Main functions of the large and small intestine

The intestine is a tube-shaped organ that extends from the end of the stomach to the anus, allowing the passage of digested food, facilitating the absorption of nutrients and the elimination of waste. To do this whole process, the intestine is about 7 to 9 meters long.

The intestine is one of the most important parts of the digestive system and can be divided into 2 main parts:

• Small intestine: it is the first portion of the intestine, which connects the stomach to the large intestine. It is the longest part of the intestine, about 7 meters, where the absorption of some water and the absorption of most nutrients, such as sugars and amino acids. Large intestine: it is the second portion of the intestine and is about 2 meters long. It is the smallest part of the intestine, but the most important in absorbing water, since this is where more than 60% of water is absorbed into the body.

Throughout the intestine, there is a flora of bacteria that help in the digestive process, as well as to keep the intestine healthy and free of other pathogenic bacteria that can be ingested with food. In order to maintain a healthy intestinal flora, one must bet on the consumption of probiotics, both through food and supplements.

Main functions

The main function of the intestine is the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients and water, to keep the body nourished, hydrated and functioning properly.

In addition, the intestine also allows the elimination of toxins and other products that cannot be absorbed by the body, which end up being eliminated in the form of feces.

For many years, these were the two main functions assigned to the intestine. However, in recent years, several studies have identified the intestine as an important endocrine organ that helps in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters that influence the functioning of the whole body, as well as mental health. That is why the intestine has been called the second brain.

Symptoms that may indicate bowel problems

Symptoms that usually indicate that a gut problem may be arising or developing may include:

• Constant diarrhea or constipation; Excessive intestinal gas; Swollen belly; Frequent abdominal cramps; Presence of blood in the stools; Very dark and foul-smelling stools; Loss of appetite and weight;

In addition, any change in the color, consistency or smell of the stool can be a sign of an intestinal disease, especially when it lasts more than 1 week.

Check out what the color of the stool can say about your health.

What doctor to consult

The gastroenterologist is the doctor best able to treat bowel diseases or to diagnose problems that are causing changes in the stool or leading to the appearance of other symptoms related to the intestine.

Possible diseases of the intestine

There are several diseases that can affect the correct functioning of the intestine, but one of the most serious and that seems to have a high growth rate over the years is colorectal cancer, in which the cells that line the organ undergo changes, leading to the growth of tumors.

Other less serious but also common diseases include:

1. Intestinal infections

Intestinal infections, also known as enteritis, are relatively common throughout life and happen mainly when eating spoiled food that leads to an increase in the amount of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine.

The most frequent signs of an intestinal infection include severe diarrhea, excessive tiredness, fever, vomiting and loss of appetite. See how the treatment is done and when it is necessary to use medicines.

2. Celiac disease

It is a chronic disease in which the intestine is unable to digest the gluten present in foods such as bread, cookies, pasta or beer, for example, resulting in symptoms such as frequent tiredness, swollen belly, severe abdominal pain or loss of appetite.

Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, happens because the body does not produce the enzyme necessary to break down gluten, which ends up causing minor damage to the intestine and leading to an overreaction of the immune system.

Understand more about celiac disease, its symptoms and how to treat it.

3. Crohn's disease

This is another chronic disease of the intestine that causes persistent inflammation of the lining of the organ, leading to symptoms such as severe diarrhea, cramps, nausea and weight loss. Due to the intense inflammation, Crohn's disease can cause small wounds in the intestine over time, which end up worsening the symptoms.

Since it does not have a specific cause, Crohn's disease also has no cure, however, the treatment indicated by the doctor helps to relieve symptoms, improving the quality of life.

Take our online symptom test to find out if you may have Crohn's disease.

4. Irritable bowel

Irritable bowel syndrome also causes mild inflammation of the intestine with symptoms similar to Crohn's disease, however, this inflammation is not always present and, therefore, also does not cause wounds in the intestine.

The most common symptoms are periods of diarrhea interspersed with constipation, excessive gas and recurrent abdominal pain, which can be intensified during periods of greater stress or after consumption of specific foods, such as coffee, alcohol or processed food.

See other foods that can make your symptoms worse and take our test to see if you can get the disease.

5. Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can also be chronic problems, but they usually appear for a short period of time, disappearing with appropriate treatment. Hemorrhoids are dilated veins in the anal region that can be internal or external.

The most common symptoms include the presence of bright red blood in the stool, itching in the anus and pain when defecating. In addition, in external hemorrhoids it is also possible to feel or observe a small mass near the anus.

See more about the symptoms, causes and treatment of hemorrhoids.