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Digestion is a miraculous process our bodies undertake to break down everything we consume into smaller, usable particles. If everything works properly, these particles are absorbed in the intestines and into the bloodstream where they are transported throughout the body to nourish your trillions of cells.

Let’s face it, when you’re not digesting well, you don’t feel good. And when you don’t feel good, you’re not likely to be particularly functional…or happy.

  Natures Sunshine put's it like this.

The process of digestion starts in your mouth as chewing crushes food into smaller pieces. Your saliva adds enzymes that help break down any starches.

The food you swallow travels down your esophagus and into your stomach, where chemical digestion begins. Different acids work to convert food, especially proteins, into a substance called chyme, which then flows into the small intestine. This process normally takes 2–4 hours. Any longer than that, and you know that something’s wrong.

In the duodenum (an upper section of the small intestine), digestive juices like bile from the gallbladder and enzymes produced by the pancreas break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins into smaller molecules. Most of the water and nutrients from chyme are absorbed into the bloodstream here. The remaining material is directed to the large intestine or colon. There, tiny microorganisms break down fiber, producing metabolites, vitamins B and K, and other usable nutrients. The leftover waste goes to the rectum for elimination.

Proper and efficient digestion provides the body with building blocks and other resources that create energy and provide needed repair and maintenance. All of the body’s other systems rely on the digestive system to function properly so they can work in harmony with each other. So supporting your digestive system truly supports your entire body. But sometimes things go awry.

10 EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE DIGESTION

Give your gut a head-start on digestion by choosing nutrient-dense foods. Reach for fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds. And use healthy oils whenever possible. Then try the following:

1. Chew Your Food Well. Give your saliva the chance to begin breaking down starches. Chewing your food longer helps relieve some of the work from your digestive organs, and it may help alleviate some digestive heaviness, bloating and gas.

2. Beware Fire Danger. Reduce your consumption of spicy or fried foods. If you’ve ever had hot curry bounce or felt the meat sweats start creeping in from eating too much bacon, you know what I mean. All of these can cause stomach irritation.

3. Watch What You Sip. Limit your consumption of alcohol, carbonated drinks and excess coffee, which can also irritate the stomach. Water is your best friend when it comes to digestion. Its pH of 7 doesn’t slow down the process. It has zero calories, no fizz to make you burp and no caffeine to add to your stress.

4. Slow Down. Fast eaters typically eat more food and gain weight since they don’t give their bodies enough time to feel satiated or full. What’s the hurry? Take your time.



Even children, or the Elderly may need some 'HELP' with digesting, what they haven't chewed properly.

SUPPLEMENTS THAT SUPPORT SMOOTH DIGESTION

The Breakdown You Actually Want

Foods are made up of protein, fat and carbohydrates (starch). Digestive enzymes are specialized proteins that help the body convert these foods into usable units:

• Protein into amino acids

• Carbohydrates and starches into glucose 

• Fats into fatty acids

a few listed below:

NOW FOR you!!