Phases Of Digestion

We eat when we feel hungry. But why do we feel it, and what stages does food go through in the digestion process?

We eat when we feel hungry. But why do we feel it, and what stages does food go through in the digestion process?

The digestive process is of the utmost importance. The food we eat supplies the body with nutrients it needs for normal functioning and survival. But before turning into useful substances, food must pass through four different phases of digestion.

Our digestive tract runs through the entire body. The digestive tract begins with the oral cavity, which passes into the pharynx, from which food enters the esophagus, and then into the stomach. The stomach is connected to the small intestine, the upper part of the small intestine is called the duodenum. The duodenum is followed by the jejunum and ileum, which passes into the large intestine, ending with the rectum. In a healthy person, the complete cycle of the digestion process takes from 24 to 72 hours.

Why does our body demand food all the time? Because every cell of our body needs to receive certain trace elements. Then she needs magnesium - and we want tomatoes, then she needs potassium - and we want apricots, then she needs amino acids - and we want meat, then she needs zinc - and we want corn porridge or something else. That is, a hungry cell is always demanding. We don't understand her demands, we don't eat what she demands, but what we have. And the following situation arises: the cell that did not receive the required element demands it again. The digestive process is a clear biological algorithm. Reception, processing, absorption and removal of non-processed residues.

Eating: the first stage of digestion is eating. Eating includes the process of food being in the mouth - when you chew and swallow food and it, passing through the esophagus, enters your stomach. At this stage, your brain and taste buds do the important work of helping you enjoy and identify the taste and smell of food. The first stage of digestion involves the enzymes needed to help break down complex foods into smaller compounds and molecules. The moment the food enters the stomach, the first stage is considered complete.

Digestion: When the food reaches the stomach, the next phase of digestion begins. It includes the production of digestive juices and the continued breakdown of food products. This process involves the stomach, pancreas and liver, which produce various digestive juices. Each helps to digest different types of food. For example, the stomach produces acid and enzymes needed to digest proteins. After all the eaten food is broken down in the digestive process, it is ready for the next stage, absorption.

Absorption: During digestion, food is broken down into glucose, amino acids, or fatty acid molecules. These molecules enter the small intestine, where the absorption phase begins. Molecules are absorbed through the small intestine and enter the bloodstream. Once in the blood, nutrients are delivered to various parts of the body, where they are either used to support vital processes or stored for future use. The process of which substances will be used immediately and which will be stored is controlled by the liver.

Excretion (digestive waste output ): Excretion is the final step in the digestion process. At the same time, all the components of the food that you consumed and that were not used to nourish your body are removed from it. Both urine and feces are forms of such disposal. Some components, such as insoluble fiber, are not absorbed by the body, but are necessary for digestion. Insoluble fiber helps your digestive system move food waste through your intestines. Although the digestive process takes 24 to 72 hours, it may take several days to completely dispose of ingested food.

How to help your body in obtaining useful substances?

• Take food only in an emotionally balanced state
• Eat only when you are hungry
• Chew your food thoroughly
• Do not eat too cold or too hot food
• Observe moderation, do not overeat, the normal amount of food should be 400-700 grams.
• Drink liquids before and after meals
• Eat simple food. Give preference to products grown in your country.
• Try to make half of your daily diet raw plant foods.
• Do not engage in active work immediately after eating, rest a little.

There is a huge number of all kinds of recommendations and diets aimed at putting the work of the digestive system in order. But all of them can be reduced to one simple thought: the key to the proper functioning of your body is a balanced and proper diet.