How Long Does It Take to Digest Food? All About Digestion

 

A good meal that looks delightful and tastes amazing  is worth indulging in. But we have a tendency to consume more than what our body can digest easily.

 

giphy

Have you ever thought how long the digestion process can take?

 

In general, food takes twenty four to seventy two hours to move through your gastrointestinal tract. The precise time depends on the amount and kinds of foods you’ve eaten . The digestion speed additionally depends on factors like your gender, metabolism, and whether or not you have got any digestive problems that might  slow down or speed up the method.

 

What happens throughout digestion?

 

As you chew, glands in your mouth secrete saliva. When you swallow, the food moves down your food pipe- oesophagus that connects your mouth to your stomach. When acids in your stomach break down the food even more, then the mixture moves to your small intestine. In your small intestine, your pancreas and liver help break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
The undigested part that remains moves on to your large intestine.

The large intestine absorbs any leftover nutrients from the food. The rest becomes solid waste.

 

Tips for better digestion

 

  • Eat a lot of greens, fruit, and whole grains
  • Limit meat and processed foods
  • Exercise daily
  • Manage stress
  • Get lots of sleep

giphy

The takeaway

 

You might not think much about your digestive system on a daily basis nonetheless you’ll understand once it’s not working optimally if  uncomfortable symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea occur.

Watch what you eat and keep active to keep  your digestion smooth and feel your best.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/digestive-system/expert-answers/faq-20058340https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-it-take-to-digest-food