Digestion is a complex and fascinating process that allows our bodies to break down the food we eat into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and used for energy, growth, and repair. It involves a series of intricate steps that occur in various organs of the digestive system. In this guide, we will explore the journey of food through the digestive system and gain a deeper understanding of the remarkable process of digestion.

Digestion begins in the mouth, where the mechanical process of chewing, or mastication, breaks down food into smaller pieces. The salivary glands in the mouth release saliva, which contains enzymes that initiate the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates. This mixture of chewed food and saliva forms a bolus, which is then swallowed and enters the esophagus.

As the bolus travels down the esophagus, it is pushed forward by rhythmic contractions called peristalsis. The esophagus connects the mouth to the stomach and ensures that the food reaches its destination. At the base of the esophagus lies the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular ring that opens to allow food to enter the stomach and then closes to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

Once in the stomach, the food is mixed with gastric juices, which contain enzymes and hydrochloric acid. The acidic environment of the stomach helps to further break down food and kill any harmful bacteria that may be present. The stomach muscles contract and relax, churning the food into a semi-liquid mass called chyme.

After a few hours in the stomach, the chyme passes through the pyloric sphincter, a muscular valve at the base of the stomach, and enters the small intestine. The small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place. It consists of three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

In the duodenum, bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas are released to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Bile helps to emulsify fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets that are easier to digest. The pancreatic enzymes further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into simpler molecules that can be absorbed.

The walls of the small intestine are lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, which increase the surface area available for absorption. The villi are covered with microvilli, which further enhance the absorptive capacity. Nutrients, such as sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids, are absorbed through the intestinal walls and enter the bloodstream to be transported to various parts of the body.

As the chyme moves through the small intestine, most of the nutrients are absorbed, leaving behind indigestible fiber and waste products. The remaining material enters the large intestine, also known as the colon. The primary functions of the large intestine are to absorb water and electrolytes and to store and eliminate waste.

In the colon, bacteria play a crucial role in fermentation, breaking down undigested carbohydrates and fiber, producing certain vitamins, and further absorbing water. The colon absorbs most of the remaining water, leaving behind a solid waste known as feces. The feces are stored in the rectum until they are eliminated from the body through the anus in a process called defecation.

Several factors can influence the process of digestion. Chewing food thoroughly allows for better mixing with saliva and increases the surface area for enzymatic action. Eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes an adequate amount of fiber promotes regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining proper digestion, as water helps soften stool and aids in the absorption of nutrients.

Certain health conditions can affect digestion. For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort. Peptic ulcers can develop in the stomach or duodenum due to an imbalance between stomach acid and protective mechanisms. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, cause what is good for acid reflux chronic inflammation and damage to the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support optimal digestion. Regular exercise helps stimulate bowel movements and promotes overall gut health. Managing stress levels is also crucial, as stress can disrupt digestion and lead to symptoms such as bloating and stomach pain. Eating a diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides the necessary nutrients for proper digestion.

In conclusion, digestion is a complex process that involves the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. From the mouth to the anus, the digestive system works harmoniously to extract nutrients and eliminate waste. By understanding the intricacies of digestion and adopting healthy habits, we can support optimal digestive function and overall well-being.

Looking to dive deeper into your sewing obsession? These sewing blogs are some of our all-time faves, and many of the faces behind ’em teach classes on Craftsy — meaning you can gain extra knowledge and get those creative juices flowing for your next project.

Oonaballoona
Marcy Harriell — aka Oona from Oonaballoona — is the one to follow whenever you feel like you’ve hit an outfit slump. She transforms ho-hum outfits into major show-stoppers in her Craftsy series Re:Fashion, while her blog offers up ideas for unique fabric combinations and beautiful trims.

The Palmer/Pletsch Blog
When you want to pick up additional skills, the Palmer/Pletsch Blog is here to help. Run by Pati Palmer and Melissa Watson, these ladies are all about perfecting fitting and tailoring techniques so you can rock your wardrobe in style.

