How does the food we eat every day provide the body with energy, protein, vitamins and other nutrients?
According to doctors, this work is done by our digestive system. Which we call ‘stomach’ in colloquial language. The stomach is an organ of the body. The entire stomach plays an important role in the digestive system.
According to gastroenterologist Dr JN Pandey, the digestion process starts from the mouth. The teeth play a major role in this. The teeth break down food. As the food is broken down, digestive juices come into the mouth. The saliva around the mouth softens the food. The enzymes in the saliva have already started digesting carbohydrates. As soon as food is swallowed through the food pipe, it reaches the stomach through a long tube.
Once food reaches the stomach, it is not digested immediately. Food remains in the stomach for one to one and a half hours. The stomach also produces acid (digestive juice) to break down or dissolve food.
The muscles and juices of the stomach help to dissolve food properly. This process is called ‘crine’ in medical language.
The acid and enzymes in the stomach secrete enzymes such as strong hydrochloric acid and pepsin. This kills harmful germs in the food and helps to digest proteins.
The juice released from the stomach reaches the small intestine. The small intestine is the most important place in the digestive process. Here, bile from the liver and juices from the pancreas mix. Vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the food enter the blood from here.
It takes 24 to 72 hours to digest food. Also, digesting any food depends on the metabolism and digestive health of the person. If someone has digestive problems, it may take longer to digest food. The tissues in the stomach secrete juices according to the type of food we eat. It is from that juice that the body gets the nutrients it needs, such as protein, carbohydrates, and minerals.
What is the digestive system? Video briefing by gastroenterologist Dr JN Pandey on how it works:
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