
Why It’s Important to Have Good Digestion
Why It’s Important to Have Good Digestion
Maintaining digestive health is crucial to our overall well-being as it plays an important role in our immune system. About 70% of the immune system dwells in the digestive tract and digestion breaks down the food to be absorbed in the blood system and carries it to cells throughout the body to keep us energetic and nourished. The better our digestive system is, the stronger our bones, agile the muscles, and lubricate the joints will be. A healthy immune system will shield us against invasive pathogens or viruses like the common cold. On the other side, if the digestion is not perfect and nutrients are not absorbed properly, toxins can build up causing certain nutritional deficiencies.
The Process of Digestion
Digestion begins in the mouth. When we chew and swallow the food, the enzyme in saliva breaks the starch from the food into smaller molecules. It’s pushed into the esophagus, from where it reaches the stomach and is stored there. With time, the food mixes with liquids and stomach acid, and solid food is transformed into a liquid form and slowly passes into the small intestine. After going through multiple processes, it completely dissolves into liquid and is digested further by enzymes from the pancreas and the intestine. Ultimately, the digested nutrients reach different parts of the body through the bloodstream.
Impact of Digestion on Joints, Muscles, Bones, and Teeth
Proper digestion also means the absorption of vitamins and minerals to joints and muscles. It ensures the effective growth of tissues and shield against joint wear and tear. Lack of proper digestion can stop the proper disposal of waste and can lead to the pumping of toxins to joints and muscles, causing pain and irritation. In the same way, strong bones are a result of a steady flow of nutrients, like calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium and lack of digestion can stop the metabolism of calcium, leading to bone problems, such as osteoporosis.
For a healthy oral cavity, calcium, iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin C are important. But imperfect digestion can deprive the teeth of these nutrients, weakening the enamel and causing gum infections. As a result, the oral cavity is weakened, giving more chances for ulcers.
Digestion and Mental Health
Digestion can indeed imbalance mental health. Till now, we saw its impact on physical health, such as bone, oral, and muscle-related issues. But digestion is not limited to just physical aspects but can also take a toll on your moods. The lack of absorption of good nutrients like vitamins C and D can hamper the production of serotonin and can make moods imbalanced. The physical impacts of weak digestion like constipation or abdominal pain can make us emotionally distressed, apprehensive, and anxious.
How to Improve Digestion:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat raw fruits and vegetables
- Eat wholesome foods
- Take more supplements when required
Proper digestion is key to perfect health. Whenever you feel the digestion system is compromised, do not delay to get it back in shape. An intact digestion system promises both mental peace and physical fitness.
Author: Dr. Date, MD | Dr2bThin – A medically supervised weight loss program.