A number of organs and processes work together in the digestive system to break down the food we eat into nutrients and energy. It begins in the mouth, where chewing and saliva initiate the initial breakdown of food. After the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, the digestive process continues.
- Mouth and esophagus – Chewing is the first step in digestion, mechanically breaking down food into smaller pieces. The chewed food, now called a bolus, is then swallowed and passes through the esophagus, a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
- Stomach – The stomach is a muscular sac that receives the bolus from the esophagus. Powerful acids and enzymes further break down the food, converting it into a semi-liquid mixture called chyme. The stomach’s muscular contractions, known as peristalsis, help mix and churn the chyme, ensuring thorough digestion.
- Small intestine – The chyme then enters the small intestine, a long, coiled tube where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occurs. The small intestine has finger-like projections called villi that increase nutrient absorption surface area. Enzymes secreted by the pancreas and bile from the liver aid in the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
- Large intestine – The remaining undigested material, including fibre and water, moves into the large intestine, also known as the colon. Water and some nutrients are absorbed, and the waste material is formed into stool. A bacteria community called the gut microbiome inhabits the large intestine, which is crucial to digestive health.
Link between digestion and weight loss
The digestive process plays a crucial role in weight loss and body composition. Understanding how digestion influences weight management provides valuable insights into effective strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
- Calorie absorption – Digestion is responsible for breaking down the food we eat into its constituent nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The body utilizes these nutrients for energy and various physiological functions after they are absorbed into the bloodstream. The efficiency of nutrient absorption impacts the number of calories our body retains, influencing weight gain or loss.
- Metabolic rate – The digestive process requires energy, and this energy expenditure is known as the thermic effect of food (TEF). The TEF accounts for approximately 10% of our daily energy expenditure. Different foods have varying TEFs, with protein-rich foods having the highest TEF, followed by carbohydrates and fats.
- Hormonal regulation – Digestion is closely linked to the release of various hormones that regulate appetite, satiety, and energy balance. For example, the hormone ghrelin, often referred to as the “hunger hormone,” is produced in the stomach and signals to the brain when it’s time to eat. Hormones like leptin and cholecystokinin (CCK) are released during digestion and promote feelings of fullness and satiety. Imbalances in these hormones disrupt appetite regulation and contribute to weight gain.
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