Overview. The human body uses the process of digestion to break down food into a form that can be absorbed and used for fuel. The organs of the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine and anus.

The digestive system converts the foods we eat into their simplest forms, like glucose (sugars), amino acids (that make up protein) or fatty acids (that make up fats). The broken-down food is then absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestine and the nutrients are carried to each cell in the body.

Food enters the mouth and passes to the anus through the hollow organs of the GI tract. The liver, pancreas, and gallbladder are the solid organs of the digestive system. The digestive system helps the body digest food. Bacteria in the GI tract, also called gut ffora or microbiome, help with digestion.

Small intestine Peristalsis also works in this organ, moving food through and mixing it with digestive juices from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum is the first segment of the small intestine. It’s largely responsible for the continuous breaking-down process.

Glands in your stomach lining make stomach acid and enzymes that break down food. Muscles of your stomach mix the food with these digestive juices. Pancreas. Your pancreas makes a digestive juice that has enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Maintaining a Healthy Bowel

1. Eat a balanced diet.
2. Drink enough fluids.
3. Limit the amount of alcohol you consume.
4. Chew your food well.
5. Don’t miss meals.

Such problems can be the result of bacteria in food, infection, stress, certain medications, or chronic medical conditions such as colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBS. But no matter the cause, anyone who has frequent digestive problems faces daily challenges and potential embarrassments.

7 Signs of an unhealthy gut

1. Upset stomach. Stomach disturbances like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn can all be signs of an unhealthy gut.
2. A high-sugar diet.
3. Unintentional weight changes.
4. Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue.
5. Skin irritation.
6. Autoimmune conditions.
7. Food intolerances.

Diet and lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

1. Cut back on fatty foods.
2. Avoid fizzy drinks.
3. Eat and drink slowly.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Don’t chew gum.
6. Exercise more.
7. Avoid foods that cause gas.
8. Avoid sweeteners that cause gas such as fructose and sorbitol.

7 Healthy Drinks That Improve Digestion

• Kombucha. Made by fermenting yeasts and bacteria with sweetened tea, kombucha is a refreshing, lightly carbonated drink that’s rich in probiotics.
• Ginger Tea.
• Lemongrass Tea.
• Peppermint Tea.
• Fennel Tea.
• Coffee.
• Water.

The 11 Best Ways to Improve Your Digestion Naturally

1. Eat Real Food. Share on Pinterest Photography by Aya Brackett.
2. Get Plenty of Fiber. It’s common knowledge that fiber is beneficial for good digestion.
3. Add Healthy Fats to Your Diet.
4. Stay Hydrated.
5. Manage Your Stress.
6. Eat Mindfully.
7. Chew Your Food.
8. Get Moving.

5 things to do after eating a large meal

1. Take a 10-minute walk. “A walk outside can help clear your mind and also help improve blood sugar levels,” says Smith.
2. Relax and don’t stress out. Don’t be too hard on yourself, particularly if it’s a one-time occurrence.
3. Drink water.
4. Take a probiotic.
5. Plan your next meal.

Myth: Eating late in the evening will cause you to gain weight. It’s not true that food consumed later in the evening will just sit there, unused, and automatically get converted into fat.