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Most people will have a problem with digestion at one point or another. It can stem from the type of food you eat or just a problem with your digestive system. If you have a digestive problem, most times it is curable. First, it is beneficial to actually understand how the digestive system works.

Digestion starts before you even chew your food. When we smell food that is appetizing, we start to salivate which is the first step in the digestive process.  Salivary glands are located under the tongue and below the lower jaw. Once teeth chew the food and break it down as much as they can, saliva moistens it for easy swallowing. At this point digestive enzymes start to do their magic and break down the food even more. The food is then swallowed and forced into the stomach by muscle contractions called peristalsis. Once in the stomach, the food is broken down further by the stomach which churns the food and mixes it with acids and enzymes. Once it leaves the stomach, food is in liquid form called chyme and passes through the small intestine. From here it is excreted through the anus. Almost all animals including humans have a tube type of digestive system. . The walls of the tube shaped digestive organs work to move food through the body and excrete what is left after the nutrients are taken out. Unfortunately, for varying reasons, some people’s digestive system does not work properly. This can result in heartburn, gas, bloating, irregularity, and stomach cramps. These problems commonly stem from our diet. Processed foods such as white bread, frozen dinners, candy, chips, and other sugary baked goods can all be harder for our systems to digest.

The first step in clearing up digestive problems is to start eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You may want to try a mostly juice diet to give your digestive system a break and let your digestive organs work properly again. A colon cleanse is also recommended to eliminate the source of the problem and restore proper bowel function. Taking digestive enzymes with meals can also help your body to break down food properly.