Digestion

The Digestive Process

Mouth – The Starting Point
- Digestion begins as soon as you take a bite. Your teeth break food into smaller pieces (mechanical digestion), while saliva mixes in enzymes like amylase that start breaking down carbohydrates (chemical digestion).

Esophagus – The Transport Tube
- After chewing, the food forms a soft mass called a bolus. Swallowing pushes it into the esophagus, where rhythmic muscle contractions (peristalsis) move it down toward the stomach.

Stomach – The Mixer
- In the stomach, powerful muscles churn the food while gastric juices (containing acid and enzymes) break down proteins. The result is a thick liquid called chyme.

Small Intestine – The Absorber
- The chyme enters the small intestine, where most digestion and absorption occur.
- The liver produces bile (stored in the gallbladder) to break down fats.
- The pancreas releases enzymes to further digest proteins, fats, and carbs.
- Nutrients—glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals—are absorbed through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream.

Large Intestine – The Recycler
- Any remaining material moves into the large intestine (colon). Here, water and electrolytes are absorbed, and gut bacteria help break down undigested fibers. This process forms solid waste.

Rectum & Anus – The Finish Line
- The rectum stores waste until it’s ready to be expelled. Finally, the anus releases it from the body, completing the digestive process.

✨ In short: Food is broken down, nutrients are absorbed, and waste is eliminated. Your digestive system is both a power plant—turning food into usable energy—and a filter, removing what your body doesn’t need; however, it does need breaks.

Digestion in Action

Digestion In Action

The Visual Digestive Process

Small Intestine — The “Second Brain” of Digestion

Referring back to our lesson on the digestive process, let’s look more closely at the small intestine. This organ is the primary site for digesting food and absorbing nearly all the nutrients your body needs — proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and even water.

The small intestine receives digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver, breaking food into smaller components. These nutrients are then absorbed into the bloodstream, where they fuel and repair the body’s organs.

But digestion isn’t its only job. The small intestine also:

Acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria (immune function).
Plays a role in hormone production, helping regulate digestion and metabolism.

📍 The Three Sections of the Small Intestine

Duodenum: The first section. It receives food from the stomach and mixes it with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver.
Jejunum: The middle section. It absorbs most fats, proteins, and other nutrients.
Ileum: The final section. It absorbs vitamin B12, bile salts, and any remaining nutrients not captured earlier.

💡 Why is it called the “Second Brain”?

The small intestine has a vast network of nerves (called the enteric nervous system) that communicates with your brain. This “gut-brain connection” is so powerful that scientists often call the small intestine our second brain. It not only influences digestion but also affects mood, energy, and overall health.

Large Intestine
This is home to your microbiome — trillions of bacteria, most of them beneficial, and a few that can be harmful. When you nourish your body with healthy, nutrient-rich foods, the “good” bacteria stay in charge.

About 80% of your immune system activity is linked to this area.

DIGESTIVE PRACTICES

Digestive Practices

Eating properly supports digestion in several key ways:

Provides the Right Fuel – A balanced diet with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs gives your digestive system the nutrients it needs to function smoothly.
Aids in Smooth Movement – Fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains adds bulk to stool, preventing constipation and keeping food moving through the intestines.
Supports Healthy Gut Bacteria – Prebiotic and probiotic foods (like yogurt, kefir, bananas, or oats) feed beneficial gut microbes, which help break down food and support nutrient absorption.
Reduces Strain on the Stomach – Eating moderate portions and chewing thoroughly allows digestive enzymes to work more efficiently, preventing bloating and indigestion.
Balances Digestive Juices – Proper nutrition ensures your body produces the right amount of stomach acid, bile, and enzymes to break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Prevents Irritation – Avoiding excessive processed foods, sugars, and greasy meals reduces inflammation, reflux, and discomfort.

👉 In short: Eating properly means your digestive system can break down food effectively, absorb more nutrients, and eliminate waste with less strain—leading to better energy, health, and comfort.

Eat Right

✅ Eat slowly & chew thoroughly – Give your stomach a head start by breaking food down well.
✅ Don’t overeat – Smaller, balanced portions are easier for your body to handle.
✅ Choose high-fiber foods – Fruits, veggies, beans, and whole grains keep things moving smoothly.
✅ Stay hydrated – Water helps break down food and prevents constipation.
✅ Limit greasy, fried, and processed foods – These slow digestion and can cause discomfort.
✅ Include probiotics & prebiotics – Yogurt, kefir, bananas, and oats support healthy gut bacteria.
✅ Eat at regular times – Consistent meal times help regulate your digestive rhythm.
✅ Avoid lying down right after eating – Give your body 2–3 hours to digest before bedtime.
✅ Balance your meals – Mix protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs for smoother digestion.
✅ Listen to your body – Stop eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed.

✨ Reminder: Good digestion isn’t just about what you eat—it’s also about how you eat.

Pillars of Health