*Digestion: It’s Not What we  Eat, But How our Body Processes It*

What we eat is not that important but how it is digested by the system is important.
So our emphasis should be to improve the system and not to adjust the food intake.
The best way is to improve its physical and Physiological state.
Yes , but if you can’t digest then do not blame food. It is your digestive system which is not working properly. So try to understand the basics and what ideal physical efforts we make to improve the physiological function of our digestive system and related other systems.

We must know the process, that includes its mechanism , spaces inside body cavities and for its smooth movements of organs to function properly are all most important factors for healthy secretion of bodily fluids and conversation of food for chemical breakdown into healthy body fluids.

Processed foods have a bad rap. Some experts say they are bad for us, and maybe so.
However, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. And that is: all food is processed. All of it. It’s processed by our body. Otherwise we wouldn’t’ be able to derive any benefit from it nor be alive! There’s more than one stage to the food processing performed by our body.

The Digestive system and its key organs  :

The digestive system is strategically located along the central axis of the body, stretching from the mouth to the anus. It’s a vital network that plays a crucial role in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.

The digestive system includes:
– Mouth: Food intake and initial breakdown
– Esophagus: Food passage to the stomach
– Stomach: Food mixing and digestion
– Small intestine: Nutrient absorption
– Large intestine (colon): Water absorption and waste processing
– Anus: Waste elimination

The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are vital digestive organs that play crucial roles in the digestive process. The liver, located in the upper right side of the abdomen, performs many functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. The gallbladder, situated under the liver, stores bile produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. The pancreas, located behind the stomach, produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels.


Lets learn about how our body, our processing plant, processes food.

What’s the first step in digesting food?
Believe it or not, the digestive process starts even before we put food in our mouth. It begins when we smell something irresistible or when we see a favorite food we know will taste good. Just by smelling that homemade apple pie or thinking about how delicious that ice cream sundae is going to taste, we begin to salivate — and the digestive process kicks in, preparing for that first scrumptious bite.

If it’s been a while since our last meal or if we even think about something tasty, we feel hungry. We eat until we’re satisfied and then go about our business. But for the next 20 hours or so, our digestive system is doing its job as the food we eat travels through our body.

Food is the body’s fuel source. The nutrients in food give the body’s cells the energy and other substances they need to operate. But before food can do any of these things, it has to be digested into small pieces the body can absorb and use.

1.Ingestion – taking food into the mouth.

2. Mechanical processing –  teeth physically cut, tear and grind food into smaller pieces; stomach churns and mixes ingested food.

3. Digestion –
chemical breakdown of food into small organic molecules suitable for absorption in GI tract. eg. Starch, Simple sugars; Protein,Amino Acids.

4. Secretion –
cells in the GI tract and accessory glandular organs secrete water, enzymes, acids, buffers, and salts.

5. Absorption –
Movement of micronutrients, including water and vitamins, into blood or lymph vessels for distribution to cells.

6. Excretion (defecation)–
Removal of waste products and elimination of indigestible substances from the GI tract.

Our digestive system is uniquely designed to turn the food we eat into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth and cell repair.

Here’s how it works.
*Mouth
The mouth is the beginning of the digestive tract. In fact, digestion starts here as soon as we take the first bite of a meal. Chewing breaks the food into pieces that are more easily digested, while saliva mixes with food to begin the process of breaking it down into a form your body can absorb and use.

*Throat
Also called the pharynx, the throat is the next destination for food you’ve eaten. From here, food travels to the esophagus or swallowing the tube.

*Esophagus
The esophagus is a muscular tube extending from the pharynx to the stomach. By means of a series of contractions, called peristalsis, the esophagus delivers food to the stomach. Just before the connection to the stomach there is a “zone of high pressure,” called the lower esophageal sphincter; this is a “valve” meant to keep food from passing backwards into the esophagus.

*Stomach

The stomach is a sac-like organ with strong muscular walls that not only holds food but also acts as a mixer and grinder. Its muscular arrangement consists of three layers:

1. Longitudinal layer (outermost): helps shorten the stomach
2. Circular layer (middle): helps constrict and mix food
3. Oblique layer (innermost): helps churn and mix food

These layers work together to facilitate stomach contractions, mixing, and churning of food, breaking it down into a liquid mixture called chyme. The stomach also secretes acid and powerful enzymes to further break down food. The resulting liquid then moves to the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption.

*Small Intestine
Made up of three segments, the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, the small intestine is a long tube loosely coiled in the abdomen (spread out, it would be more than 20 feet long). The small intestine continues the process of breaking down food by using enzymes released by the pancreas and bile from the liver. Bile is a compound that aids in the digestion of fat and eliminates waste products from the blood. Peristalsis (contractions) is also at work in this organ, moving food through and mixing it up with digestive secretions. The duodenum is largely responsible for continuing the process of breaking down food, with the jejunum and ileum being mainly responsible for the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.

The small intestine plays a vital role in nutrient digestion and absorption, thanks to its unique structure featuring villi and microvilli that increase the surface area for absorption. This allows for efficient uptake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into the bloodstream. The small intestine’s effectiveness is crucial for maintaining proper nutrition and overall health, making it a vital component of the digestive system.

*Pancreas
Among other functions, the pancreas secretes enzymes into the small intestine. These enzymes break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates from the food we eat.

*Liver
The liver has many functions, but two of its main functions within the digestive system are to make and secrete bile, and to cleanse and purify the blood coming from the small intestine containing the nutrients just absorbed.

*Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped reservoir that sits just under the liver and stores bile. Bile is made in the liver then if it needs to be stored travels to the gallbladder through a channel . During a meal, the gallbladder contracts, sending bile to the small intestine.
Once the nutrients have been absorbed and the leftover liquid has passed through the small intestine, what is left of the food you ate is handed over to the large intestine, or colon.

*Colon (Large Intestine)
The colon is a 5- to 6-foot-long muscular tube that connects the cecum (the first part of the large intestine to the rectum (the last part of the large intestine). It is made up of the cecum, the ascending (right) colon, the transverse (across) colon, the descending (left) colon, and the sigmoid colon (so-called for its “S” shape; the Greek letter for S is called the sigma), which connects to the rectum.

Stool, or waste left over from the digestive process, is passed through the colon by means of peristalsis (contractions), first in a liquid state and ultimately in solid form as the water is removed from the stool. A stool is stored in the sigmoid colon until a “mass movement” empties it into the rectum once or twice a day. It normally takes about 36 hours for stool to get through the colon. The stool itself is mostly food debris and bacteria. *These bacteria perform several useful functions, such as synthesizing various vitamins, processing waste products and food particles, and protecting against harmful bacteria. When the descending colon becomes full of stool, or feces, it empties its contents into the rectum to begin the process of elimination.

*Rectum
The rectum is a 8-inch chamber that connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum’s job to receive stool from the colon, to let you know there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens. When anything (gas or stool) comes into the rectum, sensors send a message to the brain. The brain then decides if the rectal contents can be released or not. If they can, the sphincters (muscles) relax and the rectum contracts, expelling its contents. If the contents cannot be expelled, the sphincters contract and the rectum accommodates, so that the sensation temporarily goes away.

*Anus
The anus is the last part of the digestive tract. It consists of the pelvic floor muscles and the two anal sphincters (internal and external muscles). The lining of the upper anus is specialized in detecting rectal contents. It lets us know whether the contents are liquid, gas, or solid. The pelvic floor muscle creates an angle between the rectum and the anus that stops stool from coming out when it is not supposed to. The anal sphincters provide fine control of the stool. The internal sphincter keeps us from going to the bathroom when we are asleep, or otherwise unaware of the presence of stool. When we get an urge to go to the bathroom, we rely on our external sphincter to keep the stool in until we can get to the toilet.

“We must understand and work accordingly that the physical state of central axis and these organs, GI tract, glands with blood and lymph vessels, and nerves, along with their pathways, needs to be intact and clear. To achieve this, one should focus on maintaining postures that create and preserve optimal spaces in body cavities, which is essentially a cleansing process (shuddhi prakriya). This is crucial for ensuring smooth movement of organs and peristaltic movements of the digestive tract from mouth to anus, ultimately facilitating healthy absorption, secretion, improved digestion, and preventing issues like indigestion and constipation.”

*The body cavities :  housing and protectung Internal organs*

1. Dorsal cavity :  The cranial/ skull cavity and the spinal cavity. The cranial cavity houses and protects the brain, while the spinal cavity houses and protects the spinal cord.

2. Anterior cavity is separated into the thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity. 

The thoracic cavity contains the heart and lungs. It is protected by the rib cage. 

The abdominopelvic cavity is further divided into the abdominal cavity and the pelvic cavity. The stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys are in the abdominal cavity. The urinary bladder, internal reproductive organs, sigmoid colon, and rectum are in the pelvic cavity. 

   *Mechanical Digestion*

Digestion in the small intestine occurs via two different processes. The first, mechanical digestion, helps break food from the stomach into smaller pieces. In the small intestine, muscles surrounding the intestinal walls contract to roll, mix and chop the partially digested food, also known as chyme. These muscle contractions occur several times per minute so that the chyme is moved back and forth. Other muscles gradually propel the chyme through the digestive tract via a process called peristalsis. Because the villi are not muscular, they do not contribute to this process.

*Chemical Digestion*

In addition to mechanical digestion, food from the stomach is broken down chemically. Acids made by the stomach and enzymes secreted by the stomach and pancreas further digest the carbohydrates, lipids and proteins found in food. Additional enzymes that help break down proteins and carbohydrates are found in a portion of the villi known as the brush border. These brush border enzymes break down nutrients into components small enough to be absorbed.

*Vagus Nerve:*

The vagus nerve, also known as the “wandering nerve”, is a complex nerve that originates from the brainstem, specifically from the medulla oblongata. It’s the 10th cranial nerve and is responsible for various bodily functions, including Swallowing, speech, and digestion, heart rate, and respiration.

*Location and Travel Pathways:*

The vagus nerve travels from the brainstem down to the abdomen, passing through various structures in the neck, thorax, and abdomen. Here’s its approximate pathway:

1. Brainstem (Medulla Oblongata) : The vagus nerve originates from the medulla oblongata, which is the lowest part of the brainstem.
2. Neck (Cervical Region) : The vagus nerve travels down the neck, passing behind the carotid artery and jugular vein.
3. Thorax (Chest Cavity) : The vagus nerve enters the thorax, passing in front of the aortic arch and behind the heart.
4. Abdomen : The vagus nerve enters the abdomen, passing through the diaphragm and branching out to innervate various organs, including the stomach, small intestine, and liver.

