How Does Digestion Work?

The garbage passed off as food today and the high rates of digestive disorders plaguing the nation
make it clear that the importance of the digestive process is not understood. Digestion is a process
that can affect our daily quality of life, playing a direct role in our mental health and mood. [1] In
essence, digestion is where our health begins, and recent research has blatantly illustrated this fact.
Let's look at how the digestive system performs its function and discuss the key facts you need to
know when seeking to protect your digestive health.
The Digestive Process
The digestive process involves three basic steps: the cephalic phase, the gastric phase, and the
intestinal phase. Here are some of the main focus points associated with each phase:
The Mouth. Upon chewing, enzymes in the mouth begin the digestive process by breaking down
food. Amylase is one of the main enzymes in saliva that aid in the digestion of starch
(carbohydrates).
The Esophagus. This long, muscular tube aids in the passage of food from the mouth into the
stomach. Hydrochloric acid will further break down food particles while killing microbes and
denaturing proteins. Due to the high acidity of hydrochloric acid, a protective mucosal layer of tissue
lines the stomach, protecting it from acid erosion and gastric ulcers.
The Small Intestine. Once food has traveled to the stomach and been subjected to the actions of
hydrochloric acid, the contents then travel to the small intestine. This is the main organ that is
responsible for absorbing calories, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and proteins. Small finger-like
projections called "villi" line the small intestine to offer protection and facilitate absorption. The
small intestine also hosts a wide range of beneficial bacteria responsible for digestion, specifically
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.
The Large Intestine. This is the final stage of the digestion process. Once nutrients have been
absorbed by the small intestine, the leftover wastes travel to the large intestine before being
eliminated. Water and salts are reabsorbed before elimination.
Components
While digestion requires the three phases listed above, it also requires four essential components-
stomach acid, enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotics.
Enzymes
Digestive enzymes break molecules into smaller parts so they can be absorbed by the body. These
enzymes are categorized as:
Protease - breaks down protein into amino acids
Lipase - catabolizes lipids (fats) into fatty acids
Amylase - breaks down carbohydrates, starches, and sugar into simpler monomers
Those that are deficient in these enzymes, or those that suffer from an impairment in enzyme
function, may benefit from enzyme supplementation. [2]
Probiotics
These bacterial colonies, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria being the most common, play an essential
role in digestion. Probiotics aid in the synthesis of vitamin K, B12, and biotin (B1), contribute to the
digestion of foods, denature proteins, and kill off hostile microbes. Some studies even suggest that
probiotics may aid in balancing mood. [3][4][5] This effect is observed in relation to serotonin, a
neurotransmitter found mainly in the gastrointestinal system.
Prebiotics
These "bionics" are essentially the food for probiotic colonies. [6] Generally speaking, prebiotics are
pectins or fibers and aid in the nourishment and flourishing of probiotic bacteria. Some probiotic
supplements come with prebiotics, an addition believed to increase the effectiveness of the probiotic
bacteria.
Are there certain foods you find you can't digest? Which ones are they? Leave us a comment below
to let us know!
-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
References:
Jane A. Foster. Gut Feelings: Bacteria and the Brain. Cerebrum. 2013 July-August; 2013: 9.
Roxas M. The role of enzyme supplementation in digestive disorders. Alternative Medicine Review.
2008 December;13(4):307-14.
Farmer AD, Randall HA, Aziz Q. It's a Gut Feeling - how the gut microbiota affects the state of mind.
The Journal of Physiology. 2014 March 24.
Benton D, Williams C, Brown A. Impact of consuming a milk drink containing a probiotic on mood
and cognition. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2007 March;61(3):355-61.
Desbonnet L, Garrett L, Clarke G, Bienenstock J, Dinan TG. The probiotic Bifidobacteria infantis: An
assessment of potential antidepressant properties in the rat. Journal of Psychiatric Research. 2008
December;43(2): 164-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2008.03.009.
Roberfroid MB. Prebiotics and probiotics: are they functional foods? The American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition. 2000 June;71(6 Suppl):1682S-7S; discussion 1688S-90S.
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This entry was posted in Food
About Dr Edward Group III DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM
Dr. Group has studied natural healing methods for over 20 years and now teaches individuals and
practitioners all around the world. He no longer sees patients but solely concentrates on spreading
the word of health and wellness to the global community. Under his leadership, Global Healing
Center, Inc. has earned recognition as one of the largest alternative, natural and organic health
resources on the Internet.
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/how-does-digestion-work/