Importance of the digestive systems
One of my patients was worried, and suffering from constipation has bought some products that promise to clean the tract including colon, kidney, and liver. When she mentioned that the kidneys are part of the digestive system, I felt the need to clarify which body parts are part of the digestive system and their operation.
The digestive system begins in the mouth, after which comes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus, they are all basically a series of hollow organs lined by a membrane called mucosa. The mucosa of the mouth, stomach and small intestine contain certain glands that produce juices needed for digestion.
The liver and pancreas are two organs that also produce juices. These juices flow into the intestines through ducts. The digestive system is interconnected with other organ system components that are important for digestion. The salivary glands produce enzymes involved in digestion of starch. The glands produce stomach acid and an enzyme that digests protein. The pancreas makes juices with enzymes that break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. The liver produces bile, which is stored in the gallbladder and contributes to the digestion of fats. The process involves hormonal and nervous regulators.
Function: Digestion begins in the mouth when chewing food breaks it down into smaller molecules. During the digestive process food and drink are broken down so that nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine and into the blood and lymph system, afterwards they are transported through the body to be used as a source of energy, repair and feed all body cells, or to store and pass through other chemical reactions.
Depending on the kind of food, the chemical process varies somewhat, but the muscles in the esophagus, stomach and intestines create peristaltic movements that propel food and liquid to mix with its contents and push the food or food bolus through each organ.
There are also valves that control the passage of food between two organs such as the valve between the esophagus and stomach that closes when food passes.
In the stomach digestive juices mix with food and liquids. Then begins the slow emptying of this mixture into the small intestine, where as they are digesting food, the gut juice mixes with juices from the pancreas and liver to facilitate further digestion, and thus all digested nutrients are absorbed through the bowel wall.
Waste products such as fiber and old cells of the mucosa are propelled into the colon. The colon absorbs water and minerals, and recycles certain components. In the colon, the bacterial flora ferments some fibers producing water, gas, and small pieces of fatty acids that provide energy to cells in the colon.
Waste products formed stool. The fiber is not absorbed, it becomes semisolid waste and traps the fat, cholesterol, and minerals. To be expelled, the stool passes through the rectum and finally the anus.
Considering all the above, you should first consult with your doctor before using products that offer to clean your digestive system.
Vazquez is a dietitian and nutritionist practicing in Dallas. You may write to Araceli@Dietgenics.com or call 972-664-0846.
