After a filling meal, does all the food simply stay in the stomach? No. Food begins its journey in the mouth, then moves through several parts of the body.
More than a stomach job
Your digestive system is a long route from the mouth through the stomach and intestines. Helper organs, including the liver and pancreas, also play a part.
Think of digestion like a coordinated food-preparation line. Different stations have different jobs before useful parts are sent on. It is a simple comparison: the real process is also guided by nerves, hormones and blood.
What happens along the route?
- Mouth: chew. Food is broken up as the journey starts.
- Stomach: mix. Muscles move food around and mix it with digestive juices before it moves on.
- Small intestine: absorb. This is where most nutrients and water are taken in, with nutrients moving into the blood.
- Large intestine: reclaim water. It absorbs water from what remains and helps form stool.
The key point to remember
The stomach is an important mixing step, but it is not the only place where food is digested. It is also not where most nutrients are taken up. The small intestine does most of that work.
You can read more in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases guide, Your Digestive System & How it Works.
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This article is for general education and does not replace personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional.