Did you know that the average person knocks back about 2,000 lbs of food per year? That’s a lot of food that your body needs to process.
And once it goes in, most people don’t think about their food any longer. Their digestive system takes care of it, and people are free to go about their day.
Have you ever stopped to think about where food goes and how it breaks down inside your body? The journey of the digestive system is fascinating. And since our entire lives depend on the success of our digestive system, it pays to have an idea of how it works so that you can take care of it.
Read on below to learn all about how food goes through you, and why the food you put in your body really matters.
What Is the Digestive System?
The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract along with organs like the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. It’s a network of organs that start at the mouth and end, well, you know where.
All of these components work together to process food and break it down into tiny, useable parts. Your body is then able to absorb the nutrients found within the food, converting them into other vital substances, such as amino acids.
Digestion starts with the mouth. Once you put food in your mouth, your muscles and teeth break in down into smaller bits.
A process called “peristalsis” moves food throughout your digestive system. Muscles line the hollow organs. The muscles behind your food contract, pushing food forward. The muscles in front are relaxed, to allow food to come through.
Digestive juices are added, and the food begins to break down to allow the absorption of nutrients.
These nutrients work to repair your cells, restore your body, and provide you with daily energy. But this is only as effective as the food you eat.
You’ve heard it before, but you are what you eat. The food you swallow breaks down and is absorbed into your body to be used as various substances. For better or for worse, your body becomes the foods you eat.
You Are the Food You Eat
Your body relies on a healthy digestive system, and tons of nutrients, in order to function day in and day out. But what can you do to support your body?
The biggest thing is to eat right. Eat whole foods, made of real ingredients, rather than process foods that come in plastic wrappers.
The best thing you can do is learn to cook. Cooking not only saves you money, but it allows you to eat real ingredients without the need for preservatives or sweeteners that plague processed food.
And cooking is easier than ever, with resources like workbooks. Check out www.recipeworkbook.com for an easy, fun way to learn basic cooking skills.
And for days when you just don’t have time to cook, try looking up healthier fast food options. When looking for food delivery near me, or food places near me, keep your eyes peeled for places like Chipotle, which use real, healthy ingredients
Finding Food Near Me
The best place to find great food is by heading into your kitchen and cooking up a fresh meal using whole ingredients. Your body will appreciate that amount of nutrients going into your body, without having to deal with things like corn syrup, excess sugar, and high amounts of fat.
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