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| Human Digestive System |
The function of the human digestive system is to break down food and drink so their nutrients can be absorbed to provide nourishment and energy throughout the body. As we age the digestive process slows down and the body may not get enough nutrients. This can lead to a decline of other body systems and disease.Successful aging depends on a well functioning digestive system. There are a number of steps we can take to improve digestion. But first, let's gain a basic understanding of how the digestive process works
1. Digestion begins in the mouth with the chewing of food (mastication). The teeth start the process with the help of saliva. Saliva contains some enzymes which begin the breakdown of starches and fats while they are still in the mouth.
2. With each swallow the food is forced down the esophagus and travels to the stomach, by means of muscular contractions (peristalsis). Food and acid is kept from flowing backward by circular bands of muscles called esophageal sphincters.
3. In the stomach the food is broken down into small particles by acids and enzymes (secreted from the pancreas and liver), into proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The stomach is the primary place where proteins are broken down.
4. These particles then enter the small intestine. Nutrients that the body needs for energy, growth and repair are absorbed through the intestinal walls and transferred to the liver for further processing.
5. At the end of the small intestine all that is left is water and waste material. This material now enters the large intestine, whose main function is to remove the water from the waste products and return it to the body.
6. At the end of large intestine is the colon, where the waste material sits until it leaves the body through the auns.
