI Problems, 1.