Effects of diet on Alimentary canal

The speed that materials move through the canal depend on diet (size and contents of a meal)

  • High protein and high fat meals slows the movement from the stomach to the small intestine.

  • Alcohol and caffeine both stimulate movements of the stomach.

Constipation

when movement in the large intestine is reduced contents remain in there for a long time this meaning more water is absorbed, this making it drier and harder the usual this can make movements difficult and painful.

this may occur due to a lack of insoluble fibers. Humans do not have enzymes to break these down but they are important in the movement of the alimentary canal. other causes my be related to lack of exercise or emotional problems.

Diarrhoea

Is the frequent elimination of watery faeces, caused by irritation or either the small or large intestine (causing an increase in peristalsis). The fast movement of nutrient means that the water has not been fully absorbed.

Irritation may be caused by:

  • bacteria

  • virus

  • a parasite

  • cancer (bowel cancer)

  • Coeliac disease

  • lactose intolerance

Sever diarrhoea can lead to dehydration.

Importance of soluble fiber in the diet

Both soluble and insoluble fibers are only found in foods derived from plants.

Soluble fiber include:

  • pectin’s

  • gums

  • mucilage

Soluble fiber intake is linked to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, decreased risk of heart disease and center, beneficial effects on blood glucose levels.

Fats in the intestine are trapped by soluble fibers this preventing the absorption into cells.

good sources of fiber can be found in:

  • fruits

  • vegetables

  • oat bran

  • barley

  • soy

Bowel cancer

is an uncontrolled growth in the walls of the large intestine. Studies say that diet can have an effect on your risk of bowel cancer. Diets high in alcohol, smoking, processed red meat and low in fiber can increase you risk of developing bowel cancer. Other factors include obesity and lack of exercise.

Coeliac Disease

People with coeliac are unable to process or tolerate the protein gluten (found in wheat, rye and barley).

If someone with coeliac consumes gluten their immune system responds by damaging or destroying the villi in the small intestine. Without healthy Villi nutrients cannot be absorbed correctly and the person becomes malnourished.

some symptoms can include:

  • muscle pain

  • joint pain

  • cramps

  • tingling in the legs

  • Some people may not show any symptoms.

^ it is inherited and there is no known cure or treatment.