A well-functioning digestive system is a key component to a healthy life. As they say, knowledge is power, so knowing the organs that play a part in healthy digestion can give you a better understanding of why this intricate system of the body is so important. This will empower you to take charge of the healing and maintenance of your digestive system for your own long-term health and happiness.
So let’s look at the players in this game we call digestion:
- Saliva Stomach
- Small intestine
- Pancreas
- Gallbladder
- Large intestine
That’s quite a team! Now let’s take a look at how they all play a part in the digestion of your favorite hamburger.
Before you even pull that burger off the grill your digestive system is already starting to work. When your mouth starts watering in burger anticipation, that’s your saliva coming into play. Saliva’s main job is to break down carbohydrates, which it starts doing as soon as you take your first bite.
As the burger moves down to your stomach, the proteins are broken down into amino acidsthat are absorbed into your body. But it doesn’t end there! The food is then passed into your small intestine that works in partnership with your pancreas and your gallbladder. The pancreas creates digestive enzymesthat break down protein further, as well as helping to digest carbohydrates and fat. The gallbladder secretes bile which digest fats so your body can absorb them.
Moving on, that food enters your large intestine where water is absorbed and whatever is left is packed into fecal matter which is ultimately passed out of your body.
Now you can see the number of different organs and their products that come into play each and every time you eat something. After decades of running his practice, Dr. Joe believes that the majority of his patients have digestive problems, partly due to not fully understanding what happens when they eat. Once you know better, you do better (Maya Angelou said that).
Now you have a leg up with a basic understanding of this digestive dream team. Hopefully it inspires you to keep tuning in to Dr. Joe to understand more deeply how to care for your digestion. Or make an appointmentto see Dr. Joe or one of his doctors to have a personal consult!
