If you want to be good to your digestive system, don't drink to excess. If your doctor tells you that your digestive problems may be a result of too much drinking, you must seriously address the question of why you drink and whether you have lost control over your intake of alcohol. The successful control of alcoholism not only results in greater health for the digestive system but also leads to improved life functioning and better interpersonal relationships. Don't smoke . The list of ill effects on the body from smoking is lengthy, and the digestive system is not spared.
Smokers have a higher incidence of stomach and duodenum ulcers.
Cancer Screening of the Digestive System Cancers of the organs of the digestive system are solid, slow-growing tumors that, once established, are very difficult to treat. Unfortunately, many are not discovered until they have invaded adjacent structures of the body. At the present time, the only gastrointestinal tumor amenable to screening is cancer of the colon. Beginning at age 50, you should have a fecal occult blood test every year and a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years. An occasional bout of indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or diarrhea is generally self-limiting and clears up on its own, but there are instances when a digestive problem calls for prompt medical attention.