*Branches and Functions:*

The vagus nerve has several branches that innervate various organs and tissues, including:

– Pharyngeal branch : Regulates swallowing and pharyngeal muscles
– Laryngeal branch : Regulates vocal cord function and respiration
– Cardiac branch : Regulates heart rate and blood pressure
– Gastric branch : Regulates digestion and gastric acid secretion
– Celiac branch : Regulates pancreatic and intestinal function

*Enteric Nervous System (ENS) Connection:*

The vagus nerve connects to the enteric nervous system (ENS) through various branches, including the gastric and celiac branches. The ENS is a complex network of neurons that innervates the gut, regulating digestion, gut motility, and secretion.

The vagus nerve modulates the ENS, influencing gut function and digestion. The ENS, in turn, sends signals to the brain via the vagus nerve, influencing appetite, mood, and overall health.

The vagus nerve and ENS connection regulates various bodily functions, including:

– Digestion and gut motility
– Appetite and satiety
– Mood and stress response
– Heart rate and blood pressure
– Respiration and oxygenation

In summary, the vagus nerve is a critical connection between the brain and the gut, regulating various bodily functions, including digestion, gut health, and overall well-being.

*Villi and Absorption*

Although the villi play a role in digestion, they also are essential for the absorption of digested nutrients. The cells of the villi and another part of the small intestine, known as the crypts, transport food from the digestive tract into the bloodstream, where they can be used by the body. The villi aids in absorption by increasing the surface area of the intestine and contain specialized cells which transport different types of nutrients into the blood.

*Villi Dysfunction*

Physical pressure, compression within these body Cavities and hardness of voluntary musculature brings obstruction for creating ideal pressure difference for movements within these body Cavities. This  is the main  cause for  inflammation of the villi in the small intestine. This Physical pressure visceral/ organs pressure and hard tissues is the main and big obstruction for cell, tissues and organ to function which  affect digestion and absorption which  also affect the small intestine and lead to malabsorption of nutrients.

Further this leads to villi damage  Which leads to diseases like a disorder caused by an immune reaction to gluten. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, the inflammation blunts the villi, making them unable to participate effectively in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

The enteric nervous system (ENS), often called the “little brain” of the gut. It’s a separate network of nerves that governs digestion, often working independently of the central nervous system.

*Space within body cavities and its importance*
The importance of spaces within body cavities lies in their role in facilitating the movement of organs, glands, and various tracts (digestive, respiratory, and excretory). These spaces, formed by the muscular architecture, enable smooth functioning when optimal pressure differences are maintained.

The smooth movement of the muscular architecture is crucial for maintaining optimal pressure differences within the body cavities. This, in turn, allows movement of physical mechanism for proper functioning of various  physiological processes, including:

– *Peristalsis*: Involuntary contractions of smooth muscles that facilitate the movement of food through the digestive tract.
– *Inner body cavity pressure*: Plays a crucial role in the functioning of muscles, particularly those involved in peristalsis.
– *Elasticity of musculature*: Essential for maintaining optimal pressure and enabling smooth movement.
– *Blood flow*: Physical state of vessels plus a vital role to the circulation of blood through blood vessels, vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to each cell , tissues.
– *Respiration*: The process of moving air in and out of the lungs, essential for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.

These bodily functions are interconnected. When the voluntary muscular architecture moves smoothly, it helps maintain optimal pressure differences, ensuring that these physiological processes occur efficiently.

Key Points:
Voluntary system : our body’s strongest system, which can either promote health or lead to ill health and diseases
Muscular architecture : with their movement of ancient memory, creates spaces within body cavities
Pressure difference : created by  smooth movement of muscular flow
Stiffness and hardness of muscles : obstruct and destroy these movements

Food and digested material is moved through the body by a series of muscle contractions. These muscle contractions are called peristalsis.These are smooth muscles, and have the involuntary nature of contraction ( these are open spaces connected or open to outside body space ) . Their function is dependent on inner body cavity pressure through the elasticity of musculature. Stiff and hard musculature is a big Physical obstruction for these peristaltic movements. It’s not only being a couch potato that slows down peristalsis but inner distorted and obstructed pressure is the key reason, thereby decreasing your transit time. This can result in constipation and general discomfort, water retention and bloating, and metabolism gets disturbed. Inner space will create a better inner environment/ homeostasis which makes the muscle contractions smooth,proper and frequent and help for proper metabolism.
*Consequences of Stiff Musculature:*

– Obstruction: Physical obstruction for peristaltic movements
– *Slowed-down peristalsis*: Due to compressed cavities, inner spaces are distorted and obstructed pressure
– *Decreased transit time*: Can result in constipation, discomfort, water retention, bloating, and disturbed metabolism
– *Constipation*: Difficulty in passing stools
– *General discomfort*: Includes symptoms like water retention and bloating
– *Disturbed metabolism*: Inefficient nutrient absorption and utilization
– *Inflammation and bloating*: Increased pressure and obstruction can lead to inflammation, exacerbating bloating and discomfort, and potentially causing further digestive issues.

*Benefits of Healthy Inner Spaces:*

Smooth muscle contractions : Enable proper and frequent peristalsis, promoting digestive health.
Better inner environment/homeostasis : Supports smooth, proper, and frequent muscle contractions, contributing to overall well-being.
Proper metabolism : Efficient nutrient absorption and utilization, promoting overall health and well-being.
Taking care of our muscular system and inner spaces : Crucial for maintaining optimal health and preventing various health issues.
Understanding and maintaining inner spaces : Key to promoting overall health and well-being.

By prioritizing the natural  state and optimal movement of our muscular architecture for ideal  inner spaces, we can maintain optimal health and prevent various health issues.

Food and digested material is moved through the body by a series of muscle contractions known as peristalsis. These contractions are facilitated by smooth muscles, which have an involuntary nature of contraction. Notably, these muscles operate in open spaces that are connected to or open to the outside body space.

