![]() Research reveals connections between diet and inflammation: The way we eat may help prevent and keep chronic inflammation at bay. Like other chronic diseases, GI patients often experience chronic inflammation, potentially leading to additional health problems. "Food is fuel, and if we are not getting the nutrients we need, our bodies will have a difficult time-fighting disease or helping us maintain the quality of life we want." "Like other types of chronic disease, I strongly believe an individual's diet affects the management, and in certain situations, even the progression of a chronic GI disease," says Marta Jonson, MMN, RDN, LMNT, Nebraska Medicine nutrition therapist. ![]() The digestive system is also affected by hormones, nerves, and other organs like the pancreas, liver and gallbladder. Bacteria in the large intestine (colon) complete the breakdown process and helps to keep our fluids in balance. It also supports our immune health and absorbs vitamins and minerals. The small intestine is where our gut microbes start to do their job by breaking down fats, carbs and proteins. Although everyone is a little different, it typically takes around four to five hours for food to pass through the first half of the digestive system. As food travels from the esophagus to our stomach, enzymes work with contracting muscles, mixing food with the enzymes. Particular enzymes in our salvia kick off the digestive process. ![]() Each part of the system helps break down food and liquid into smaller pieces until our body can absorb and move the nutrients to where they are needed. Our digestive tract is an intricate system with many working parts and starts with the moment food touches our mouth. There is still much to learn about how diet and the gut affect our whole body, but we do know there are significant connections between chronic disease, diet and gut health. Even our brain gets involved with the gut and microbes, affecting everything from mood and metabolism to our immune systems. The digestive system is a full-body process. ![]()
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