The miracle that happens in our digestive tract! Let's learn about Peristalsis in simple terms (Peristalsis)

Have you ever wondered how when you swallow a piece of food, it goes straight down to your stomach without any effort? Sometimes we drink a glass of water in a hurry, but it goes straight down. It is said that food goes down even if we stand on our heads. The reason for this is a very important and amazing process in our body, which we cannot control. Today we are going to talk about the process that works like this great engine in our digestive system, which is Peristalsis.

What is peristalsis simply?

Simply put, peristalsis is a wave-like contraction of muscles that occurs along our digestive tract. This is an involuntary muscle movement that occurs without our control. Just as a caterpillar moves forward by contracting its body like a wave, the muscles in our digestive tract contract from behind when a food lump arrives and relax from the front, pushing the food forward.

Imagine you are taking some toothpaste out of a toothpaste tube. You are squeezing the end of the tube and pushing it forward, right? That is the same process that happens in our digestive tract. This process starts in our throat when we swallow food. Starting from there, this peristalsis process takes place all the way down the digestive tract, that is, through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and finally to the point where the stool is expelled.

Are Peristalsis and Segmentation two different things?

Yes. Although both of these are muscular activities that occur in the digestive tract, their functions are different.

• Peristalsis: Its main function is to propel food forward , like a loaded train moving along a track.
• Segmentation: This mainly happens in our intestines. This involves moving food around in one place rather than pushing it forward. Like clothes spinning in a washing machine, food is moved around in the intestines and mixed with gastric juices. This breaks down the food and makes it easier to digest.

Simply put, Peristalsis is like the 'transport service' that moves food forward. Segmentation is like the 'mixer' that helps digest food properly. Both of these work together to make our digestion process work properly.

What is Reverse Peristalsis (vomiting)?

We say that peristalsis is a wave-like process that pushes food downward. Imagine what would happen if this wave went the other way, that is, upward? That is what we call Reverse Peristalsis (retroperistalsis or antiperistalsis).

This is something you're all too familiar with. This is what happens when we vomit. For some reason (like food poisoning, an infection), the body decides it needs to expel the contents of the stomach. Then this peristalsis wave works in the other direction, pushing the food from the small intestine, through the stomach, and out the mouth.

Sometimes, even when there is an obstruction in the digestive tract, some food will move back a short distance and then try to move forward again.

What happens if there are problems with the peristalsis process?

We call problems that occur in the peristalsis process motility disorders . That is, problems that occur in the speed of food movement. This can mainly be of two types:

1. Hypermotility: In this condition, food moves through the digestive tract too quickly. This means that the food does not have time to be properly digested or the nutrients in it are absorbed by the body. The main result of this is diarrhea .

2. Slow peristalsis (Hypomotility): In this, food moves very slowly through the digestive tract. Then, waste is not properly eliminated from the body. Also, when waste remains in one place for too long, bacteria can grow. The main result of this is constipation .

Problems like these can cause various symptoms.

What causes peristalsis problems?

This process is a complex coordination of muscles, nerves, and hormones. Therefore, if there is a problem with any of these systems, the peristalsis process can be affected.

Types of drugs that can affect

Peristalsis can slow down as a side effect of some medications.

• Some strong painkillers (Opioid pain-relievers)
• Drugs in the group of anticholinergics
• Calcium channel blockers (some medications used for high blood pressure)
• Some medications for depression (Tricyclic antidepressants)

Diseases that may affect

• Infections or inflammation: Infections in the digestive tract.
• Surgery: Especially after abdominal surgery.
• Diabetes: Long-term diabetes can damage the nerves.
• Thyroid disease: Hormonal imbalances.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease.
• Connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma .
• Sometimes no cause can be found (idiopathic).

How to maintain healthy peristalsis?

Under normal circumstances, we can keep this process healthy by following good lifestyle habits. These are very simple, but very important things.

• Exercise: Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, such as walking or running, can help your bowel movements. When you exercise, almost every system in your body becomes active.
• Drink plenty of water: It is essential to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Water prevents stools from becoming dry and helps them pass more easily.
• Eat foods rich in fiber: Foods rich in fiber, such as legumes, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (beans, oats, and whole-wheat rice), add bulk to the stool. This stimulates the peristalsis process, which helps push waste through more easily.
• Reduce processed foods: Foods high in oil, sugar, and refined flour (bread flour) can slow down our digestion. Therefore, it is best to reduce the amount of food you buy from the store and fast food as much as possible.

Peristalsis is a very important process that happens inside our bodies all day long, without us even realizing it. Even a small change in it can affect our entire day. Therefore, developing good habits that help this process is a great investment in our overall health.