The time it takes for food to pass through your digestive tract varies depending on a number of factors, including your genetic makeup, health concerns, and the kinds of food you have consumed. In general, it takes 14 to 58 hours.
The process by which your body breaks down food and gets the nutrients it needs is called digestion. The remainder is a waste product that your body eliminates.
The time it takes for food to pass from your mouth to your anus through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is frequently referred to as whole gut transit time (WGTT).
The average time for food to pass through the digestive tract is 28 hours, however it can take anything from 14 to 58 hours.
But according to some research, it could take up to 5.5 days for food to completely digest.
The amount of time it takes for food to digest varies greatly from person to person and is influenced by various factors, including:
Dietary and lifestyle choices
genetics of the gut microbiome
Birth-assigned sex, stress, and underlying medical issues
using specific drugs
Keep reading to discover more about how long it takes to digest food, how digestion works, and how to enhance digestive health.
What takes place when digestion occurs
There are four primary components to your digestive system:
GI tract, which comprises your:
stomach small intestine
mouth
esophagus
big intestine
pancreas
liver
gallbladder
anus
When food is broken down, the following occurs:
Your mouth’s glands release saliva while you chew. The starches in your food are broken down by the enzymes in this digestive fluid. The end effect is an easier-to-swallow mushy mass known as a bolus.
Food travels down your esophagus, the conduit that joins your mouth and stomach, when you swallow. To allow food to pass into your stomach, a muscular gate known as the lower esophageal sphincter opens.
Your stomach’s acids further break down the food. This results in chyme, a mushy mixture of partially digested food and stomach fluids that travels to the small intestine.
Your liver and pancreas both add their own digestive fluids to the mixture in your small intestine.
Proteins, lipids, and carbs are broken down by pancreatic secretions. Your gallbladder’s bile breaks down fat. Water, vitamins, and other nutrients enter your bloodstream through the lining of your small intestine. Your big intestine receives the remaining undigested portion.
Any water and nutrients left over from the meal are absorbed in the large intestine. The remainder turns into stool, which is solid waste.
Your rectum holds stool until you’re ready to make a bowel movement.
Advice for improved digestion
The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom suggests the following advice to assist maintain the smooth passage of food through your digestive tract and avoid problems like constipation and loose stool:
Consume foods high in fiber, such as oats, whole grains, and greens, and consume at least 30 grams of fiber daily.
Instead of eating three substantial meals a day, eat four or five smaller ones.
Consume a lot of liquids to prevent dehydration.
Consume foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi to increase your intake of probiotics.
Consume lean proteins like tofu, turkey, fish, and chicken.
Avoid fatty, high-fat, and highly processed foods and get regular exercise.
Don’t overindulge in spices.
Try stress-relieving practices like meditation and yoga.
If you smoke, give it up and keep your weight in check.
What impact does food have on digestion?
Certain foods can affect how quickly your body can process nutrients. For example, foods high in fiber, like fruits and vegetables, digest quickly and can actually improve the overall efficiency of your digestive tract. On the other hand, foods high in protein, like meat and fish, contain more complex molecules that take longer for your body to break down. Processed, sugary junk food, like candy bars, digest the fastest, and your body quickly leaves you feeling hungry again after hours.