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DIGESTION and ABSORPTION

DIGESTION and ABSORPTION. Learning Objectives: Understand the physical and chemical processes of digestion Learn the function of each organ in the digestive system Gain an understanding of common Gastrointestinal Disorders. NUTRIENT DIGESTION in the SMALL INTESTINE.

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DIGESTION and ABSORPTION

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  1. DIGESTION and ABSORPTION Learning Objectives: • Understand the physical and chemical processes of digestion • Learn the function of each organ in the digestive system • Gain an understanding of common Gastrointestinal Disorders

  2. NUTRIENT DIGESTION in the SMALL INTESTINE • The neutralization is important because the enzymes in the SI need a neutral environment • Pancreatic juice and secretions from the intestinal wall cells contain a variety of digestive enzymes that help to digest fats, carbohydrates, and proteins

  3. NUTRIENT DIGESTION in the SMALL INTESTINE • BILE is released from the gall bladder upon the appearance of fat in the SI • BILE acts as an emulsifier, and without it, lipids might not come into contact with pancreatic lipase, and would not be properly digested

  4. NUTRIENT DIGESTION in the SMALL INTESTINE • With pancreatic and intestinal enzymes working together, digestion creates smaller compounds of protein, fat, and carbohydrate which can then be easily absorbed • Minerals, vitamins, and cholesterol are not broken down and are generally absorbedunchanged

  5. NUTRIENT ABSORPTION in the SMALL INTESTINE • Most absorption occurs in the SI – 90% • Provides the surface area equivalent to a tennis court! • Nutrients are trapped in folds of the intestinal wall and absorbed through the microvilli • Each villus contains blood vessels and a lymph vessel which transport nutrients

  6. NUTRIENT ABSORPTION in the SMALL INTESTINE • Water-soluble nutrients are absorbed directly into the bloodstream • Fat-soluble lipid compounds are absorbed into the lymph rather than the blood

  7. NUTRIENT ABSORPTION in the SMALL INTESTINE • Duodenum and Upper Jejunum: most minerals (except sodium, chloride, and potassium) • Jejunum and Upper Ileum: carbohydrates, amino acids, water-soluble vitamins • Jejunum: lipids and fat-soluble vitamins • Terminal Ileum: Vitamin B12

  8. LARGE INTESTINE • Is ~ 5 feet long and includes the cecum, colon, rectum, and anal canal

  9. NUTRIENT DIGESTION in the LARGE INTESTINE • Little digestion occurs in the large intestine • The large population of bacteria digests small amounts of fiber • This bacterial activity forms: Vitamin K, Vitamin B12, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Biotin, and gases

  10. NUTRIENT ABSORPTION in the LARGE INTESTINE • Little absorption occurs in the large intestine • However, it does absorb: water, sodium, potassium, chloride, and some of the Vitamin K produced by bacteria • It does not absorb Vitamin B12

  11. Healthy Bacteria • Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. • Probiotics are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods. • Look for “live and active cultures”. The good bacteria most often comes from two groups: Lactobacillus or Bifobacterium.

  12. Prebiotics are not digested in the SI, and are used as food by bacteria

  13. NUTRITION and GI DISORDERS CONSTIPATION • Occurs when the colon absorbs too much water, or if the colon’s muscle contractions are slow and sluggish • CAUSES: • Not enough liquids in the diet • Not enough fiber in the diet • Sedentary lifestyle • Some medications • Abuse of laxatives • TREATMENT?

  14. NUTRITION and GI DISORDERS DIARRHEA • Occurs when the colon absorbs too little water • CAUSES: • Most common: infection from bacteria, viruses, or parasites • Antibiotics • Chronic diarrhea may signal a more serious medical problem (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) • TREATMENT • BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) • Rehydrate and replace electrolytes

  15. NUTRITION and GI DISORDERS Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease • Basically, chronic “heartburn” CAUSES: • Hiatal Hernias • Foods that relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) • Frequently occurs in people with asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, and developmental disabilities • Concern because of increased risk of esophageal cancer

  16. TREATMENT • Avoid foods that relax the LES • Don’t lie down or exercise too soon after eating, raise the head of the bed • Wear loose fitting clothing • Medications

  17. NUTRITION and GI DISORDERS DIVERTICULOSIS • Result of rising pressure in the colon, believed to be caused by low-fiber diet and constipation DIVERTICULITIS • Infected or inflamed diverticulum (fecal matter or bacteria gets trapped) • May experience abdominal pain, indigestion, fever • Diverticulum may rupture causing infection, or can form scar tissue and create an obstruction

  18. Diverticulosis/itis • TREATMENT • Diverticulosis – high fiber diet • Diverticulitis – low fiber diet

  19. NUTRITION and GI DISORDERS IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME • Disorder that interferes with normal functions of the colon. Symptoms are abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea • People with IBS have more sensitive colons and react more strongly to: stress, large meals, certain foods, caffeine, or alcohol • Diagnosed by symptoms and the absence of other diseases • TREATMENT • Reduce stress • Change diet • Medications

  20. NUTRITION and GI DISORDERS ULCERS CAUSES: • Helicobacter pylori infection (most common), chronic use of anti-inflammatory drugs, and disorders that cause excessive gastric acid secretion • Not caused by spicy foods or stress

  21. TREATMENT • Antibiotics • Medications (acid suppressors)

  22. NUTRITION and GI DISORDERS LACTOSE INTOLERANCE CAUSES: • Inability to digest lactose, caused by a shortage of lactase • Symptoms: nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea • TREATMENT • Don’t eat dairy products! Or eat less, and more processed types (ex. Yogurt vs. milk )

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