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Absorption of Nutrients

The absorption of nutrients from food is a complex process that requires the synergistic functioning of many organs and glands. Poor digestion can lead to serious health problems because it hinders this absorption, leading to malnutrition and slower healing from illness or injury.

That is why improving digestive health is essential for overall wellness.

Essential Organs

The organs and glands involved in the absorption process are not fully developed at birth. Instead, they develop during infancy, childhood, puberty, and adolescence until they reach their peak function by age 30-40 years old. In addition to this slow development of these essential digestive organs, the bodies also become less efficient over time as we grow older. Also, improving your digestive health is one of the best ways to counteract these natural aging processes.

Joints and Muscles

The joints and muscles are affected by poor digestion because they depend on the food that you eat. These tissues need nutrients for strength, repair, and growth, just like other parts of the body. This is why deficiencies in vitamins or minerals can lead to joint pain, muscle weakness, and degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis.

Bones

The bones need a good supply of nutrients to stay strong and healthy. Poor digestion can lead to bone disorders like osteoporosis, which is one of the most common health problems in older adults.

Waste Removal

Poor digestion can lead to constipation and a buildup of toxins. This, in turn, leads to diarrhea, which causes toxic waste removal from the body at an increased pace.

Teeth

The teeth are sensitive to the acid and enzymes in your saliva, which is a byproduct of good digestion. If you have poor digestive health, this leads to tooth decay or gum disease as bacteria from food get stuck on teeth for an extended time.

Bowel

Saying that poor digestion can lead to bowel cancer is a rather strong and alarming statement, but according to the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO), it's true. Poor digestive health leads to an increased risk of developing this type of cancer because removing tumors from the body doesn't occur in time as nutrients aren't getting absorbed.

Brain Function

The brain requires a healthy lifestyle that supplies essential nutrients to maintain optimal functioning. For example, poor digestion can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. The lack of proper nutrition also hinders the development of new neurons in children's brains; this is why they need to have access to nutritious food that will fuel their growing brains.

The Immune System

Your immune system requires some nutrients to function. It does not get these necessary vitamins and minerals from the food you eat if digestion is impaired, which leads to increased susceptibility for illness or infection.

Skin Health

Poor digestion can lead to acne because of insufficient fat production needed for skin cells to produce new oil glands. The integrity of the skin barrier can also be compromised, leading to increased sensitivity and irritation.

Mood

The foods you eat heavily influence your mood. Mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD can arise from poor food choices that lack nutrients needed for brain function.

Gums

The health of your gums is directly connected to digestion because a healthy digestive system produces sufficient amounts of saliva - which contains oxygen and enzymes that help break down food particles. When this process doesn't work properly, the bacteria in the food start accumulating on your teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Stomach pH Balance

Poor digestion disrupts the PH balance of the stomach, which negatively impacts your gut microbiome. This can lead to inflammation and a compromised immune system that leaves you more susceptible to illness or infection.

Gastrointestinal Tract

Poor digestion decreases the surface area for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract because food isn't broken down into smaller particles before being sent to the rest of the body. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and weight gain when you don't absorb enough nutrients from food for energy, repair, or growth. In addition, poorly digested food can cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, and constipation.

Infections, Allergies, and Sensitivities

Poor digestion can lead to infections, allergies, and sensitivities because of gut exposure to more pathogens. This happens when food particles enter the bloodstream through a compromised intestinal lining and when bacteria from your mouth reach places where they shouldn't.

Research has revealed that most adults - regardless of age or health status- have some level of gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in the microbes living in your digestive tract). This dysbiosis leads to an increased risk for food intolerances, leaky gut, IBS, and other chronic conditions.

Protects Against Diseases

A healthy digestive system also protects against disease-causing bacteria through the secretion of stomach acids which activate enzymes in your saliva for breaking down food particles that enter the stomach.

The human body is constantly interacting with trillions of microbes, both good and bad. For example, a healthy gut microbiome can help protect against viruses and other pathogens through proper digestion by producing natural antibiotics to prevent inflammation in your intestines, leading to disease or infection.

Ways To Increase Digestive Health

Eat Nutritiously

To increase digestive health, you should eat a diet rich in fiber and prebiotics to feed the probiotic bacteria living in your gut. It's also important for children to have access to nutritious food that will fuel their growing brains, as well as adults who need healthy snacks throughout the day or night.

Supplement Wisely

You can supplement nutrients by taking vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Fruits and vegetables are another great way to get the fiber, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients needed for good digestion.

Strategies for Better Sleep

Poor digestive health can also contribute to insomnia because food sensitivities or an inability to move bowels and release toxins can disrupt the body's circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycles). For example, according to the National Sleep Foundation, if you eat a large meal before bedtime, you are more likely to fall asleep and stay asleep during the night.

Exercise for Better Digestion

Regular exercise can positively impact your digestive health by increasing blood flow to organs and providing an outlet for energy and stress relief.

Avoid Skipping Meals

Your regular eating habits are essential for maintaining proper levels of blood sugar and hormone balance and helping the digestive process.

Soften Food With Cooking or Chewing

Cooking your food can soften it, making digestion easier than when eaten raw, which requires more energy from your body to break it down. Likewise, chewing helps prepare food before swallowing so that it's easier to digest and assimilate.

Stay Hydrated With Adequate Water Intake

Drinking an appropriate amount of fluids (such as water) can help you keep the digestive system moving.

Avoid Processed Foods

Processed and packaged foods are often high in sugar, sodium, artificial colors, and preservatives, which may lead to low energy levels or poor digestion."

Avoid Drugs

The use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can also worsen the digestive process.

Take a Probiotic Supplement

Probiotics or "good" bacteria are essential for gut health because they help maintain regularity and prevent infections from occurring. You should take probiotics on an empty stomach to avoid any adverse reactions to other medications. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be an effective tonic for digestion because it contains live bacteria which aids the digestive process by stimulating stomach acid.

Conclusion

The key to long-term health is digestion. Hopefully, this blog post has helped clarify what digestion means for your health and provided some helpful information on effective treatments should you need them.