The digestive system is the series of organs in the body that is responsible for digesting food and extracting nutrients necessary to sustain life. It does this by breaking down food to its basic nutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and water, before transporting them to the small intestine, where most of these nutrients are absorbed into the body.

About the Digestive System

Almost all animals have a tube-type digestive system in which food enters the mouth, passes through a long tube, and exits as feces (poop) through the anus. The smooth muscle in the walls of the tube-shaped digestive organs rhythmically and efficiently moves the food through the system, where it is broken down into tiny absorbable atoms and molecules.

During the process of absorption, nutrients that come from the food (including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals) pass through channels in the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream. The blood works to distribute these nutrients to the rest of the body. The waste parts of food that the body can't use are passed out of the body as feces.

Digestive Health Tips

• Exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise – exercise that increases your breathing and heart rate – is the most beneficial for healthy digestion.


• Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Too much alcohol (more than one or two drinks in a day) or chewing or smoking tobacco can lead to serious digestive disorders. When combined with tobacco, alcohol greatly increases your risk of mouth and esophageal cancer.


• Use medications with caution. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve) and ketoprofen (Orudis) are potentially the most damaging. Taking them with food may help. Ask your doctor for advice.

Digestive problems are among the most common reasons people see their doctors. They're also a leading reason people take medication. Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health offers practical advice to help you identify, manage and prevent digestive disorders so you can enjoy life with less stomach and intestinal upset.

You can't prevent or control all digestive problems with nutrition or lifestyle changes. Some digestive disorders are hereditary, or they require more advanced care. But good nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits can go a long way toward keeping your digestive system healthy.