Nearly everyone has a digestive problem, but many people develop these diseases because of lifestyle, poor diet and lack of physical activity. The digestive system is the corridor by which food and drink enters the stomach. This passage is the esophagus, which is part of the digestive tract that consists of the stomach and other muscles that aid in the breakdown of food. Once the food reaches the stomach it releases acid and pepsin as part of the digestion process. Heartburn or acid reflux is a common digestive disease that irritates the esophagus because of acid that backs up from the stomach. When the esophagus fails, stomach acid can seep back into it. This is known as acid reflux or heartburn.

The leading symptom of this disease is a burning sensation in the digestive tract. Other symptoms are the presence of acid in the mouth, hoarseness and chest pain. Severe indications of acid reflux are serious and cause respiratory problems, such as constant coughing and feeling out of breath. Prolong acid in this area can be damaging. Acid reflux or heartburn can happen to anyone, including infants and children. Even though infants are otherwise healthy, they can develop acid reflux due to an immature digestive system. However, most infants grow out of the disease by the time they are one year old. In older children, the causes are often the same as those in adults. When anything causes the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus to relax, or increased pressure below the esophagus, can cause acid reflux. Heartburn or acid reflux is common during pregnancy because of increased hormone levels and pressure in the stomach. Certain other factors may also cause acid reflux, including obesity, overeating, certain foods, some beverages and specific medications. Some natural remedies for treating or curing acid reflux are sustaining a normal body weight, avoiding strenuous exercise immediately after eating, maintaining good posture, eliminating alcohol and nicotine, scheduling meals several hours before bedtime and maintaining a healthy diet. Avoid fatty and fried foods which are hard to digest and limit chocolate, coffee and others beverages that produce high levels of acid in the stomach.

The esophagus and stomach, the first part of the intestines, is called the GI tract or digestive tract. This area can be compromised by esophageal cancer or peptic ulcers, which can result from tumors in portions of the digestive tract that is exposed to acid and pepsin. Symptoms of esophageal cancer include difficulty when swallowing, weight loss, pain in the chest, coughing, hoarseness, indigestion and heartburn. Some factors that increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer are use of nicotine, excessive drinking of alcohol and acid reflux. Certain groups, including men, the elderly and African-Americans, are at greater risk for esophageal cancer. Ulcers can be caused by infection, use of painkillers and drugs such as aspirin and other prescription drugs.

Other diseases associated with the digestive system are liver disease, stomach cancer and colon cancer. Liver disease is the destruction of liver tissue over time. One particular type of liver disease is fibrosis of the liver. This disease is usually caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Colon cancer is the result of a high fat diet and cancer of the stomach is known as gastric cancer, a malignant tumor on the lining of the stomach. The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown, but factors such as male gender, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, a diet high in salt, smoked or preserved foods and nicotine can increase the risk of the disease. This common type of stomach cancer can be cured if found and treated at an early stage. Fiber is a powerful weapon against cancer. It improves overall health by moving wastes faster through the digestive tract. This gives toxic wastes less time to come into contact with intestinal cells. Good sources of fibers are whole-grain cereals and breads, prunes, berries, fresh fruits, vegetables and brown rice. Recently, studies suggested that calcium and vitamin D not only strengthen bones, but also fight off colon cancer. High sources of calcium are found in dairy products, sardines and dark green leafy vegetables. Vitamin D are found in salmon and fortified cow's milk. Most of your food nutritional sources should come from plants.

There is a variety of treatments for these diseases such as over the counter medications, prescriptions, at home medicines, lifestyle and even surgery. Treating these diseases depends on its cause. While these are remedies for the symptoms, the best and safest way to treat diseases of the digestive system is by prevention. Eliminate what is causing the problems such as an unhealthy diet, smoking, drinking alcohol or using aspirin and other painkillers. Proper nutrition and diet can improve and even help to prevent many diseases, including esophageal and liver cancers. Dietary fat is one of the biggest causes of digestive diseases and other health problems. Dietary fats and trans fat must be avoided, along with products like margarine, packaged baked goods, fast food, prepared foods, chips and crackers. Make sure your nutrients come from the food you eat rather than from supplements.

You will know that your condition is serious when symptoms are interfering with your sleep and daily activities. It is wise to seek medical help. Your physician will talk to you about your lifestyle and take tests of the digestive tract. Digestive diseases can cause severe damage to your health, make sure that the doctor knows all the symptoms that you are experiencing and if you are taking any over the counter medication. Prevention of digestive diseases is the best treatment and can help you maintain a normal lifestyle. Consult your doctor and other health organizations on further treatment and prevention of digestive diseases.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acid Reflux