The Crafty Gemini
You may know Vanessa Vargas Wilson as the instructor of our Pulsing Prism Afghan class, but she shows off even more of her skills on her blog The Crafty Gemini. There you can find tutorials for garments, tips for beginner sewists and even reviews of different sewing machines. And if your interests go beyond sewing, she has content for everything from baking and paper crafts to woodworking.

Sew Liberated
A while back, Meg McElwee decided to focus on her family and sewing with conscious intention. While her posts on Sew Liberated are, of course, sewing-related, they’re also infused with thoughts about cherishing your body, being at peace with your clothes and the power of a homemade wardrobe .

Whipstitch
Whipstitch is run by Atlanta-based patternmaker, author, teacher and blogger Deborah Moebes. Along with designing garment patterns for both kids and adults, she creates quilt patterns, writes books and teaches classes. She also created the Murder Mystery Quilt, a subscription where you quilt to find clues and solve a mystery story.

Mister Domestic
Trust us, you won’t regret joining Mister Domestic‘s fabric party. While his blog content is primarily quilt-focused, he also has sewing tutorials for hats and bags, as well as some embroidery and crochet projects. Talk about a jack of all trades!

Tilly and the Buttons
London-based patternmaker and author Tilly Walnes, known on the web as Tilly & The Buttons, found her first taste of success on the popular television show, The Great British Sewing Bee. Jumping from the show’s exposure, she has since built a mini empire with in-person and online classes, patterns, books and a blog filled with tutorials and project inspo.

Orange Lingerie
As more people get into sewing their own bras and undergarments, finding quality resources is insanely helpful. Which is where Norma Loehr of the blog and indie pattern line Orange Lingerie comes in — she gives both the new and the experienced bra maker inspiration and guidance through her tutorials, patterns and books.

Mimi G Style
Mimi G can be seen engaging in friendly competition in our Craftsy series He Sewed, She Sewed, which she co-hosts with husband Norris Dánta Ford. When she’s not sewing up stylish outfits, she’s running her award-winning fashion and DIY blog. There she posts tutorials and outfit inspo that’s sure to captivate any creative sewer.

Male Pattern Boldness
Peter Lappin is the sewing fanatic behind Male Pattern Boldness, where he talks men’s fashion, fabric, sewing and more. He posts detailed tutorials for anything you might need to gift the male friend in your life. Shirts, pants, boxers — you name it, it’s likely he’s got it.

Sew Sweetness
If bag making is your thing, then the Sew Sweetness blog is for you. Sara Lawson is an author, pattern designer and sewist extraordinaire. While she certainly sews more than just bags, that is her area of expertise — on her blog you can learn to sew, line and interface everything from totes to coin purses.

Made by Rae
Rae Hoekstra, the designer behind indie pattern company Made by Rae, sews for both adults and kids, meaning her blog is packed full of tutorials. She also ventures into home accessories, toys and gifts, and her sincere kindness makes her blog a lovely place to spend some quality time.

Carolyn Friedlander
A former architect turned fabric and quilt designer, Carolyn Friedlander’s blog is filled with b-e-a-utiful projects drawn from elements of art and architecture. Her designs are modern and filled with bold colors and crisp lines, making it incredibly easy to fall in love with the site.

Cashmerette
Sewist Jenny Rushmore founded Cashmerette to share her inspirations, tips and sew-alongs while celebrating the fabulous curvy sewers of the world. She believes that confidence is achieved by changing your clothes to fit your body — not the other way around — and helps others learn the skills they need to make that happen.

Ada Spragg
Some blogs are chock-full of skills, techniques and tutorials, while others are also full of pure eye candy. Ada Spragg is one such blog, as Sophie, the mastermind behind it, sews up glamorous, architectural fabric shopping and interesting garments that will undoubtedly get your mind going with ideas on how to craft a closet that screams you.