How long does food digest in the body?

Maybe you only spend about 10-30 minutes to eat your food each day. However, do you know how long it takes for food to be digested and stay in your stomach? Yes, the food you eat will indeed go through the digestive process so that you can get all the nutrients in it. So how long does it take for food to be digested in the body?

How long does it take for food to be digested by the stomach?

The digestive process has started to occur when food is in the mouth. From there, the food will be crushed by the teeth, roof of the mouth, and the inner cheeks to make it easier for the stomach to be digested further. Everyone has a different digestive system and responses to food. This is what makes everyone need a different digestion time.

In addition, the choice of food also affects how long it takes to digest food in the body. Foods that are high in protein will last longer in the stomach than fibrous foods such as vegetables or fruits.

However, in general, the food you eat takes 6-8 hours to pass from the stomach to the small intestine. After that, the food will enter the large intestine, where all its nutrients are absorbed. Eventually, unused food debris will be discharged through the anus (rectum) - this is when you will have a bowel movement.

The entire digestive process will at least take about 24 to 72 hours, depending on what foods you eat and how fast your digestive organs work. According to research conducted by the Mayo Clinic, the average digestive time for men is around 33 hours and women approximately 47 hours.

What happens when food is digested in the body?

When food is digested, there are actually various processes that occur at that time. The food is initially crushed and cut into smaller pieces for easy digestibility. This work is carried out by the first digestive organ, namely the mouth.

After that, the food goes into the throat and goes straight into the stomach. The stomach has its own fluids and enzymes to make food break down and be made smaller. From here on out, the food you eat will be transformed into a simpler substance and formed into a pulp.

Well, then this food porridge will enter the small intestine. Starting from here, the nutrients will be absorbed by the body and will be directly distributed to the blood vessels. Meanwhile, the last job is in the large intestine, which will absorb the remaining nutrients that have not been absorbed. When there are no more nutrients left, the body will immediately expel it through the rectum.

Tips for keeping digestion smooth and normal

Diarrhea and constipation (difficult to have a bowel movement) are conditions in which your digestion is disturbed. This, of course, will make the food in your stomach stay longer or even very quickly not even had time to digest. So, to avoid this condition, you should do the following tips.

Expand to eat fibrous foods. Fibrous foods will make your intestines work easier, because fiber does not need to be broken down many times.
Avoid and limit packaged foods and red meat. Packaged foods and red meat are difficult to digest, so they can upset your digestion and make you constipated.
Add probiotic foods to your diet. Foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, are good for the bacteria in your stomach, so digestion will be smoother.
Don't forget to exercise regularly
Get enough sleep and manage stress well

When you feel bloated or painful in the stomach, this also indicates that something is wrong with your digestion. If the symptoms do not go away, you should immediately consult a doctor.