*Key Aspects of Peristalsis:*

– *Dependent on inner body cavity pressure*: Functionality relies on the elasticity of musculature
– *Impact of stiff musculature*: Physical obstruction that hampers peristaltic movements
– *Factors affecting peristalsis*: Not just physical inactivity (being a couch potato), but also inner distorted and obstructed pressure that decreases transit time

*Consequences of Impaired Peristalsis:*

– *Constipation*: Difficulty in passing stools
– *General discomfort*: Includes symptoms like water retention and bloating
– *Disturbed metabolism*: Inefficient nutrient absorption and utilization


By maintaining healthy inner spaces and ensuring optimal muscle function, one can support proper digestion and metabolism.

Fiber-rich foods have limitations which will add bulk to your feces and help stimulate the bowel to push food along. Because a quick addition of fiber to our diet can result in gas, bloating and cramps.
Fibrous food will not improve the mechanism of movement of GI tract ( Peristaltic). Here again inner spaces and inner movement which is essential for pressure difference within these muscular body Cavities ( chest – abdomen and pelvis) is a key factor.
Just go through these Peristalsis movements to understand what efforts one has to make while working on our own body within.
Peristalsis movement
Peristalsis movement is involuntary movements of the longitudinal and circular muscles, primarily in the digestive tract but occasionally in other hollow tubes of the body, that occur in progressive wave-like contractions. Peristalsis waves occur in the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. The waves can be short, local reflexes or long, continuous contractions that travel the whole length of the organ, depending upon their location and what initiates their action.

In the esophagus, peristaltic waves begin at the upper portion of the tube and travel the whole length, pushing food ahead of the wave into the stomach. Particles of food left behind in the esophagus initiate secondary peristaltic waves that remove leftover substances. One wave travels the full length of the tube in about nine seconds. The peristaltic-wave contractions in the esophagus of humans are weak compared with those of most other mammals. In cud-chewing animals, such as cows, reverse peristalsis can occur so that the food is brought back from the stomach to the mouth for re – chewing.
When the stomach is filled, peristaltic waves are diminished. The presence of fat in a meal can completely stop these movements for a short period until it is diluted with gastric juices or removed from the stomach. Peristaltic waves start as weak contractions at the beginning of the stomach and progressively become stronger as they near the distal stomach regions. The waves help to mix the stomach contents and propel food to the small intestine. Usually, two to three waves are present at one time in different regions of the stomach, and about three waves occur each minute.

In the small intestine, local stimulation of the intestinal smooth muscle by the presence of food particles causes contractions that tend to travel from the stimulated point in both directions. Under normal circumstances, the progress of the contractions in an oral direction is quickly inhibited, while the contractions travelling away from the mouth tend to persist. If the intestine is paralyzed by applying such drugs as nicotine or cocaine to the intestinal wall, the contractions initiated by local stimulations travel equally well in both directions. Ordinarily, peristaltic waves appear in the small intestine at irregular intervals and travel for varying distances; some travel only a few inches, others a few feet. They serve to expose food to the intestinal wall for absorption and to move it forward.

In the large intestine (or colon), the peristaltic wave, or mass movement, is continuous and progressive; it advances steadily toward the anal end of the tract, pushing waste material in front of the wave. When these movements are vigorous enough to pass fecal masses into the rectum, they are followed by the desire to defecate. If feces are passed to the rectum and not evacuated from the body, they are returned to the last segment of the colon for longer storage by reverse peristaltic waves. Peristaltic waves are particularly important in helping to remove gas from the large intestine and in controlling bacterial growth by mechanically acting as a cleansing agent that dissolves and removes potential colonies of bacteria.

What is the importance of valves? Their working mechanism is the most important factor to digest food.

Sphincter / Valve that controls the flow of the fluid or gas. It manages direction or controls the flow of a fluid or gas by opening and closing various passageways. Valves play a vital role in regulating and controlling flow and pressure in our organ systems. They also play an important role in safety.

The entire digestive system is one very long tube starting at our mouth and ending at our South.
It is located just in front of the spinal column ,
( conscious movement of paraspinal musculature towards pelvis and tail bone , is the most important factor for the mechanism of digestive organ systems ).
This long tube has muscles that act like a valve/ sphincter close off and control the passage of materials from one part of the body to the other. They are circular rings of muscles that can close off an opening between areas of the body or between the inside and the outside of the body.
These major organs that make up the segments of the digestive system are divided neatly into their divisions by seven valves ;
The mouth is separated from the esophagus/ food pipe by the upper 1. esophageal valve – is located between the throat and the esophagus.

The division between the esophagus and the stomach is the 2.  cardiac sphincter/lower esophageal sphincter –
The lower esophageal sphincter is located between the esophagus/ food pipe and the stomach.

Dividing the lower stomach from the small intestine is 3. the pyloric sphincter – is located between our stomach and the duodenum that is the first part of the small intestine next to the stomach.

Between the small intestine and colon is 4. the ileocecal sphincter.
The exit from the body at the anus is actually two different sphincters the
5. Internal anal sphincter – is located between the ileum and the colon, and the 6.external anal sphincter – The anal sphincter( internal and external) are located between the rectum and the outside world.

The esophagus commonly known as the food pipe, is an organ through which food passes It is a muscular tube connecting the throat (pharynx) with the stomach and aided by peristaltic contractions.

1. The upper esophageal valve is a bundle of muscles at the top of the esophagus. The muscles are under conscious control, used when breathing, eating, belching, and vomiting. They keep food and secretions from going down the windpipe.

