Supporting digestion .

Digestion is the process by which the body breaks down the food we eat into usable components. When we put food into our mouths digestion has already started, because digestion means breaking food down into smaller molecules, which are then used to fuel the energy, growth, and functioning of the body at many levels.

Although we might not think of it as such, the stomach is a muscular organ that contracts and expands in order to mix the food with digestive juices. The most important part of digestion takes place in the small intestine, where most chemical digestion and absorption of food occurs. As the liquid food paste travels through the small intestine, nutrients are absorbed and enters the bloodstream, traveling to all the body's cells and systems to maintain health and replenish the immune system. The intestines complete the process of digestion.

Digestive System Disorders .

Many colon cancers can be avoided by proper diet and exercise including: Diet and Exercise by eating more fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains and by avoiding high-fat, low-fiber foods, plus by getting enough exercise. Drug therapy using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ASA, estrogen replacement therapy for women who are post-menopausal can also reduce the risk for colorectal cancer. Screenings can also help to prevent colorectal cancer at appropriate ages. Catching this cancer early is the single most important thing individuals can do if they are in the high-risk group. Individuals who do not have risk factors or symptoms of colorectal disease should still receive screenings such as digital rectal examination, signoidoscopy, colonoscopy and also the barium enema with air contrast. Digestive System Disorders

Your body has organs that give aid to the digestive process without being part of the digestive system. These organs are the tongue, the glands in the mouth that secrete saliva, the pancreas, the liver and also the gallbladder. There are other sections of other body systems that also aid the digestive system such as blood and nerves that actually play a vital role in the digestive process.

The digestive system moves the food and liquid along the digestive tract by a wave-like movement called, "peristalsis".

When you take that first bite of food or first gulp of liquid a voluntary process begins called swallowing. The rest of the movement through the system changes to a involuntary movement.