Digestion

The path of our food

When food enters our bodies, it travels from mouth to anus for approximately 24 to 48 hours. During this journey, the food is first ground into small pieces by our teeth and mixed with saliva, which facilitates swallowing. It is then propelled through our esophagus and into our stomach, where it combines with gastric juice. Digestive enzymes in the gastric juice and bacteria in the intestinal flora promote digestion and ensure further digestion of the food. Gastric juice also kills pathogens and harmful bacteria. The stomach propels the food chyme into the intestines, where bile and pancreatic juice are added, allowing nutrients to enter the body through the small intestinal wall. The remaining watery mixture of indigestible food remains enters the large intestine, where bacteria filter out the last remnants of food and extract water and salts from the chyme, creating a soft, solid stool that leaves the body through the anus.

Building materials and energy for our body

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use. These nutrients are converted into energy needed for all bodily processes, or they are converted into building blocks needed for growth and the replacement of damaged cells. Digestion begins as soon as something is consumed, including food. Several organs are involved in this complex process. The body cannot convert everything we consume into building blocks and energy, so it's important to eat healthy foods, meaning foods that provide sufficient nutrients in the right proportions to maintain a balance between nutrients and energy.

Tips for promoting digestion

Healthy digestion depends on optimal stomach acid production, as stomach acid forms a barrier against pathogens and is essential for initiating the digestion and absorption of nutrients. To maintain healthy digestion, it's important to drink enough water, about 1.5 to 2 liters per day. It's also important to eat plenty of fiber, which is primarily found in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Variety is also important so you get enough of all the vitamins and minerals. Finally, it's also helpful to chew well and take your time with a meal. Digestion takes time and thrives with a calm, regular, and varied diet.

Supplements, bowel movements & digestion

Sometimes your body needs some help digesting food, for example, after a heavy or rich meal or when taking medication. It's also possible that an imbalance has developed between the levels of enzymes, gut bacteria, and stomach acid in your digestive tract. Rest and a healthy diet with the right amount of nutrients promote digestion and are essential for maintaining this balance in your body. Numerous digestive supplements are available that specifically target the organs of your digestive system, such as the stomach, liver, or intestines, so you can support these organs naturally. At Ergomax, you'll find Smidge™ HCl + Enzymes from Smidge, Digestive EnzymesGutsense - Probiotica from Doctor's Best and Gutsense - Probiotica from Ergomax.