2 The lower esophageal sphincter is a bundle of muscles at the low end of the esophagus, where it meets the stomach. When it is closed, it prevents acid and stomach contents from traveling backwards from the stomach. These muscles are not under voluntary control.

3. The pyloric sphincter is a thin , circular band of smooth muscle at the junction between the border of the stomach’s final segment and the first segment duodenum of the small intestine ( duodenum).
where it acts as a valve to control the flow of partially digested food from the stomach to the small intestine. It plays important roles in controlling the rate of digestion and the direction of food movement in the gastrointestinal tract.

Food in the stomach is mixed with gastric juice produced by the stomach to form a thick, acidic liquid ,the semi-fluid mass of partly digested food.
* Following a meal, the stomach stores this food both to begin its digestion and to allow the rest of the digestive system enough time to digest the food thoroughly.
*The pyloric valve remains closed during eating and while the stomach mixes food with gastric juice to form partly digested food..
*After the stomach has completed its digestive role, the pyloric valve begins to convulse in waves of peristalsis to push food particles toward the pylorus. As each peristaltic wave reaches the pylorus /the opening from the stomach into the duodenum.
the pyloric sphincter briefly opens to permit a small mass of food to pass into the duodenum. Wave after wave of peristalsis slowly empty the stomach over a period of about 30 minutes to an hour.
*The pyloric valve prevents the regurgitation that is the backflow of food particles from the duodenum into the stomach. It also controls the flow of food particles into the intestine, which provides the intestines with a manageable volume of food particles from which to absorb nutrients.

4. The ileocecal valve is a muscle valve that separates the small intestine and the large intestine.
*Its critical function is to limit the reflux of colonic contents ( is a mixture of bile, mucus, desquamated epithelial cells, different kinds of microorganisms and their fermentation products, undigested or unabsorbed food, and its metabolic products)into the ileum /last part of the small intestine) connects to the first part of the colon / large intestine the lower right abdomen.
*Approximately two liters of fluid enter the colon daily through the ileocecal valve.
*The ileocecal valve is distinctive because it is the only site in the gastrointestinal tract that is used for vitamin B12 and bile acid absorption.

5 . An anal sphincter/ valve is a group of muscles at the end of the rectum that surrounds the anus and controls the release of stool, thereby maintaining continence.
6th and 7th. There are two sphincter muscles:   one is internal and  one is external. The external muscle helps maintain continence and keep stool in the rectum. If there is a loss of muscle control in the sphincter, incontinence may occur. The inner muscle is not under voluntary control but rather is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The external muscle can be voluntarily controlled (clenched and unclenched).
*The internal and the external muscles work together to eliminate stool from the body via a bowel movement.
Therefore smooth movements of the intestine and all these valves are essential for digestion.
Remember while this mechanical process or movement slows down or gets obstructed it affects our digestion and secretion.
This is the root cause of our
Try to understand it is not about keeping our body moving but it’s about the Conscious movement of our voluntary musculature being more important.

The most common symptoms of digestive disorders include Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn,pain, tenderness,nausea and vomiting could be signs that your gut is having a hard time processing food and eliminating waste. Some people feel tired more often than not. Frequently an upset stomach.Some have trouble sleeping in general. Some have  intolerant to some foods.Some  have extreme food cravings, especially sugar. Some  have skin irritations. Some get migraines.People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut.

Here are some common warning signs that may indicate an unhealthy gut:

1. Digestive Issues : Bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or cramps.
2. Food Intolerances : Sensitivity to certain foods, such as gluten, lactose, or soy.
3. Mood Changes : Anxiety, depression, irritability, or mood swings.
4. Skin Issues : Acne, eczema, or rashes.
5. Fatigue : Persistent tiredness, lethargy, or low energy.
6. Weight Changes : Unexplained weight gain or loss.
7. Autoimmune Issues : Some “bad” gut bacteria may trigger autoimmune conditions like thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. Conditions like lupus, or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
8. Frequent Infections : Weakened immune system, leading to frequent illnesses.
9. Brain Fog : Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, or confusion.
10. Bad Breath : Persistent bad breath or halitosis.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be worth exploring ways to improve mechanism and support your gut health.

*THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM is a Chemical factory*

Its mechanism is important to convert our meals into body fluids.
If human cells could use the food eaten in that form, there would be no need for a digestive system. This system changes the food into a form that can be used by the cells that enables the nutrients to get into the blood. So they can be transported throughout the body and eliminate wastes.
*Here Intra abdominal pressure is a very important factor, which is directly related to spaces inside the body and movement of digestive organs to work properly. This totally depends on muscular elasticity/ tonicity, for the function of digestive organs.
*One must be aware of Pressure differences created through muscular flow with forces created  within to cope up with outside atmospheric pressure. One must learn intellectually and consciously, how to work within our own body cavities accordingly.


