1. You are a young research assistant at a pharmaceutical company. Your group has been asked to develop an effective laxative that both provides bulk and is non-irritating to the intestinal mucosa. Explain why these requests are important by describing what would happen if the opposite conditions were present.
2. Gary Francis, a middle-aged salesman, complains of a burning pain in the "pit of his stomach," usually beginning about 2 hours after eating, and abating after drinking a glass of milk. When asked to indicate the site, he points to his epigastric region. The GI tract is examined by X-ray fluoroscopy. A gastric ulcer is visualized, and a selective vagotomy (cutting the vagal fibers serving the stomach) is recommended.

1. why is the vagotomy suggested?
2. What are the possible consequences of nontreatment?

3. Frank has been diagnosed as having severe atherosclerosis and high blood cholesterol levels. He is told that he is at risk for a stroke or heart attack. First, what foods would you suggest that he avoid like the plague? What foods would you suggest he add or substitute? What activities would you recommend?