Q: How long does it take to digest the food we consume?
A: Digestion time varies for each individual. Normal digestion (food entering the mouth to waste being excreted) ranges from 24 - 72 hours.
Below is a list of tips that will help improve digestion
- Take small bites and chew your food: Taking small bites and chewing breaks your food into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces mean more surface area for saliva, bacteria, and enzymes to efficiently breakdown the food.
- Remain hydrated: Insufficient water intake and dehydration are primary causes of constipation.
- Improve your diet: A diet rich in natural and high fiber foods will aid digestion. A diet consisting of processed and low fiber foods will impair digestion.
- Know your food allergies: Food sensitivity and intolerance may hinder the digestive process resulting in bloating, gas, and pain.
- Regular exercise: The elevated blood temperature and contraction of muscles from exercise help aid digestion.