Role of the Digestive System in Overall Health

Did you know that there is a link between your intestines and your body's immunity? In fact, your entire digestive system plays a vital role in your general health. A healthy digestive tract directly correlates with a healthier body and mind.

More Than Absorbing Nutrients
When you think of your digestive system, the first thing that comes to mind is likely its role in absorbing nutrients. It's true that this is one of its primary functions and a very important one. After retrieving energy and nutrients from the foods we consume, it also gets rid of waste, of course, which is also important. But along with these digestion-related jobs, it is also home to 70% of your immune system.

Your digestive tract is basically the front line when it comes to fending off diseases. Another interesting role of the digestive system is as a complex communication center that relays vital information about your body to your brain and vice versa. Another little known function of the gut is in the production of a serotonin - a chemical that is tied to our mood.

What Is The Digestive System?

The digestive system is sometimes referred to as the gastrointestinal system or gastrointestinal tract. It is more than just your intestines though. It also includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, gallbladder and liver in addition to the small and large intestines. All of these organs work closely with one another in the digestive process as well as the other processes that this system is involved in.

The pancreas makes digestive enzymes used in the small intestine as well as hormones that regulate blood sugar and more. The liver makes bile which also helps break down nutrients once it is sent through the gallbladder, then the intestines. The small intestine then sends carbohydrates and fats to the liver so that it can build proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of our entire body.

Some people will even go out on a limb and consider the brain to be part of this system, as well, due to its close link with all of these other organs. The brain, after all, tells the pancreas how much of each enzyme and hormone to produce. It does this based on some of that information that is relayed from the stomach and the intestines.

Digestive Health and Immunity

Since so much of our immune system resides in various parts of the digestive tract, it is obvious that you want to have a healthy digestive tract in order to help ward off illnesses. Stomach acid actually sterilizes food before it is broken down. Stomach acid can also cause us to experience nausea and other issues if something causes an imbalance. Balance is really the key to healthy digestion and overall health, too.

Along with stomach acid there is an entire biome of microscopic organisms that abide in our gut. There are good bacteria called probiotics. They fight bad bacteria and work hand-in-hand with all of the digestive organs. If an imbalance occurs anywhere, then the entire system is affected. Eating bad foods can lead to imbalances and so can stress.

Maximizing Your Health

Meditation and other relaxing activities after a long day will aid in digestion. This helps to maintain the balance within the system. Eating healthy also helps your digestive system. For example - unhealthy foods, like those that are heavily processed, make your digestive system have to work harder to obtain the nutrients your body needs. Keep your gut healthy and you will find yourself catching fewer colds, having more energy and feeling good in general.

Dr. Donna Sergi is a leading Holistic Chiropractor in Brooklyn who specializes in natural remedies and Nutritional Response Testing. Visit her website at http://www.healthieruny.com to learn more.