Digestie

Digestie is a term used to describe digestion, the biological process by which organisms break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and used by the body. In humans, digestion involves mechanical and chemical processes beginning in the mouth and continuing through the gastrointestinal tract.

Mechanical digestion includes chewing and stomach churning; chemical digestion uses saliva with amylase, gastric acid and pepsin in the stomach, and pancreatic enzymes along with bile in the small intestine.

Absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine, where a highly folded lining with villi and microvilli increases surface area to transfer nutrients into the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Regulation and microbiota: Hormones such as gastrin, secretin, and cholecystokinin coordinate secretion of digestive fluids and gut motility, while the gut microbiota contributes to fermentation, vitamin synthesis, and immune modulation.

Health aspects: Digestive disorders include dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Diagnostics and treatment: Diagnosis uses endoscopy, imaging, breath tests, and stool analyses; management relies on diet, medications (antacids, proton-pump inhibitors, enzymes), and, in some cases, surgery.