what's happening in your gut? find out!

have you ever wondered what happens to the food you eat after it disappears down your throat? 

the journey through your digestive system is fascinating, and understanding how it works can help you appreciate the intricate processes that keep you alive.

let’s first understand what is gut?

the gut, or gastrointestinal tract, is a 30-foot-long tube that breaks down food into nutrients. it's home to trillions of microorganisms, known as the gut microbiome, which play a crucial role in your overall health. the gut wall, lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi, absorbs nutrients and passes them into the bloodstream for circulation in the body.

the digestive process begins in your mouth, where teeth break down food and enzymes in saliva start carbohydrate digestion. from there, food travels down the esophageal sphincter into the stomach, where acid and enzymes break down proteins and fats.

the next stop of food is our small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream through the villi. the remaining part then moves into the large intestine, also known as the colon, where water and electrolytes are absorbed and waste is prepared for elimination.

there are several organs and hormones that form a part of git (gastrointestinal tract). key ones are liver, pancreas, gallbladder, insulin, gastrin.

the liver filters toxins and aids nutrient absorption, while the pancreas produces digestive enzymes. the gallbladder stores bile for fat digestion, and hormones like insulin, gastrin, and cholecystokinin regulate digestion.

factors affecting gut health

as you can see, your gut is a direct connection between the internal and external world; hence, what you eat plays a significant role in managing your gut health. along with diet, stress, antibiotics, and lifestyle choices also significantly impact gut balance. processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats disrupt the microbiome balance, while stress impacts gut motility.

but the good news is, you can optimize your gut health by making small changes in your diet and lifestyle. eat fiber-rich foods, incorporate fermented foods, stay hydrated, manage stress, and exercise regularly for a balanced microbiome. since there is no one-size-fit-all solution that exists, we always recommend personalization of diet and lifestyle choices as per your body needs. you can reach làvi experts via a free consultation call to discuss your concerns and what can work for you.