A 52-year-old member asked:
How does the digestive system protect us from pathogens?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Randall Rogersanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 45 years experience
GI defense: the protection is mostly when you first eat. The stomach has a very low Ph and the extreme acidity makes it hard for pathogens to enter your system. However, after a heavy meal or if you take acid reducers (Nexium, etc), then it takes a much smaller dose of bacteria to cause illness.
1.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 26, 2016
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