Does The Food We Eat Affect Our Productivity?
Disorders of the Stomach
Does your stomach ever “growl”? A rumbling stomach, or borborygmus, isn’t really a disorder (though if it’s accompanied by pain or vomiting, it can be a sign of a larger problem, such as a mechanical obstruction).
Rather, the gurgling is due to the gas and air pockets that form as the stomach contents are pushed through the GI tract. The best way to quiet the noise is to eat or drink something, or to apply mild pressure to the abdomen. Other stomach problems can range from the trivial, like an occasional stomachache, to life-threatening complications such as bleeding ulcers or stomach cancer.
At some point in time, everyone has had a stomachache. Common causes include overeating, gastric bloating, or eating too fast. Other possible causes include eating foods that are high in fat or fiber, eating spicy foods, lactose intolerance, or swallowing air while eating. More serious causes of a stomachache include the flu or consuming food or water that is contaminated with bacteria.
Stomach flu or gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach or intestines caused by a virus or bacteria. Flu symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Sometimes the problem requires medical intervention, but usually rest, oral re-hydration therapy, and a soft-food diet will help with the symptoms of this type of flu. (Note: The stomach flu is not the same as influenza (flu), which is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.)
Peptic ulcers occur in the lower region of the stomach. 26 Ulcers are a sore or erosion in the stomach or intestinal lining caused by drugs, alcohol, or, more often, the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Symptoms of an ulcer include abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, bleeding, and general weakness. Medical treatments may consist of prescription drugs and dietary recommendations, such as limiting alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages, and/or restricting spices and acidic foods.
Terms:
Gastroenteritis – Formal term for “stomach flu.” Caused by a virus or bacteria and results in inflammation of the stomach and/or intestines.
Peptic ulcers – Sores, erosions, or breaks in the mucosal lining of the stomach.
