may feel “draggy” and full.
Some people think they should have a bowel movement every day. This is not necessarily
true. There is no “right” number of bowel movements. What is normal for one person may
not be normal for another. It depends on the foods they eat, how much they exercise, and
other factors.
At one time or another, almost everyone has constipation. In most cases, it lasts for a short
time and isn’t serious. However, constipation can be very uncomfortable. You can follow
these tips to help prevent it:
- Eat enough high-fiber foods, including vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains.
- Drink plenty of water and other liquids.
- Exercise regularly.
- Don’t ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
Following these tips will help keep your digestive system working properly. It will help you
feel good and stay healthy.
Lesson Summary
- The digestive system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and gets rid of food wastes.
- Digestive enzymes speed up the reactions of chemical digestion.
- The main organs of the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small
intestine, and large intestine. - Bacteria in the large intestine produce vitamins and have other roles in the body.
- You can follow simple tips to help keep your digestive system healthy.
Review Questions
- What are three functions of the digestive system?
- Describe the roles of the mouth in digestion.
- In which organs of the digestive system does absorption of nutrients take place?
- Identify two roles of helpful bacteria in the large intestine.
- List two rules that can help prevent foodborne illness.
- Explain the role of enzymes in digestion. Give examples to illustrate your answer.
- Describe peristalsis, and explain why it is necessary for digestion.
- How can the inner surface area of the small intestine be as big as a basketball court?
How does this help the small intestine absorb nutrients? - Assume a person has an illness that prevents the large intestine from doing its normal
job. Why might the person have diarrhea? - Explain why eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation.