Digestion Problems? We’ve Got You.

You’ve heard the old saying “You are what you eat.” And that’s true to a degree. You can’t get nourishment from food you don’t eat. 

 

But when you really think about it, we’re actually each a product of what we eat, break down and are able to absorb. In other words, we are what we digest.

 

Digestion is a miraculous process our bodies undertake to break down everything we consume into smaller, usable particles. If everything works properly, these particles are absorbed in the intestines and into the bloodstream where they are transported throughout the body to nourish your trillions of cells.

 

Let’s face it, when you’re not digesting well, you don’t feel good. And when you don’t feel good, you’re not likely to be particularly functional…or happy.

 

DIGESTION - AN INSIDE LOOK

The process of digestion starts in your mouth as chewing crushes food into smaller pieces. Your saliva adds enzymes that help break down any starches.

 

The food you swallow travels down your esophagus and into your stomach, where chemical digestion begins. Different acids work to convert food, especially proteins, into a substance called chyme, which then flows into the small intestine. This process normally takes 2–4 hours. Any longer than that, and you know that something’s wrong.

 

In the duodenum (an upper section of the small intestine), digestive juices like bile from the gallbladder and enzymes produced by the pancreas break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins into smaller molecules. Most of the water and nutrients from chyme are absorbed into the bloodstream here. The remaining material is directed to the large intestine or colon. There, tiny microorganisms break down fiber, producing metabolites, vitamins B and K, and other usable nutrients. The leftover waste goes to the rectum for elimination.