How long does it take for digestion ? everything you need to know

Surely you have ever asked yourself: How long does it take to digest? Maybe after a heavy meal or before exercising. Although digestion is a process natural, its duration varies according to different factors.

In this article, we explain to you how long does it take to digest, when it begins, and what influences its duration. Read on to find out!

How long does it take to digest?

Digestion is the process by which the body breaks down food to absorb nutrients. This process usually takes between 24 and 72 hours., although it depends on several factors.

Here's a rough breakdown of how long it takes for food to travel through your digestive system:

Stomach: Between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the type of food.
Small intestine: Approximately 6 hours, where most of the nutrients are absorbed.
Large intestine: Between 12 and 48 hours, depending on fiber and hydration.
Total time: Complete digestion may take up to 72 hours in some cases.

However, the time varies depending on what we eat and our metabolism. Let's take a closer look.

When does digestion begin?

The digestive process begins the moment you take your first bite. From then on, your body begins to break down the food.

MouthDigestion begins with chewing and saliva, which Helpto break down carbohydrates.
Stomach: Gastric juices act on proteins and fats.
BowelsThe small intestine absorbs nutrients, and the large intestine manages waste.

That's why it's important chew well and eat with calmto to facilitate digestion from the start.

Factors affecting digestion time

The time it takes to digest depends on several factors:

1. Type of food:

Fruits and vegetables: They are digested in 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Carbohydrates (pasta, rice, bread): Approximately 2-3 hours.
Proteins (meat, fish, eggs): 3-6 hours in the stomach.
Fats: They are the slowest, taking up to 8 hours to decompose.

2. Amount of foodThe more you eat, the longer it takes for your body to process it.

3. Metabolism and ageSome people digest food faster than others due to their metabolism. Also, digestion often slows down with age.

4. Emotional state: Stress can affect digestion, causing symptoms such as bloating or heaviness.

5. Hydration and fiber: Drink enough water and consume fiber Help to make food pass through the intestine more quickly.

Tips to improve digestion

If you want to facilitate the digestive process and avoid discomfort, follow these tips:

Eat slowly and chew well.
Avoid very fatty foods before sleeping.
Stay hydrated so that the food moves correctly.
Include fiber in your diet to improve intestinal transit.
Support your digestion with products naturalis, like the Microbiotic Creamer Baïa Food, which contributes to the balance of the intestinal microbiota.

If you want to improve your digestive health, we recommend buy Microbiotic Creamer Bay and add it to your daily routine.

Some frequently asked questions from our customers:

How long should I wait to exercise after eating?
It depends on the type of meal. If it was a light meal (fruit, salad), wait 30 minutes. If it was a full meal, it's best to wait. 2-3 hours.

Why do some foods take longer to digest?
Foods high in fat and protein require more work from the stomach and intestines, so they take longer to process.

Does drinking water during meals affect digestion?
No, in fact, Help It softens food and facilitates its passage through the digestive system. In any case, it's also not recommended to drink large amounts of water during meals, as it can dilute gastric juices, negatively affecting those with hypochlorhydria (a large part of the current population). It's best to do so between meals.

Now you know how long does it take to digest and what factors influence this process. In general, the time varies between 24 and 72 hours, depending on the composition of the food and the metabolism of each person.

If you want to improve your digestion, remember to maintain a balanced diet, drink enough water and consider using products naturalIt's like those of Baïa Food. You well-being digestive is in your hands!