.png)
Unlocking the Mystery Behind Your Digestive System
Do you know what happens to the food you eat? No, not in the romantic sense – we're talking about what happens when it enters your digestive system. You may think that it's all pretty straightforward: you chew your food, it goes down your throat and into your stomach, and then everything is magically transported to wherever it needs to go. But there's a lot more going on than that. Your digestive system is actually a complex network of organs and muscles that work together to extract the nutrients from food and excrete the waste. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what happens inside your stomach – from the moment you put food in your mouth until it comes out the other end.
Mouth
The first step in digestion is the mouth. When you chew your food, it breaks down into smaller pieces – making it easier for enzymes to break down further. Saliva also plays a role here, as enzymes present in saliva start breaking down the carbohydrates and proteins found in food.
Esophagus
After being chewed and swallowed, the food moves through your on its way to the stomach. Here, waves of muscle contractions (called peristalsis) push the food along until it reaches its destination.
Stomach
When the food finally enters your stomach, hydrochloric acid (HCl) is released to kill off any harmful bacteria and to begin breaking down proteins. The stomach then churns the food until it is a thick liquid called chyme, which can then pass through the sphincter valve into the small intestine.
Small Intestine
This is where most of the digestion takes place. Bile from your liver and pancreatic enzymes break down fats and carbohydrates, while additional nutrients are absorbed into tiny finger-like projections (called villi) found on the walls of your small intestine. After being processed by these organs, what's left of your meal passes through your large intestine before finally exiting your body as waste.
Acid Reflux
Sometimes, what you eat can cause acid reflux. This is when stomach acids splash back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest. Common triggers for this are spicy foods, citrus fruits, alcohol and carbonated drinks. Alginate antacid medications can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
IBS and Digestive Disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, excessive gas, bloating and diarrhea or constipation. Diet changes can help to reduce these symptoms, but it's important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these issues.
So now that you know a bit more about how digestion works, why not take some time to learn more about the foods you eat? Your digestive system is like an engine – it needs fuel in order to run properly! Understanding what goes into your body can help keep your gut healthy and happy. So enjoy learning about nutrition – it'll be worth the effort in the end!
This article is not intended to provide medical advice. Sydney Chic does not offer medical advice or nutritional advice. Please consult your medical professional for digestive issues.
