The Body's Breakdown of the Food We Eat

The Body's Breakdown of the Food We Eat The digestive system works like a giant food processer. Its primary functions are ingestion, secretion, mixing, movement, digestion, absorption and execretion. Read on to learn how the body breaks down various foods. CARBS Digestion begins in the mouth via chewing and salivary amylase The food mixture, known as chyme, passes through the stomach to the small intestine The pancreas releases the enzyme amylase to break down polysaccharides Lactase, sucrase and maltase enzymes are also produced to break down disaccharides into monosaccharides, or simple sugars These simple sugars are absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can be used as an energy source PROTEIN Hydrochloric acid and enzymes in the stomach break protein into smaller chains of amino acids These amino acids chains are joined by peptides The small chains of amino acids move into the small intestine Microvilli in the small intestine aid in absorption of amino acids and other nutrients Once absorbed, amino acids are released into the bloodstream to support muscle maintenance, tissue repair, immune function and hormone synthesis FATS Digestion begins in the mouth where lingual lipase breaks down short-chain lipids into diglycerides The majority of fat digestion happens once it reaches the small intestine The pancreas releases enzymes that break down fats The liver produces bile to digest fats and certain vitamins DAIRY Lactose is broken down into two individual sugars (glucose and galactose) in the small intestine by an enzyme called lactase FIBER Dietary fiber passes through the stomach, small intestine and colon, and out of the body Some fiber is digested by bacteria in the colon Other fiber passes through the body mostly unchanged SUGAR Digestion occurs in the mouth, stomach and small intestine All forms of sugar break down into the smallest possible sugar molecule with the help of digestive the lining of the small intestine enzymes located Once sugars are broken down into monosaccharides, it is absorbed through the intestine and into the blood as glucose Tips for Better Digestive Health Stay hydrated Take digestive enzymes Eat fiber-rich foods Mix food properly Exercise regularly Incorporate probiotics into your diet Avoid smoking, excessive caffeine and alcohol QUADRO www.quadroliquids.com Leading Process Equipment Innovation