Food Moves Through You by Muscle Waves Called Peristalsis
Rhythmic contractions push food through the esophagus and intestines, which is why swallowing works even upside down.
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Food Takes About 24 to 72 Hours to Pass Through the Body
Transit time varies from person to person and depends on diet and health.
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Saliva Starts Digesting Starch in Your Mouth
An enzyme called amylase begins turning starch into sugars before food is even swallowed.
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Tens of Trillions of Bacteria Live in Your Gut
These microbes help break down food, make some vitamins and interact with the immune system.
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The Digestive Tract Is Roughly Nine Meters Long
From mouth to anus, the tube that processes food is several times longer than the person it belongs to.