Your health is more connected to your digestive system than you might realize. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract actually does a lot more than simply turning food into nutrients. It also houses the majority of your immune system, which is vital to your overall health.  

Gut Check: How The Digestive System Works

Although the digestion process is complex, its main functions are simple: to break down food, absorb nutrients and eliminate waste.

The digestive process starts in the mouth. First, your salivary glands release saliva to help you chew food. Once you’ve munched your meal into smaller pieces, it travels to the stomach via the esophagus. The stomach produces acids and enzymes to continue breaking into a semiliquid state. It then travels to the small intestine where the nutrient absorption process begins.

With the help of enzymes from the pancreas and liver along with bile from the gallbladder, nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine. This is also where the bulk of immune function occurs within the digestive system.

Once the nutrients are absorbed, the large intestine takes control of the process. It absorbs water and electrolytes to aid in hydration and remove water from the waste to form stool for elimination.

Healthy Gut, Healthy You

A healthy digestive system is the key to maintaining overall well-being. When your nutrient absorption isn’t optimal, your body won’t have the essential building blocks for energy, growth and repair. Additionally, an unhealthy digestive system will also impact your immune function.

Fortunately, supporting your digestive health is well within your control. Factors like diet, hydration, exercise, sleep and stress management can all play a vital role in keeping your gut in good shape.

  • Diet: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of high-fiber fruits, vegetables and whole-grains along with lean protein and healthy fats. Limit or avoid fatty, sugary and highly processed foods.
  • Drink Plenty Of Water: Adequate hydration helps keep your digestive system functioning smoothly. Signs of proper hydration include pale yellow or clear urine and infrequent thirst.
  • Exercise Regularly: Staying active promotes better digestion. It can also help reduce uncomfortable digestive issues like bloating and constipation. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.
  • Sleep: Poor sleep increases stress levels and disrupts the microbiome, which can also lead to bad food choices. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can also negatively impact your digestion. Find ways to manage your stress levels and relax to help maintain gut health.

Keep your gut healthy, and your gut will do the same for you.

The team at GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C. treats multiple conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care you can trust. To schedule an appointment, call (318) 631-9121 or visit gis.md.