How long does it take to digest? Everything you need to know

You've probably wondered how long it takes to digest food. Maybe it takes after a heavy meal or before exercising. Although digestion is a natural process, its duration varies depending on different factors.

In this article, we explain how long digestion takes , when it starts, 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 the digestive system:

• Stomach : Between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the type of food.

• Small intestine : Approximately 6 hours, where most nutrients are absorbed.

• Large intestine : Between 12 and 48 hours, depending on fiber and hydration.

• Total time: Complete digestion can take up to 72 hours in some cases.

However, the time varies depending on what we eat and our metabolism. Let's look at it in detail.

When does digestion begin?

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

• Mouth : Digestion begins with chewing and saliva, which help break down carbohydrates.

• Stomach : Gastric juices act on proteins and fats.

• Intestines : The small intestine absorbs nutrients, and the large intestine manages waste.

Therefore, it is important to chew well and eat slowly to facilitate digestion from the start.

Factors affecting digestion time

The time it takes for digestion depends on several factors:

1. Type of food :

• Fruits and vegetables : 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 : These are the slowest, taking up to 8 hours to decompose.

2. Quantity of food : The more you eat, the longer the body needs to process it.

3. Metabolism and age : Some people digest faster than others due to their metabolism. In addition, digestion usually slows down with age.

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

5. Hydration and fiber : Drinking enough water and consuming fiber helps 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 going to bed .

• Stay hydrated to help food move properly.

• Include fiber in your diet to improve intestinal transit.

• Support your digestion with natural products , such as Baïa Food Microbiotic Creamer , which contributes to the balance of the intestinal microbiota.

If you want to improve your digestive health, we recommend purchasing Microbiotic Creamer Baïa and adding 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 light (fruit, salad), wait 30 minutes. If it was a full meal, it is ideal to wait 2-3 hours .

Why do some foods take longer to digest?
Meals 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, it helps to soften food and facilitate its passage through the digestive system. In any case, it is not advisable to drink a large amount of water during meals, as it can dilute gastric juices, negatively affecting those people with hypochlorhydria (a large part of the current population). It is better to do so between meals.

Now you know how long it takes to digest food 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 natural products such as those from Baïa Food . Your digestive well-being is in your hands!