The Short Answer

How Can Diarrhea Travel So Quickly Through the Body When Digestion Normally Is Much Slower?


Listen Later

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "The Short Answer," brought to you by ScienceABC! In this episode, we tackle a rather speedy and essential bodily function: diarrhea. Have you ever wondered why diarrhea can race through your digestive system so much faster than normal digestion?

Join us as we break down the digestive process and highlight key differences between regular digestion and the rapid journey of food during diarrhea. We'll explore why your body struggles to absorb nutrients and water during these bouts, leading to those all-too-frequent trips to the bathroom.

We'll discuss various causes and types of diarrhea, including conditions like lactose intolerance and how different triggers can upset the digestive system. Discover the role of the gut's nervous system and the enigmatic enteric nervous system (ENS) in this process, and learn why some instances of diarrhea may indicate more serious health issues.

With this episode, gain a better understanding of what happens inside your body when faced with this common yet disruptive condition. And as always, it's essential to consult your doctor for persistent symptoms. Tune in to equip yourself with knowledge that is not only fascinating but also potentially lifesaving.


Music Credits:

Informative by Deodo https://elements.envato.com/informative-Y8TEWPN

Thoughtful by AudioCopper https://elements.envato.com/thoughtful-9GX8MFG

The Timekeeper by Adigold https://elements.envato.com/the-timekeeper-8FMTHP4


References:

http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/smallgut/diarrhea.html

https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/2520/2/IndianJMedSci_2004_58_2_75_8277.pdf

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4160-3661-6.00011-0


Original Article Link:

https://www.scienceabc.com/humans/if-digestion-takes-so-long-why-does-diarrhea-travel-so-quickly-through-the-body.html


Voice Over Artist:

John Staughton ( https://www.fiverr.com/jswildwood )

Intro by: Natasha/elevenlabs.io


Follow us on Twitter!

https://twitter.com/abc_science


Follow us on Facebook!

https://facebook.com/sciabc


Follow our Website!

https://www.scienceabc.com


Follow us on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/scienceabcofficial/


Follow us on LinkedIn!

https://www.linkedin.com/company/scienceabc

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Short AnswerBy ScienceABC