ILLUSTRATES Marcio de Castro
QUESTION Beatriz Chiavegatti, Sao Jose do Rio Preto, SP
Objects with these materials can cut or perforate the digestive tract (which would require surgical intervention) or even cause suffocation and obstruct breathing, depending on their volume. But if they are small, they usually follow the same path as food, reaching the intestine thanks to peristaltic movements (involuntary activity of the organs of the digestive system to transport the food bolus). “If they manage to cross the gastrointestinal tract (also called TGI), they pass out in the feces without a problem”, explains Mario Kondo, professor of gastroenterology at Unifesp, specialist in hepatology. Overall though, going on this “goat diet” is a really bad idea. See some examples
Paper: It only affects the organism if consumed in large quantities, because of the toxic residues in its composition, such as caustic soda.
Wood: It is a vegetable and, despite not being digested by the body, it works like any other fiber: it is eliminated in the poop.
Glass: It is an inert material (which does not participate in chemical reactions). But it can cause cuts in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to serious consequences. In other words, if it is ingested, it is essential to consult a doctor.
Hair: Accidentally swallowing a wire does not usually cause anything serious. But those who suffer from a condition called trichotylophagia eat large amounts, which can lead to the formation of a hairball in the stomach, which can only be removed with surgery.
Earth: By itself, it does not cause problems. But it may contain some parasites or even toxic elements, such as insecticides, fertilizers and garbage residues.
Stone: It’s also inert, so it usually doesn’t cause chemical damage. But it can get stuck in some smaller part of the gastrointestinal tract or, if it has a sharp point, cut an organ.
READ MORE
How does the digestive system work?
How is poop formed?
What is the physical state of the glass?
How did the habit of knocking on wood to ward off bad luck come about?
CONSULTANCY Décio Chinzon, gastroenterologist at Lavoisier Medicina Diagnóstica, Mario Kondo, professor of gastroenterology at Unifesp, and Lígia Yukie Sassaki, professor of gastroenterology at the Faculty of Medicine at Unesp
SOURCES MedLine Plus and The New York Times