8 common misconceptions about the digestive system

Eating nuts causes diverticulitis, spicy foods cause stomach ulcers, and chewing gum takes years to digest are common misconceptions.

The digestive system plays a role in receiving, digesting food, absorbing nutrients and eliminating waste. This organ is very important to the body, but some people still misunderstand how it works as well as related diseases.

It Takes Years to Digest Chewing Gum: Some People Say Chewing gum can stay in the intestines for a long time after being swallowed because it does not dissolve like other foods and is difficult to break down. However, chewing gum does not stick inside the intestines. The digestive system moves it through the intestines like other foods and it is excreted after a few days.

Spicy foods cause ulcers : Most stomach ulcers are caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (HP) bacteria or improper use of painkillers. Foods that are hot and spicy, such as chili and pepper, can make ulcer symptoms worse and cause stomach pain, but do not cause ulcers.

Only alcoholics get cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a condition in which healthy liver cells are damaged and scar tissue forms. Alcoholism is the most common cause of cirrhosis, but there are other causes, such as hepatitis B and C.

Drinking a lot of alcohol increases the risk of cirrhosis, but not all drinkers get this disease.

Alcohol is a common cause of cirrhosis. Photo: Freepik

Nuts and seeds cause diverticulitis: Some people believe that nuts, corn, popcorn, and foods with small seeds like strawberries should be avoided to avoid small pieces getting stuck in the diverticulum and causing pain. However, science proves the opposite, a diet rich in fiber from nuts and fruits helps reduce the risk of diseases, including diseases related to the digestive tract.

Beans cause the most gas: Dairy products cause more gas than beans and other foods, especially in older adults, who are less able to absorb the sugar in milk (lactose).

Smoking reduces heartburn: People should quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke because it can make heartburn worse. Nicotine in cigarettes relaxes the muscles in the upper stomach, allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus, increasing heartburn.

Heartburn caused by acid reflux causes a burning sensation in the throat. Illustration: Freepik

Sleep sitting up to avoid heartburn: There is no evidence that people with heartburn should sleep sitting up to avoid symptoms. People may find relief by raising their head and chest higher when lying down. Changing eating habits such as skipping meals, eating slowly, chewing thoroughly... also helps reduce heartburn.

Do not eat fiber when having diarrhea : Fiber helps increase intestinal motility, smooth digestion, and reduce constipation. People with diarrhea do not need to limit fiber. Some vegetables and fruits contain fiber to prevent loose stools, absorb liquid in the intestines to harden stools, and quickly control diarrhea symptoms.

Anh Chi (According to WebMD )

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