" Digestion begins in the mouth. " This old adage remains more relevant than ever.

1. Digestion begins with chewing

Teeth break food into smaller pieces, making it easier to swallow. Saliva, meanwhile, contains enzymes (especially salivary amylase) that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates. It also moistens food to form the bolus.

2. The esophagus passes food

Once swallowed, the food bolus moves down the esophagus through muscular contractions called peristalsis. It reaches the stomach via the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents gastric reflux.

3. The stomach helps build nutrients

In the stomach, food is mixed with gastric juices rich in enzymes (such as pepsin) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). These juices break down proteins into peptides.
The stomach also kneads the food bolus, which becomes a semi-liquid substance called chyme. This stage takes 2 to 6 hours depending on the meal .

4. The intestine ensures the assimilation of nutrients

Chyme is gradually released into the small intestine, composed of billions of bacteria that play a key role in your microbiota.
The pancreas secretes enzymes (amylase, lipase, proteases) to digest carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, emulsifies fats to facilitate their absorption.
The wall of the small intestine absorbs nutrients (glucose, amino acids, fatty acids) from the blood or lymph.

5. The colon takes over

Undigested remains reach the colon, where water and some salts are reabsorbed. Bacteria in the gut microbiota ferment dietary fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids. What's left is converted into energy or eliminated, while feeding the good bacteria in your gut.

The information we love:

We sometimes forget an essential step in making eating a pleasure and digestion a smooth process. Experts agree that digestion begins in the brain thanks to our senses. The sight, smell, or idea of ​​food stimulates the secretion of saliva in the mouth and gastric juices in the stomach. These preparations help anticipate the breakdown of food.

How to promote good digestive function ?

Aime has developed Gut Flow ™ , a new anti-bloating and pro-digestion dietary supplement based on enzymes that support the pancreas and the entire digestive system.

The goal: to promote good breakdown of most foods that can be problematic, such as dairy products, meat, bread or pasta, etc.

Because smooth digestion means glowing skin, a clear mind and a happy microbiota.