This chapter dealt with two separate systems in the human body, the
digestive and the immune systems. Digestive problems related to the space environment
were documented, and the existence of astronaut abdominal pain was discussed.
Spacefarer electrolyte imbalances were mentioned and dehydration considered. The
spacefarer diet was criticized and spacefarer nutritional inadequacy documented. The
effect of the space environment on appetite was discussed. Space-induced degradation
of the senses of taste and smell was explained. Eating and drinking in space was
considered. The immune system was described and the effect of the space environment
on immunology was discussed. Space causes altered immune systems and depressed
immune systems. It was shown that the immune system does not adapt to the space
environment, and that radiation degrades the immune system. The immune system has
not been adequately studied, and spacefarers have been prone to infection. The negative
effects of space on pharmaceuticals were considered.
Keywords: Bacteria, calories, carbohydrates, cytokines, dehydration, dendritic
cells, diet log book, digital scale, electrolyte, flatulence, fungi, HZe nuclei,
immune system, immunology, macrophage, membrane, microorganism,
monocyte, sodium T-Lymphocyte.
