Intestinal describes anything related to the intestines, the long, coiled tubes in your body where food gets broken down and nutrients get absorbed after leaving your stomach. When doctors talk about intestinal health, they mean how well your intestines are working to process the food you eat.

The intestines are divided into two parts: the small intestine (which does most of the nutrient absorption) and the large intestine (which absorbs water and prepares waste to leave the body). An intestinal infection might cause stomach cramps or diarrhea because something is interfering with how your intestines normally work.

You might hear about intestinal bacteria, the millions of tiny organisms living in your intestines that help you digest food. Scientists have discovered that these bacteria play a big role in keeping people healthy.

Your intestines are internal organs, hidden away inside your body, quietly doing the important work of turning food into energy. When something goes wrong with intestinal function, like during food poisoning, you quickly realize how important these organs are for feeling normal and healthy.