The importance of digestion

The food that you eat - be it rice, chicken, bread, a piece of fruit or even orange juice, cannot be used by the body in its usual form. Foods and liquids need to be broken down mechanically and chemically into very small particles/molecules. These nutrient molecules are absorbed through the wall of the small intestine and transferred around the body via blood, to nourish cells and organs (from the brain to the immune system and even the cells in your feet), and to provide a source of energy.

The collection and elimination of waste products also is an important part of digestion. Undigestible parts of foods (fibre), older cells that line the digestive tract, and some water, are eliminated from the body as faeces.

Thus, maintaining a healthy digestive system is extremely important for your general health and well-being.

Maintaining a healthy digestive system

Good (healthy) digestion is a 'silent' process - digestion in some form is taking place while we rest, eat, sleep or work. We generally only become aware of digestion when something goes wrong (eg, if you eat foods that don't agree with your body or drink too much alcohol or say, if you become constipated or have gas).

Although the digestive system can withstand a lot of stress (from the foods you eat to emotional stresses), it can only do so for a limited period. Over time, the negative effects will accumulate and create health problems in the long-term. So irrespective of your lifestyle in the past, you can take some positive steps today to rejuvenate and maintain the health of your digestive system.

Maintaining a healthy digestive system - key points

• Eat a healthy diet
• Eat moderately, slowly and regularly
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce/manage stress levels
• Quit smoking