Amazing Facts Regarding the Human Digestive System

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/03/12 - Updated: 2025/02/12
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Digestive System Disorders - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: This article presents intriguing facts about the human digestive system, highlighting its efficiency and complexity. For instance, it notes that approximately 11.5 liters of food and liquids pass through the digestive system daily, with only about 100 milliliters being expelled as waste. Additionally, the liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying nutrients before they enter the bloodstream. The piece also discusses how cooking can destroy natural enzymes in food, potentially leading to indigestion if the body cannot produce sufficient enzymes. These insights are particularly valuable for seniors and individuals with disabilities, as they underscore the importance of maintaining digestive health and being mindful of dietary habits - Disabled World (DW).

Defining Digestive System

Digestive System: The digestive system is a marvel of biological engineering, comprising a series of organs that work in concert to convert food into nutrients the body can use. Starting from the mouth, where food is mechanically broken down by chewing and mixed with saliva, it travels through the esophagus into the stomach. Here, acids and enzymes begin the chemical breakdown of food. The journey continues into the small intestine, where most of the nutrient absorption occurs, thanks to its extensive surface area. The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas assist by releasing bile and digestive enzymes. Finally, any undigested material moves into the large intestine, where water is reabsorbed, and the remaining waste is compacted into feces for elimination through the rectum and anus. This system not only processes food but also plays a crucial role in hydration, detoxification, and immune function.

Introduction

We all understand that the digestive system is simply the process that our body uses to glean the benefits of the foods we eat. Some of us have more knowledge about it than others, and that often comes from the type of education we are exposed to. For example. students that took biology will perhaps know a lot more than an individual who studied a trade about mechanics. There are many things about the digestive system that are just plain interesting to know.

Main Content

Did You Know

In our stomach the food and liquids we take in are mixed with digestive juices. These are all mixed together within the stomach until they are small enough to be absorbed into our system. The interesting part is that each day this all adds up to about 11.5 liters which flows through the digestive system. Out of that entire amount only approx. 100mls is of no value to us, and ends up being passed through the bowels as feces.

The stomach has to break down the different types of food we ingest. One of these being protein. To do the job the stomach secretes enzymes and hydrochloric acid. The stomach is so efficient at its job that between 2-6 hours later it is totally emptied of its contents and is ready for the next batch. Now you know why you're always hungry.

Your Liver is a Food Inspector

One of the jobs of the liver is to inspect the nutrients that are going to go to our bloodstream. Its job is to supply detoxification by getting rid of the impurities. This assists the digestion process. Good reason to keep your liver in top working condition.

By not looking after our digestive system properly we could be hurting our financial economy. Well at least indirectly anyways. Digestive problems cost approximately $50 billion every year in America, in both direct costs and individuals suffering from these problems who cannot work.

We may be able to help control indigestion by the way we cook. In order for us to properly digest our food it takes 100 of enzymes of many different varieties. There are enzymes in our food, but we destroy these when we cook our food. So because the body needs them it is forced to manufacture them. After a while our body may get tired of doing all this extra work, so it will go on strike and not produce a efficient amount. Once that happens, you better start heading for the antacids, because you are in for a bout of indigestion. With the germs and pesticides and other things that are foods are exposed to, unfortunately we really don't have a choice but to thoroughly cook our foods.

And saving the best for last.

You could stand on your head and the food would still get down to your stomach. Now we really recommend that you don't do this. The reason it will get down there, is because the esophagus is about 25 cm, long, and our muscles will contract in waves to push the food down these 25 cm.

Fascinating and Amazing Human Body Facts and Trivia - Featuring over 500 strange, weird and fascinating list of unusual facts and trivia regarding parts of the amazing human body.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.