Digestion

How digestion works, common problems, warning signs and everyday care for the gut.

Ayurveda places agni, the digestive fire, at the centre of health. Modern medicine also recognises the gut as central: it is where nutrients are absorbed, where a large part of the immune system is found and where trillions of microbes live, whose role in health is an active area of research.

Digestion begins in the mouth and continues through the stomach, where acid and enzymes break down protein. In the small intestine, enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver complete the work and nutrients are absorbed. The large intestine reclaims water and hosts the gut microbiome, which ferments fibre into compounds that nourish the gut lining.

What strains it

Irregular meal times and eating late at night
Low fibre and low water intake
Stress, which slows or speeds the gut
Repeated courses of antibiotics
In infants, an immature digestive system that is still learning

Habits that protect it

Eat at regular times and stop a few hours before bed
Fill half the plate with vegetables, pulses and whole grains
Enjoy traditional digestive spices such as ginger, ajwain, cumin and hing in cooking, if they suit you
Chew slowly and eat without screens
Include curd or other fermented foods if they suit you

See a doctor if you notice

Blood in stools or black stools
Weight loss without trying
Persistent pain, vomiting or difficulty swallowing
In infants, poor feeding, fever or a swollen tummy

The health journey

Your health journey

Six stages, and where to find help at each one. Scroll sideways on smaller screens.

01 Lifestyle

Irregular meal times and eating late at night
Low fibre and low water intake
Stress, which slows or speeds the gut

02 Early signals

Blood in stools or black stools
Weight loss without trying
Persistent pain, vomiting or difficulty swallowing

03 Understanding

Browse the Knowledge Room

04 Testing

Clinical examination and history
Stool tests, including for infection or hidden blood
Testing for Helicobacter pylori
Endoscopy if there are warning signs

05 Management

Eat at regular times and stop a few hours before bed
Fill half the plate with vegetables, pulses and whole grains
Enjoy traditional digestive spices such as ginger, ajwain, cumin and hing in cooking, if they suit you

06 Long-term wellbeing