What efforts should one make to improve our digestive system ?
Below are some points to know,
*This system is an apparatus having several parts and using its mechanical power. Each with a definite structure to perform it’s function and together performing a particular task.
* Part or structure of this apparatus must be in a good shape and need space for tissues, to work properly.( Here again the basics are Spaces,forces, pressure)
* Try to understand that Mechanism is very important for mechanical power for organs to produce and secrete digestive fluids for chemical digestion of food .
*Chemical digestion totally depends on the physical state and mechanism of the digestive tract and its related organs.
*Instead of increasing workload in mechanism one has to make efforts to enhance its function.Once it slows down or fails then one has to follow what to eat and what not to eat but must simultaneously learn to work to improve instead of damaging further.
*Therefore be aware of spaces between two consecutive cells, tissues,organs and spaces inside cavities ( joints,vertebral,skull,chest, abdominal and pelvic cavities). Our body itself is high tech- space science.
“*Elasticity of smooth musculature for secretion and peristaltic movement of the digestive tract and free movement of finger-like villi is an important factor in this mechanism. Otherwise food particles get stuck into these villis which affects proper absorption of food particles and creates bad microbes etc.
*This digestive tract is the series of tubelike organs . There are about 30 feet (9 meters) of these convoluted pipeworks, starting with the mouth and ending with the anus,along the way , with 3 more organs, the pancreas, liver and gallbladder (food is broken down, sorted, and reprocessed before being circulated around the body to absorb all the essential nutrients, nourish and replace cells and supply energy to our muscles).

*The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or digestive tract, from mouth to anus is open space which is directly connected to outer space and environment too.
Pathway of this tract travels in front of spinal column and belonging and crossing all other cavities,

Mechanical digestion starts from the mouth and involves physically breaking the food into smaller pieces.

Did you know that food gets cooled or warmed in the mouth to a suitable temperature?
When we are chewing the food the saliva in the mouth helps to break down the chemicals in the food to a small extent. This process makes the food mushy and easier to swallow, the movement of the tongue while chewing helps to move the food around and the teeth help to chew the food.
When the food is mushy enough, the tongue pushes small amounts of the mushed-up food inside the throat. There are also certain enzymes in the body which help in digestion, some of which are even present in saliva.

1) Mouth cavity ( skull) –
Our teeth start the process by chewing and grinding up each mouthful, while the tongue works it into a ball-shaped bolus for swallowing.
Proper movement of musculature and space inside the cavity is essential for healthy secretion of saliva.
Chemical digestion involves breaking down the food in the mouth when food mixes with saliva.
*Saliva plays a significant role in the protection of the intraoral structures against injuries caused by various pathogenic microbes, mechanical or chemical irritants.

2) Esophagus/food pipe( chest cavity) –
It is a thick-walled muscular tube located behind the windpipe that extends through the neck and chest to the stomach. The bolus of food moves through the esophagus by peristalsis: a rhythmic series of muscular contractions that propels the bolus along. The contractions are assisted by the pull of gravity.

3) stomach( abdominal cavity) –
It is like a mixer, churning and mashing together with the movements of smooth musculature which has to be strong, elastic and healthy as stomach walls secret gastric juices.
In addition to breaking down food, stomach walls which create gastric juices also help kill bacteria that might be in the eaten food. The quality of gastric juices depends on the state of stomach walls.
All above organs including skull and face cavity are situated above the respiratory diaphragm and at the junction of the neck and chest there is a cervical diaphragm formed by voluntary musculature.
4) liver,gallbladder, pancreas ,small and large intestine ( abdominal cavity), these situated below the respiratory diaphragm.

5) excretory organs and outer end of pathway is situated in the pelvic cavity and opens and connects to outer space at the pelvic diaphragm formed by voluntary musculature.
Movement of these three diaphragms together and flow of movement of related muscular architecture which forms these body Cavities is the most essential and important factor to work physically.
*Proper functioning of this involuntary smooth muscular trac/ tube is physically related to voluntary musculature as it is a medium for controlling inner space,inner environment( homeostasis) with outer space and outer environment.

The most important movement is Peristalsis.
Peristalsis is a series of organized muscle contractions that occur throughout the digestive tract. Peristalsis is also seen in the tubular organs that connect the kidneys to the bladder.Peristalsis is an automatic and important process that moves food through the digestive system. It also moves urine from the kidneys into the bladder, and bile from the gallbladder into the duodenum. Peristalsis is a normal function of the body. It can sometimes be felt in the abdomen as gas moves along.
It is responsible for the mechanical and chemical digestion of food products.
Very important factor is physiology of organs which is totally depending on inner environment which is totally depends on inner spaces which is totally depends on elastic movement of voluntary musculature and which we ignore most is Mechanism i.e.mechanical movement which is very important factor for chemical process. Once a mechanism starts distorting then it slows down its function and behaves differently. Now at this state or level, one has to follow a diet i.e.what to eat and what not. But simultaneously one has to work to improve the physical state to carry out the proper mechanical process.
The proper functioning of the digestive system is necessary for proper nutrient absorption. Nutrients are critical to ensure overall good general health.
While working one must understand the relationship of close spaces, that is the skull – vertebral column and heart with a circulatory system ( which are directly under our control through voluntary muscles) so we can bring control on these open spaces which are open or connected to outer space.

One must understand that along with the physical body its Physiology ( the functions and activities of life or of living matter,such as organs, tissues, or cells and of the physical and chemical phenomena involved),is important because it is the foundation upon which our “life” is. This physiological state ,that is its working mechanism, is totally dependent on the physical state of our body which affects our psychological state. The physical state is not related to fitness so Do not confuse your physical state with your fitness ( physical mimicry) which does not give any idea of your state of Health at all as nothing happens suddenly in our physical body.
Enhancing this is very basic to have a disease free and healthy life. This includes how to deal successfully with a difficult situation , like physical stresses imposed upon our bodies by different environments, which otherwise leads to mental stress and social stress.

*Rest and Digest* – Vegas nerve

Rest and digest is a state of relaxation and rejuvenation. When we’re in this state, our body’s “brakes” are applied, slowing down our systems and allowing us to recover from the stresses of the day.

