Digestive health starts in the mouth and continues through the stomach, small intestine, and colon. Your body uses acid, enzymes, and muscle movement to digest food and move it along.
In the small intestine, nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. In the colon, water is absorbed and fiber helps form stool. Bacteria in the colon also ferment parts of fiber, producing gases and helpful compounds.
Your gut microbiome supports these processes by balancing helpful bacteria and supporting the gut lining. When the microbiome shifts, it can affect digestion, inflammation signals, and how sensitive you feel to certain foods.