When you swallow food without chewing, it enters the stomach in larger pieces that are harder to digest. The stomach must work more intensely to break it down using acids and enzymes. This can slow the digestion process and may lead to bloating or discomfort.

Some foods take longer to digest because they are more complex and harder for enzymes to break down. Fatty, fibrous, or high-protein foods usually take more time in the stomach and intestines. Softer or simpler foods like fruits and sugars are broken down much faster.

The digestive system communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones to help regulate hunger and digestion. One important nerve, the vagus nerve, sends signals about how full the stomach is or how quickly food is moving. This communication helps the brain decide when to eat, stop eating, or slow digestion.

Constipation occurs when waste moves too slowly through the large intestine, making stool hard and dry. It can be caused by a lack of fiber, not drinking enough water, or not being physically active. Natural ways to improve digestion include eating more fiber, drinking water, and getting regular exercise.

Hunger is triggered by a hormone called ghrelin, which tells the brain it’s time to eat. Fullness is signaled by leptin and by the stretching of the stomach when it’s full of food. These signals help the brain regulate appetite and control how much we eat.

Enzymes are proteins in the digestive system that break food into small pieces so the body can absorb nutrients. Different enzymes work on fats, proteins, or carbohydrates to make them usable. Without enzymes, digestion would be slow and incomplete, and nutrients couldn’t be absorbed properly.

Mechanical digestion is the physical breaking down of food by chewing in the mouth and churning in the stomach. Chemical digestion happens when enzymes and stomach acids break the food into tiny molecules. Both types work together to make sure nutrients are fully released and absorbed.

The large intestine absorbs water from the undigested food that enters it from the small intestine. This helps turn liquid waste into solid stool that can be passed out of the body. If the large intestine doesn’t absorb enough water, it can lead to diarrhea and dehydration.

The pancreas helps digestion by producing enzymes that break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the small intestine. It also releases a special fluid that neutralizes stomach acid so the enzymes can work properly. This allows food to be digested smoothly and nutrients to be absorbed.