National Center for Biotechnology Information US. Genes and Disease [Internet]. Bethesda MD : National Center for Biotechnology Information US ; Digestion is the process of turning food into fuel for energy, and for maintenance of the body structure.

The digestive tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. Inside this tube is a lining called the mucosa.

In the mouth, stomach, and small intestine, the mucosa contains tiny glands that produce enzymes to help digest food. There are also two solid digestive organs, the liver and the pancreas, which produce enzymes that reach the intestine through small tubes.

During the digestive process, food passes down the throat, through the esophagus, and into the stomach, where food continues to be broken down. The partially digested food passes into a short tube called the duodenum — the first part of the small intestine.

The jejunum and ileum are also part of the small intestine. The liver, the gallbladder, and the pancreas produce enzymes and substances to help with digestion in the small intestine.

After the digestive process is complete, the resulting waste travels downstream to the colon. The colon and rectum are parts of the body's digestive system, which removes nutrients from food and stores waste until it passes out of the body.

Together, the colon and rectum form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine. The part of the digestive tract known as the gut also contains trillions of various microorganisms, or beneficial bacteria , many of which help support our immune system 4.

Keeping the digestive system healthy makes sure the process is efficient and that we get the most from our food as possible. A healthy gut can also lead to a healthy immune system, heart and brain, as well as good quality sleep and maintenance of a healthy weight.

The time it takes for food to move through the full gastrointestinal tract GI depends on the type and amount of food eaten. Generally speaking, it takes 6 to 8 hours for food to pass through both the stomach and the small intestine before reaching the large intestine.

Meanwhile, other food may not be difficult for the body to digest but can potentially impact digestive health through irritation and inflammation of the GI tract.

This includes food with high acidity levels, spicy foods, caffeine, artificial sweeteners and alcohol. Foods high in fibre take longer to digest as they aren't fully broken down until they reach the large intestine.

This can be beneficial for gut health. Is there anything you can do to improve your digestion? Most definitely! Here are 5 ways to get started:. However, anything more or less than this constipation or diarrhoea is potentially a sign of an unhealthy gut.

If you also experience loss of appetite, black or bloody stools, or unexplained weight loss, make an appointment straight away. The first step towards achieving good digestive health is recognising the important role it plays in our body, from extracting nutrients from food to determining how regular our bowel movements are.

Ever suffer with bloating or discomfort but don't know why? MRes Clinical Research - University of Manchester, Ro Huntriss is a UK-based Registered Dietitian. Ro has over 10 years of experience working as a dietitian and has worked across many different sectors including NHS, private practice, research, digital health, health technologies and supporting commercial businesses.

Ro expanded her expertise to a number of areas as she believes that health is not one dimensional and health should be considered from several angles. In her spare time, Ro enjoys yoga and netball, playing the piano and is an avid Tottenham Hotspur fan!

Shop now. Digestion: The only overview you need By Ro Huntriss, Registered Dietitian. Save article. Health Hub Home Conditions Digestive Health Digestion: The only overview you need.

Shop Digestive Health Support. What is the digestive system? The whole process takes on average one to three days.

Why is digestive health so important? The digestive system takes the food that we eat and breaks it down into nutrients. Once the nutrients are small enough, they can be absorbed by the body into the bloodstream. However, digestive health also influences the health of other physiological systems in the body.

Visit Our Gut Health Wellness Hub. How does the digestive system work? Talk to your doctor. If you experience frequent diarrhea or constipation, you should consult with your physician. You may have irritable bowel syndrome, which affects 10 to 15 percent of the population.

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This can cause heartburn from acids going back from the stomach into the esophagus. Such stomach overload may even induce gas, nausea, or vomiting. Aiming to consume five to six mini-meals a day can help promote overall good digestive health. Make sure you eat a mix of carbs, protein, and heart-healthy fat at each meal.

Examples include peanut butter on whole-wheat crackers, a tuna sandwich, or yogurt with fruit. You may have heard a lot about fiber for weight loss and heart health. When it comes to digestive health, fiber is also a key component. Soluble fiber creates a gel in the digestive tract to keep you full, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to stools.

The Mayo Clinic recommends a total daily fiber intake of 38 grams for men under 50, and 25 grams for women in the same age group. Adults over 50 need slightly less fiber, with 30 grams a day for men and 21 grams for women.

Getting enough fiber helps prevent digestion problems by regulating the system. Fiber is naturally available in:. Water aids your digestive health by helping to cleanse the entire system. Furthermore, water may help your digestive system absorb nutrients more effectively by assisting the body to break down food.

Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day and skip the sugary drinks. Added sugars can make digestion problems worse. When digestion problems fail to resolve with tweaks to your lifestyle, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. Chronic ongoing problems could indicate health issues that may need medical attention.

These may include:. You should see a doctor right away if you experience severe abdominal pain, bloody stools, or unintentional weight loss. Digestion problems are often an embarrassment, and many people understandably try to hide their issues.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that digestive disease complaints comprise about 51 million emergency room visits annually.

Changing your diet and exercise habits are often the first recommended steps to better digestive health. Green beans are crunchy and nutritious, but you may wonder whether they're safe to eat raw.

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A twisted stomach can happen after a gastric sleeve for several reasons, including…. There is a risk of side effects with the flu shot. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Selecting tasty foods that provide fiber isn't difficult. Find out how much dietary fiber you need, the foods that contain it, and how to add them to meals and snacks.

Dietary fiber, also known as roughage or bulk, includes the parts of plant foods your body can't digest or absorb. Unlike other food components, such as fats, proteins or carbohydrates — which your body breaks down and absorbs — fiber isn't digested by your body.

Instead, it passes relatively intact through your stomach, small intestine and colon and out of your body. Fiber is commonly classified as soluble, which dissolves in water, or insoluble, which doesn't dissolve. The amount of soluble and insoluble fiber varies in different plant foods.

To receive the greatest health benefit, eat a wide variety of high-fiber foods. The Institute of Medicine, which provides science-based advice on matters of medicine and health, gives the following daily fiber recommendations for adults:.

If you aren't getting enough fiber each day, you may need to boost your intake. Good choices include:. Refined or processed foods — such as canned fruits and vegetables, pulp-free juices, white breads and pastas, and non-whole-grain cereals — are lower in fiber. The grain-refining process removes the outer coat bran from the grain, which lowers its fiber content.

Enriched foods have some of the B vitamins and iron added back after processing, but not the fiber. Whole foods rather than fiber supplements are generally better. Fiber supplements — such as Metamucil, Citrucel and FiberCon — don't provide the variety of fibers, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients that foods do.

Another way to get more fiber is to eat foods, such as cereal, granola bars, yogurt and ice cream, with fiber added. The added fiber usually is labeled as "inulin" or "chicory root.

However, some people may still need a fiber supplement if dietary changes aren't sufficient or if they have certain medical conditions, such as constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome. Check with your doctor before taking fiber supplements.

High-fiber foods are good for your health. But adding too much fiber too quickly can promote intestinal gas, abdominal bloating and cramping. Increase fiber in your diet gradually over a few weeks. This allows the natural bacteria in your digestive system to adjust to the change.

Also, drink plenty of water. Fiber works best when it absorbs water, making your stool soft and bulky. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

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Show references Kim Y, et al. Dietary fibre intake and mortality from cardiovascular disease and all cancers: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Archives of Cardiovascular Disease. Duyff RL. Carbs: Sugars, starches, and fiber. In: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Complete Food and Nutrition Guide. New York, N. Nutrition facts label: Dietary fiber. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed Oct.