If we are to understand this condition, we must first familiarise ourselves with the functions and processes of the salivary glands. These glands secrete a fluid called saliva which is mainly alkaline in composition and contains a variety of minerals; the body secretes these substances in accordance with the need determined by the type of food consumed. Since enzymes are important to the digestive process, these are also present in saliva. Few people may be aware of the fact that the different glands – the salivary glands in the mouth, the mucous membrane of the stomach, the liver and the pancreas – together secrete several litres of saliva every day. Saliva begins the chemical processes of digestion, making the food ready for assimilation. When the saliva has finished its task, the colon reabsorbs its valuable substances. Once again they become part of the body fluids, and through them they eventually return to the salivary glands, ready to start all over again in the digestive process.
When diarrhoea strikes, however, the valuable salivary fluids are lost. The body is depleted of important minerals, which cannot be replaced quickly enough through food intake. As a consequence the body is weakened and the mineral metabolism becomes greatly disturbed. This does not mean to say that a temporary attack of diarrhoea lasting two or three days will occasion the loss of a great amount of valuable fluid, but if the condition continues for several months it could have serious consequences and must be treated.
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