A Journey Through the Digestive Tract

The digestive process begins when we eat. Food journeys through the digestive tract, where nutrients are absorbed and waste products eliminated.

The digestive system, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is a long muscular tube that functions as the food processor for the human body. The purpose of the digestive system is not only digestion, but also absorption of what is digested, storage of what is not and disposal of waste products.

The digestive process begins in the mouth. Chewing tears food into small pieces. An enzyme in the saliva mixes with these particles and helps digest the food. The mixture then travels down the throat or esophagus to the stomach, where the food particles are further broken down by acids and enzymes.

From the stomach, food travels into the small intestine, where water and nutrients are absorbed. Food then passes into the large intestine, where more water is absorbed, leaving only the waste materials from the digestive process. As these materials pass into the rectum, nerves in the rectum signal the body that it’s time to expel the waste. When waste or fecal matter is pushed into the rectum, its expansion stimulates a reflex to get rid of the waste.

Food moves through the organs of the digestive tract by a rhythmic series of muscle contractions called peristalsis. When nerves or muscles in any portion of the digestive tract do not function in a strong, coordinated fashion, you may develop problems related to the movements of the digestive system. These movements are called gastrointestinal motility. Symptoms of GI motility problems range from heartburn to constipation.

Another important function of the GI tract is its role as a sensory organ. Its complex system of nerves and cells can sense the materials that are passed through it. Food contains both nutrients and toxins, and everything eaten has an impact on the body. When the digestive tract senses foods with a strong toxic component, it rejects the food through vomiting and diarrhea. By rejecting allergens and toxins, your digestive tract protects the rest of your body.

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