Imagine we are  chilling on the couch after a long day, feeling relaxed and calm. Our breathing slows down, our heart rate decreases, and our muscles relax. This is when our body focuses on:

– Digestion: Our body starts to break down food and absorb nutrients.
– Repair: Damaged cells are repaired, and energy is restored.
– Recharge: Our batteries are recharged, and we are  ready to take on the next challenge.

“This state is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps counterbalance the “fight or flight” response. When we’re stuck in fight or flight mode, our body prioritizes immediate survival over long-term health. By making time for rest and digestion, we are  giving our body a chance to heal and thrive”.

The vagus nerve is often referred to as the “rest and digest” nerve, as it promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and stimulates digestion. It’s responsible for:

– Parasympathetic functions:
    – Reducing heart rate and blood pressure
    – Stimulating digestion and gut motility
    – Promoting relaxation and reducing stress
    – Regulating respiration and oxygenation

In contrast, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, preparing the body for stress and action. The SNS and PNS have opposing effects, and the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in balancing these two systems

Vegas Nerve Pathways and Protection :

The skull and vertebral column provide a protective pathway for the vagus nerve, allowing it to function properly. Any compression or damage to these structures can potentially impact vagus nerve function.

The vagus nerve exits the skull through the:
– Jugular foramen (along with the internal jugular vein and glossopharyngeal nerve)

It then travels down the neck, passing through the:
– Carotid sheath (along with the carotid artery and internal jugular vein)

The vagus nerve continues through the thoracic cavity, passing:
– In front of the aortic arch
– Behind the heart
– Through the diaphragm (via the esophageal hiatus)

Maintaining the patency of these pathways is crucial for optimal vagus nerve function, which in turn supports various bodily functions, including digestion, heart rate, and respiration.

Rest and Digest – calm Parasympathetic nervous system and Restorative poses:

In today’s lifestyle, our lives have become way more become busier than ever with a hectic and stressful schedule. There is a greater need for us to take regular time to stop, slow down, release and restore.
Modern day life has us running around firing on all cylinders and in “fight or flight” mode (activated by the body’s sympathetic nervous system) most of the time. The effect of this is, it increases our blood pressure, speeds up our heart, raises blood sugar levels, elevates levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, causes problems with our digestion and redirects blood away from our internal organs. All this is making our body function less effectively with faster and shallower breathing.
This doesn’t sound so great.

The problem is that the stress and relentless pace of modern life leads to people being in this state most of the time. That is when the problems with our body and mind start to happen.
Restorative postures can combat the effects of all of this running around at high speed by kick-starting our “rest and digest” or para-sympathetic nervous system and bringing our whole system back into more harmony.  This makes our body rest, recover, and regenerate itself.

Restorative poses are an incredible way of helping to heal the whole body and mind. In activating the para-sympathetic or relaxation response, helps to balance the whole nervous system and sets up the whole body for deep healing, growth and repair.  In Restorative poses , hands and legs are in rest pose and central axis and front body cavities are expansion state  with support of boosters,pillows and blankets.

The beauty of restorative postures is, all we need to do is learn how to go in this and set up the pose and then simply be there, tuning into our body, our breath and exploring what happens when we slowly release our habitual ways of holding.
Since restorative postures are meant to be held longer, they have time to really penetrate our bodies’ organ systems, including our mind and emotions, and thus create significant shifts in both physical and mental health.
So why not take some time out to let go, slow down and just see what happens? You may soon find yourself wanting to carve out time to do this every day!

While the vagus nerve modulates ENS activity, the ENS can still function independently, albeit with reduced coordination and regulation. This is evident in cases where the vagus nerve is damaged or severed, and the gut continues to exhibit some level of motility and secretion.

The enteric nervous system (ENS), often called the “little brain” of the gut. It’s a separate network of nerves that governs digestion, often working independently of the central nervous system. It is like a local government for our gut, making decisions about digestion without needing the brain’s input.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is neither parasympathetic nor sympathetic; rather, it is a third, independent division of the autonomic nervous system that works alongside both. The parasympathetic system promotes digestion, while the sympathetic system inhibits it, and both systems communicate with the ENS to help regulate the digestive tract. 

The ENS integrates information from the gut and the central nervous system, using both parasympathetic and sympathetic inputs to regulate functions like digestion, absorption, and movement of food through the gut.

It’s a complex network of neurons, neurotransmitters, and glial cells that line the gut, from esophagus to anus.

The ENS has:

– *Intrinsic neurons*: These neurons are located within the gut wall and can function autonomously, regulating local gut functions such as:
    – Gut motility (peristalsis)
    – Secretion of digestive enzymes and hormones
    – Blood flows to the gut
    – Gut immune function

The ENS can respond to:

– Local stimuli (e.g., food, stretch, chemicals)
– Hormonal signals (e.g., gastrin, cholecystokinin)
– Gut microbiota influences

While the vagus nerve modulates ENS activity, the ENS can still function independently, albeit with reduced coordination and regulation. This is evident in cases where the vagus nerve is damaged or severed, and the gut continues to exhibit some level of motility and secretion.

The ENS communicates with the brain, influencing mood, appetite, and overall health. This gut-brain connection is a two-way street, with the gut microbiome playing a significant role in shaping our health and well-being.

