Tens of Trillions of Bacteria Live in Your Gut

Transit time varies from person to person and depends on diet and health.

An enzyme called amylase begins turning starch into sugars before food is even swallowed.

From mouth to anus, the tube that processes food is several times longer than the person it belongs to.

Rhythmic contractions push food through the esophagus and intestines, which is why swallowing works even upside down.