How Your Digestive System Works
Ever wondered what happens to that sandwich after you swallow it? Your digestive system is like a brilliant assembly line that transforms food into fuel your body can actually use.
The journey starts in your mouth where you chew food into smaller chunks whilst saliva begins breaking things down. From there, food travels down the oesophagus (basically a food tube) to your stomach, where powerful acid and digestive juices get to work.
The real magic happens in your small intestine - this is where all the good stuff gets absorbed into your bloodstream. Your large intestine then deals with the leftovers, removing water before waste exits through the rectum and anus.
Your body needs different nutrients for different jobs. Carbohydrates give you energy (think pasta and bread), proteins build and repair muscles, and lipids (fats) store energy and protect your organs. Don't forget vitamins, minerals, fibre and water - they might seem boring, but they keep everything running smoothly.
Quick Tip: You can test foods for different nutrients using simple chemical tests - iodine turns blue-black with starch, and Benedict's solution turns orange-red with sugar!