The 6 Basic Functions of the Digestive System

Optimal digestion is the highway to health. Without it, the human body loses all vitality.

Our digestive system is connected to every major system in the body. ₁ Our cells are dependent on the digestive system to supply them with the nutrients they need to function.

The Goal of Digestion

The goal of digestion is to break down food into particles so small that the nutrients can be absorbed by our cells.  We eat food ultimately to nourish all of our cells.  When we make poor food choices, or if our bodies have digestive dysfunction, we are at risk for developing physical symptoms and possibly down the road a diagnosable illness.  Healthy digestion is important for the vitality of the human body.

Let’s learn more about how this MVP system of our body works so we can better serve it.

There are 6 basic functions of the digestive system:

1. Ingesting foods and liquids: This is the first activity of digestion. It is simply taking in foods and liquids through the mouth. This has to take place before anything else can happen.
2. Secretion of the appropriate fluids needed to break down the food ingested: When we chew our food, digestive enzymes, mainly amylase are released in our saliva.  These enzymes work on breaking down the carbohydrates that we eat.  Chewing to the consistency of applesauce assists immensely with breaking down our food, and decreasing the burden on our digestive tract.  This means less gas, bloating, and heartburn for a lot of people.
3. Mixing and propulsion which moves food through the digestive tract: Mixing and propulsion are important parts of the digestive process, making sure that food gets adequately broken down, mixed with digestive juices, and moved through the entire digestive tract, letting nutrient absorption and waste elimination take place. This process is essential in order for the body to take the needed nutrients and energy it needs so it can keep functioning at a healthy level.
4. Digestion which involves the mechanical and chemical breakdown of food: Mechanical breakdown starts in the mouth with the act of chewing our food.  Food is broken down by the teeth and tongue.  When we chew food thoroughly, it breaks it down into small particles that can be more easily digested.  Chemical breakdown occurs when our salivary glands release enzymes such as amylase to break down carbohydrates. In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and pepsin are produced to assist with breaking down protein. Bile is also released in the small intestine, acting as a surfactant to fats, breaking them down into fatty acids. As you can see, our digestive system is pretty darn incredible!
5. Proper absorption of nutrients in the blood and lymphatics: 95% of absorption takes place in the small intestine.₂ All of the nutrients that have been broken down, ie amino acids, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals get absorbed through tiny fingerlike projections called villi. These villi contain blood and lymph capillaries, called lacteals. The blood capillaries absorb the majority of nutrients, but the lymph capillaries absorb the fats. From there, nutrients get transported throughout the body to support its function.
6. The elimination and defecation of waste material: After the body has completed the breakdown of food, the leftovers that are unusable for the body get formed into waste material. The remaining waste materials, as well as water, are taken to the large intestine. One of the main functions of the large intestine is absorbing water from the waste. The last step in elimination includes waste, or poop exiting the body. Having a daily bowel movement serves an important function, including removing toxic substances and waste production, allowing for a healthy gut microbiome, better-balanced hormones, and energy.

I will never grow tired of learning about all the incredible ways our bodies go to bat for us. All the unseen processes happening in our bodies on a day-to-day basis really are stunning. I hope it has been encouraging to you! The health of our digestive system is vital for our overall health and wellness. Our whole body is dependent on it for function and vitality. Too many people are just surviving today. When we optimize our digestion, we can start truly nourishing our body. This is the secret to not just surviving but flourishing!

References

1. Restorative Wellness Solutions. Digestion-Anatomy and Physiology. [PDF file]. 2023. P 1.
2. Fish, E. M., & Burns, B. (2022). Physiology, Small Bowel. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.