The digestive system plays a vital role in our anatomy. Most of us may only be familiar with the breaking down of foods. Nevertheless, it’s much more than this. Did you know about the all familiar connections between the tummy and the brain? Probably not! This explains the reason behind having butterflies in your tummy before a major interview. The digestive system is also responsible for the processes involved in your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
It brings in the need to ensure that you are taking care of your digestive system. As you may by now know, we are what we eat. This is a true statement that in most cases, we tend to ignore. It may be the reason as to why so many biological disorders are on the rise. To prevent them, you have to ensure that you’ve taken care of your tummy. Let’s now take a look at the main reasons as to why you need to start taking care of your digestive system.
Digestion
The very first importance of the digestive system is to break down food into particles, readying it for absorption. The digestion process starts in the mouth, where food is broken down into small particles. This is the process that most of us know as chewing. But before you even start chewing, the digestion has already begun. The mere thought of food prepares the stomach to start releasing digestive juices in preparation for the process.
There are a number of organs involved in the digestion process, namely; the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestines, and the large intestines. All these play a vital role in the absorption of the various vital nutrients that help our bodies to keep on keeping on. Here are some of the vital nutrients we need to live:
- Water – You may not think that water is important but if you read on, you’ll know why. Water ensures that our bodies are hydrated and all the vital metabolic processes are up and running. This, therefore, means that you need at least eight glasses of water on a daily basis.
- Carbohydrates – Also known as carbs, these are the nutrients responsible for keeping us energized on everyday activities. In addition to this, carbohydrates are essential for proper body functions. When broken down into glucose, they provide the brain and your body with the fuel to keep functioning. Carbohydrates are found in whole grains, some vegetables, and fruits.
- Fiber – Plants provide the best sources for fiber. This is because most of these plants are resistant to absorption in the small intestine. They partially ferment in the large intestines and help in pushing food out of the digestive system. Dr. Todd Watts from MicrobeFormulas.com explains that dandelion root is a plant that enhances the digestive system in many ways, such as increasing food absorption and helping to eliminate toxins. Experts advise that we can avoid the most common digestive problems by incorporating fiber into our diet.
- Proteins/Amino Acids – These are what we call as the building blocks of healthy living. Your cells require these vital nutrients for cell division processes and enhancing the optimal aging process. Amino acids are comprised of lysine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine to mention but a few.
- Vitamins – Vitamins are essential micronutrients that your body needs in limited amounts. The very essential vitamins our bodies require include Vitamin A, C, D, E, and B Vitamins. One important fact to note is that most foods may not contain the essential vitamins our bodies require. This is the reason that most dieticians advise you to include diverse foods into your diet. If you cannot get them through food, then, try out essential
- Minerals – Your digestive system is also involved in the absorption of the vital minerals that our bodies require for survival. They include Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Sodium, Iron and, Potassium
Those are the main components our bodies derive from the digestive process. But like we had earlier mentioned, if you cannot get these components from the foods that you eat, you have the option of going for essential multivitamins and supplements.
To Improve Immunity
Did you know that your digestive system has a lot to do with your physical, emotional, and mental health? Now you do! It may be the reason as to why they say “go with your gut feeling”. The digestive system plays a vital role in your well being. The fact that all the vital nutrients are absorbed along the digestive tract means that a malfunctioning digestive system will cause all the other body functions to also malfunction. In a nutshell, the digestive system is the cornerstone of a functional immune system. In fact, your digestive system and your immune system, as well as your brain, are so intertwined such that, all depends on each for the optimal well being.
Where Does Digestion Begin?
It’s very important that at this point we determine where the digestion process begins. Like we had earlier mentioned, the digestion process begins even before we start chewing. But of course, the mouth is the very first organ involved in the digestion process.
The digestive system is made up of the GI (gastrointestinal tract), pancreas, the liver, and also the gallbladder. In addition to this, the small and large intestines are also involved in the absorption of vital nutrients and water. The next thing we wouldn’t want to leave out is the essential bacteria found in the digestive system. These play a vital role in fighting and colonizing harmful organisms that may inhabit the digestive system.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Digestive System
At this point, we’ve established that the digestive system is very crucial in our well being. How do we ensure that the digestive system is working effectively? We’ve lined up ten tips to help you maintain optimal operations in your digestive system.
- Include fiber in your diet
- Avoid foods rich in high fats
- Include probiotics in your meals
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat lean meats
- Ensure that you eat on a schedule
- Avoid unhealthy lifestyle
- Exercise on a regular basis
- Find ways to manage your stress
- Schedule for regular check-ups
This brings us to the conclusion of the importance of the digestive system. As you can see, it’s very important to ensure that you are avoiding factors affecting your digestive system. It will go a long way in ensuring that your overall health is functioning at the optimal rate. It will also help you to avoid the common ailments associated with a nonfunctional digestive system.