title: Primary prevention of gastrointestinal diseases.
abstract: In the belief that available information can provide reasonable guidance, we review the evidence identifying factors which increase or decrease the risk of developing several gastrointestinal diseases. In the absence of controlled studies, we review case control and other studies. As results from animal studies cannot be readily transferred to humans, we interpret them cautiously. We recommend appropriate personal behavior to reduce risk when they seem reasonably justified by the evidence.
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D000818:Animals; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012907:Smoking