Researchers have only recently begun to understand the many, often complex, diseases that affect the digestive system. Accordingly, people are gradually replacing folklore, old wives' tales, and rumors about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases with accurate, up-to-date information. But misunderstandings still exist, and, while some folklore is harmless, some can be dangerous if it keeps a person from correctly preventing or treating an illness.
Myths and Facts About Digestive Diseases
Researchers have only recently begun to understand the many, often complex, diseases that affect the digestive system.Accordingly, people are gradually replacing folklore, old wives' tales, and rumors about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases with accurate, up to date information. But misunderstandings still exist, and, while some folklore is harmless, some can be dangerous if it keeps a person from correctly preventing or treating an illness.Listed below are some common misconceptions (fallacies), about digestive diseases,
* Bowel Regularity
Common Misconception:
Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. This is false.
The truth is, the frequency of bowel movements among normal, healthy people varies from three a day to three a week, and perfectly healthy people may fall outside both ends of this range.
* Celiac Disease
Common Misconception:
Celiac disease is a rare childhood disease. This is false.
The truth is, Celiac disease affects children and adults. At least 1 in 1,000 people and, in some populations, 1 in 200 people have celiac disease. Most often, celiac disease first causes symptoms during childhood, usually diarrhea, growth failure, and failure to thrive. But the disease can also first cause symptoms in adults. These symptoms may be vague and therefore attributed to other conditions.
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 * Cirrhosis
Common Misconception:
Cirrhosis is caused only by alcoholism. This is false.
The truth is, alcoholism is just one of many causes of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is scarring and decreased function of the liver. In the United States, alcohol causes less than one half of cirrhosis cases. The remaining cases are from other diseases that cause liver damage.
* Constipation
Common Misconception:
Habitual use of enemas to treat constipation is harmless. This is false.
The truth is, habitual use of enemas is not harmless. Over time, enemas can impair the natural muscle action of the intestines, leaving them unable to function normally.
* Diverticulosis
Common Misconception:
Diverticulosis is a serious but uncommon problem. This is false.
The truth is, actually, the majority of Americans over age 60 have diverticulosis, but only a small percentage have symptoms or complications. Diverticulosis is a condition in which little sacs, or out pouchings, called diverticula, develop in the wall of the colon.
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