Digestion begins in the mouth. Teeth chew food, breaking it into smaller pieces. Saliva contains enzymes that start breaking down carbohydrates for easier digestion.
After chewing, food travels down the esophagus. Muscular contractions, called peristalsis, push the food smoothly into the stomach for further digestion.
In the stomach, food mixes with digestive juices. These acids and enzymes break down proteins and turn the food into a liquid mixture called chyme, preparing it for nutrient absorption.
Chyme moves into the small intestine. Here, enzymes and bile help digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Nutrients pass through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream for use by the body.
The liver produces bile, stored in the gallbladder. Bile helps digest fats by breaking them into smaller droplets, making it easier for enzymes to further break them down in the small intestine.
Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat products support joint health by providing fiber and reducing inflammation levels in the body.
Undigested food moves into the large intestine. Here, water and salts are absorbed, turning the remaining material into solid waste. Beneficial bacteria also help digest some fibers.
Waste travels to the rectum, where it is stored until elimination. When ready, muscles contract to expel the waste from the body, completing the digestive process.
The digestive system efficiently breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, and removes waste. Understanding its functions helps maintain a healthy body and overall well-being.