The digestive system is made up of many sections and organs, all with their own unique disorders. Constipation occurs when there is not enough fiber in the diet. Constipation refers to a difficulty in bowel movements. Exercising, eating enough fiber and not holding a bowel movement may be effective treatments for constipation.

Similarly, irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, may occur when the colon muscle contracts easier than in other people. IBS may be caused by different foods, stress or certain medications. When a person has IBS they may experience abdominal pain, cramps, gas, bloating and an alternating cycle of constipation and diarrhea. Treatment for IBS may include a healthy intake of fiber, monitoring and avoiding foods that cause IBS and reducing stress.

Ulcerative colitis occurs when the colon becomes inflamed and an ulceration is produced on the inside wall. Pus or mucus may be present, as well as blood, in the stool of patients with ulcerative colitis.

Crohn's disease refers to the inflammation of the small and/or large intestine. Patients with Crohn's disease may experience cramping and tenderness in the intestine, as well as diarrhea.

Proctitis refers to the inflammation of the rectum, with accompanying bloody stool, inability to defecate despite the urge to do so and occasionally diarrhea. Intestinal polyps may occur at any point in the gastrointestinal tract, but may be most common in the large intestine. A high fat, low fiber diet may be one cause of polyps. Polyps may be a precursor to cancer, so the swift removal of polyps may be recommended by a healthcare professional.

Another GI disorder is pancreatitis, the inflammation of the pancreas, which may be accompanied by severe abdominal pain. Other digestive disorders may include hemorrhoids (swollen blood vessels around the anus), heartburn, ulcers, stomach cancer, colon cancer, gallstones (stones in the gallbladder) and dyspepsia (stomach pain).

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