Food Takes About 24 to 72 Hours to Pass Through the Body

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

These microbes help break down food, make some vitamins and interact with the immune system.

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.