The human body is made up of various complex systems working harmoniously to sustain life. Among these important systems, the digestive system plays a crucial role as it is responsible for processing and absorbing nutrients necessary for growth, energy production, and overall vitality. By understanding the digestive system, we will be able to make informed dietary choices for maintaining optimal health. In this post, we will be discussing the function of the digestive system and factors affecting its function and what we can do to take care of it. 

What is the digestive system? 

The digestive system is made up from a complex network of organs starting from the mouth to the anus. These organs include the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Along the way, there are other organs that aid the digestion process, which includes liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. From the moment we ingest food, a series of complex processes are set in motion, ultimately converting food into nutrients that fuel our cells, organs, and bodily functions. These nutrients may include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals which are essential for healthy body functions. 

The commonly known functions of the digestive systems are: 

• Ingestion 
• Digestion
• Absorption 
• Excretion 

What parts of the body are involved in the whole digestive system? 

 

• Mouth

  The whole digestive system begins when food is ingested through the mouth. Throughout the chewing process, food is broken down into smaller pieces, while the enzymes in our saliva start to break down the food into simpler forms. The preliminary breakdown of carbohydrates begins in the oral cavity. 

• Oesophagus

  When food is swallowed, oesophagus, which is a muscular tube, is responsible for transporting chewed food from the mouth to the stomach through a coordinated motion known as peristalsis. 

• Stomach

  Digestion, which is the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food, happens in the stomach and small intestines. The stomach is a muscular, J-shaped organ located in the upper abdomen. The lining of the stomach contains gastric glands that secrete gastric juices, which consists of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes during digestion process. The stomach muscles also undergo peristalsis to mix the food with digestive enzymes and gastric juices, breaking it down into smaller particles preparing for the absorption process. Besides, the highly acidic environment in the stomach serves as a first line of defense against harmful microorganisms. 

• Small intestines 

  The small intestine is responsible for the majority of nutrient digestion and absorption. It is a long, coiled tube that extends from the stomach to the large intestine, which consists of three distinct sections, namely the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Nutrients and molecules from the stomach are absorbed through the walls of the small intestines and transported to cells via the bloodstream. These nutrients will provide us with energy for body functions. 

• Pancreas 

  The pancreas is responsible for secreting digestive enzymes into the small intestines, such as amylase, lipase and protease to further breakdown carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The pancreas also sends out hormones that control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. 

• Liver 

  The liver plays a role in the digestive system by producing bile. Bile is stored in the gallbladder, and aids in the digestion and absorption of fats via fat emulsification. It also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. 

• Large intestines (colon) 

  The large intestine, also known as the colon, is the final part of the digestive system. It plays a crucial role in excretion, which is the processing and elimination of waste products from the body. Any remaining food that is left undigested will enter the large intestines. In the large intestines, water and electrolytes are absorbed, with the remaining material becoming increasingly concentrated and compacted to form faeces. There are also beneficial bacteria present in the colon, which helps to ferment certain indigestible carbohydrates, producing vitamins and gases. Faeces are stored in the rectum until they are ready to be eliminated from the body through the anus during a bowel movement. 

What factors affect digestion? 

Several factors can influence the efficiency and effectiveness of digestion, ultimately impacting how well nutrients are absorbed into your body.  A healthy digestive system will influence your overall wellbeing. 

 Common factors include: 

• Dietary choices

  The types of food we consume greatly impact digestion. By consuming foods that are high in fiber will help in digestion and prevent constipation at the same time. Excessive intake of oily, fatty or processed food can slow down digestion and might cause gastrointestinal discomfort. 

• Eating habits

  Some people tend to ​have unhealthy eating habits such as ​eat​ing​ too quickly and not thoroughly chew​ing​ their food. This can lead to indigestion and bloating. Besides, eating too quickly may lead to overeating and this can also overwhelm the digestive system and may lead to weight gain. 

• Hydration

  It is important to stay hydrated as water helps to break down food and aids in the absorption of nutrients. Without sufficient hydration, one may suffer from constipation and this will also hinder the smooth movement of food through the digestive tract.

   

• Physical activeness 

  Staying active is good for our digestive health. Regular exercise promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the muscles of the digestive tract. This will help to move the food through the digestive tract and prevent issues like constipation. 

• Gut microbiome 

  Gastrointestinal tract is populated with over 400 different species and close to 100 trillion of bacteria. The balance of these bacteria is the key to good health. However, sometimes the “balancing act” of the microorganisms in our gastrointestinal tract can be thrown off.  This will then lead to digestive issues and impact overall health.  

• Age 

  Just like other body functions, digestive function can decline with age. As people get older, the production of digestive enzymes may decrease, leading to problems with nutrients absorption and digestive functions. 

• Stress and mental health

  As the brain and digestive system are interconnected, stress can significantly affect digestion. Chronic stress can lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion and acid reflux. 

• Smoking and alcohol 

  Smoking and consuming excessive alcohol consumption can harm the lining of the digestive tract, impair its function and damage other organs that are responsible for digestion. This will potentially lead to conditions like acid reflux, gastritis, and ulcers. 

Are supplements good for the digestive health? 

While a balanced diet is the foundation of a healthy digestive system, there are some supplements that can help to support digestive health: 

• Probiotics

  Probiotics have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential to support digestive function and promote overall gut health. They are known to help regulate digestion, support nutrient absorption, and contribute to a healthy immune system. As there are many factors that can cause an imbalance of these microorganisms such as antibiotics, stress, travelling, poor diet and illnesses, reintroducing probiotics into our gastrointestinal tract can help to restore the gut balance and promote a healthy gut environment that aids digestion. 

   

• Zinc 

  Zinc is known for its role in immune health. It also supports enzyme function and repairs the cells on the gastrointestinal lining for better nutrients absorption. 

• Milk thistle

  Milk thistle is beneficial for supporting liver function, which indirectly affects digestive health. Liver is responsible for the production of bile, which is needed for fat emulsification and digestion. Milk thistle may aid in the detoxification process, which indirectly benefits overall digestive health too. 

• Fiber

  Fiber is crucial for maintaining regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. If dietary sources are insufficient, fiber supplements can be beneficial. 

• Digestive enzymes 

  Supplements containing digestive enzymes can assist the body in breaking down foods, which will be beneficial for individuals with conditions affecting enzyme production. 

Understanding our digestive system and the factors that affect its function can help us to make informed decisions about our diet and lifestyle habits. While supplements can provide support, they should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Always seek professional advice if you encounter any problems with your digestive health such as persistent diarrhoea or constipation, severe pain in any part of the digestive system, blood in the stools or changes in your bowel habits for urgent care and early treatment. 

Reference

1. MediLexicon International. (n.d.-a). Digestion: Anatomy, physiology, and Chemistry. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320014