Monday, May 21, 2007

How the Gut Works

Ask Glen!

Q.How does the stomach work?

A.The "gut." It’s an ancient Anglo-Saxon word that refers to the human digestive system. Think of this marvel of nature’s engineering as a perpetual food processor, constantly mixing, grinding, and transforming the meats, vegetables, fruits, and snacks that people eat into biologically useful molecules.

Nearly 30 feet long if stretched out straight, the gut is a series of hollow organs linked to form a long, twisting tube that runs from the mouth to the anus. This string of organs is known as the alimentary canal, gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or digestive tract (see The Incredible Journey ). It comprises the esophagus (or gullet), stomach, small intestine, and colon (which includes the rectum). These organs break down food and liquids, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into chemical components that the body can absorb as nutrients and use for energy or to build or repair cells. What’s left is expelled by a highly efficient disposal system.

The organs of the gut are almost always moving, driven by muscles in the wall of the gut. These muscles consist of an outer longitudinal layer and an inner circular layer. The coordinated contractions of these layers push food and fluids the length of the canal, just as rolling waves deposit sand and shells on the shore. This dynamic movement along the gastrointestinal tract is known as peristalsis.

Helping the job of digestion is the mucosa, or lining, of the mouth, stomach, and small intestine, which harbors glands that produce digestive enzymes. The salivary glands, liver, and pancreas also secrete juices that help make food "soluble" (meaning dissolvable in water) so that nutrients can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Any personal health questions or problems mental or physical or before starting any diet or exercise program.Please consult your physician !

Wishing You Great Health!

Glen Edward Mitchell

Any questions? Ask Glen!


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Lawrenceville, Georgia, United States
Is the Founder of Fitness Builders 4 Life,the WorkOut GEM,G350,G180, G90, Eat 4 Life, Clean, Lean & Mean & Ask Glen. The mission of the Fitness Builders is to provide the community with health education and to empower people to change unhealthy lifestyles thereby increasing life expectancy. By educating the community on healthier lifestyle practices it is the intent of Fitness Builders to reduce the ravages of obesity, heart disease, cancer and other lifestyle or self inflicted diseases. Glen is also a AMA Certified Nutrition Specialist and a ACE, ACSM, NASM Certified Personal Trainer has 30+ years in Sports, Exercise Science and Nutritional Food Management, Learning and Mentoring Men and Women on a more Mental & Physical Healthy Life Style consisting of a low fat, low salt, Low carbohydrate, high protein, organic nutrition which also includes moderate exercise and mental awareness. Stay Informed, Live long and be Mentally and Physically Healthy! Any questions? Ask Glen!

Any Questions? Ask Glen!

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