*For enhancing Physiology of the digestive system“
*Equilibrium between outside forces with inside body forces are the most important factor for any organ to work/ function properly without any Physical stress and pressure within. Otherwise this physical stress and compression bring disturbance in homeostasis/ inner environment, inner spaces and mental stress triggers it further and our body’s mechanism can’t cope up with this successfully.
If you find yourself under constant physical activities, physical, mental stress, pressure and unhappiness then that means to maintain physical and physiological stability while adjusting to outer conditions Which is getting unsuccessful, it results in a disaster that is diseases or a death of a person.
*Outside forces ( eg . atmospheric pressure) acting on our body which are by nature very strong . These are responsible for distortion of inner forces which are very weak by nature. So we Human beings must work Physically to enhance inner forces through the medium of voluntary muscles. Because these weakened forces within the body lead us to compress inner spaces which causes distortion at the level of the atom and this is a continuous process. Here Body’s defensive mechanism goes into a withdrawal stage and it gets adjusted but not in a corrective way . Which further slows down physiological function of organs which gives sign and symptoms like uneasiness, discomfort, poor digestion,nausea, gases, bloating, acidity, heartburn, diarrhea ,constipation,fistula and hemorrhoids etc. and further leads towards pathological changes.
Chronic and deep rooted emotions have every connection with poor health and the condition of the poor gut is part of it which shows the state of open spaces are obstructed and damaged. This is happening today at an early age.
Never blame visceral fat, it is for the protection of the internal organs. It also provides a reserve source for energy if needed, and is the body’s defence mechanism to try to avoid such compression. So the reason behind this is increased physical pressure on these organ systems, it is the body’s defence to protect and increase the size of fat cells to cushion its impact due to hardening of muscular soft tissues.
*These factors bring vast change in pathology. Because once these changes cross a certain level then you have to follow related diets and medicine for just treating symptoms but not removing the real cause. Hence one has to work within to enhance these forces with removing obstruction and creating space for these organs and tract which is 30 ft long situated in compact space and travelling along the central axis which covers all body cavities.

Therefore how we work Physically on our own body is more important. Our ignorance cost us the most. Where inner environment/ homeostasis doesn’t manage our physiological function which further accelerate emotional and social stress because body structure along with inner organs has to undergo in tremendous abnormal pressure to make us stable and try to secure with adjusting overall matter to hold it.It’s a big havoc inside and it’s giving so many sign and symptoms which are like tip of the iceberg.
Once organs start dysfunctioning then one has to follow the diet of what to eat and what not to eat but along with this one has to make Physical efforts to remove this anatomical pressure on organs.

*Intestinal cells are subjected to a wide variety of mechanical forces in both normal function and pathophysiologic states. Such forces play a major role in cell biology and, interacting with other stimuli including neurohumoral and matrix input, markedly influence cell phenotype. These forces are often altered in pathologic conditions that adversely impact cell biology, sometimes to the state of being harmed or damaged by the organism.
There is the network of protein filaments and microtubules in the cytoplasm that controls cell shape, maintains intracellular organization, and is involved in cell movement. likely to play an important role in all of these effects, by serving as a primary mechano – sensor, becoming distorted as external forces compress the cell. These pathways offer a possible series of reasonable targets for pharmacologic intervention into non-malignant and malignant disease states.

Therefore one must understand the very basic principles and relationships of close and open spaces where the digestive system is concerned.
Hardening of musculature not only decreases spaces in all over joints but alongside cavities inside get compressed. To prevent these soft tissues of organs and surrounding tissues leads towards hardening.
Food doesn’t have the capacity to remove this hardening of matter and compression.
A digestive tract travels along the way in front of the central axis ( head to tailbone).
*Once these Vertebral spaces start distorting and decreasing alongside there is tremendous pressure and strain on all cavities, skull – mouth – Throat – chest – abdominal – pelvis. Remember,Once these cavities start compressing , it leads us towards inflammation like IBD, abscess, ulcers, pancreatitis and type 2 diabetes which is not just related to insulin resistance but the overall state of the digestive tract and organs..
*These increase physical forces within our body cavities which give additional extra strain , shear ( structural strain) which affects ( soft tissues).
*The tissues,cells of the intestinal wall experience a myriad of physical forces including strain ,shear and villous mobility ( affecting the villi).Normal peristaltic movement gets disturbed .
*Normal peristaltic movement and villous mobility ( affecting villi ) during normal gut function.
“Pathologic conditions alter these forces, leading to changes in the biology of these cells.
*The responses of intestinal epithelial cells to forces vary with both the applied force and the extracellular matrix proteins with which the cells interact, with differing effects on proliferation, differentiation, and motility (is capability of movement), and the regulation of these effects involves similar but distinctly different signal transduction mechanisms.
Although normal epithelial cells respond to mechanical forces, malignant gastrointestinal epithelial cells also respond to forces, most notably by increased cell adhesion, a critical step in tumor metastasis.

*During normal gut function the intestinal mucosal layer is subjected to numerous forces. For instance, mucosal cells experience pressure and shear stress from interaction with relatively non-compressible endoluminal chyme, cyclic strain associated with rhythmic villous motility at the mucosal level, and further repetitive deformation engendered by peristaltic muscular contraction and relaxation deeper within the bowel wall.
The effects of mechanical forces on the gut :
Mechanical forces substantially influence intestinal mucosal cell biology.
We must focus on the influence of mechanical forces, including strain, shear, and pressure, compression on intestinal mucosal cell physiology in both the normal state and in pathophysiologic states. As where mechanical forces or responses to such forces are altered, such as obstruction of the bowel especially, functional obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract and especially the small intestine that is marked by the absence of peristalsis movement. This is usually accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, and sometimes nausea and vomiting, and typically occurs following abdominal surgery.and malignancy.

Swati Joshi

Swati Yoga Shalaa