This process involves several organs and phases and can be divided into the following steps:

Ingestion: The digestive process begins when we eat food. Food is taken in through the mouth, where it is chewed and mixed with saliva containing enzymes, initiating the breakdown of carbohydrates.

Digestion in the Stomach: After the food is chewed and mixed with saliva, it moves down into the stomach. Here, the stomach produces stomach acid containing hydrochloric acid and enzymes that further break down the food and kill bacteria that may have been present in the ingested food.

Breakdown in the Intestines: After the food is partially digested in the stomach, it moves on to the small intestine, where most of the digestion takes place. Enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the gallbladder help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into smaller molecules for absorption into the bloodstream.

Absorption: The broken-down nutrients (such as glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins) are absorbed through the intestinal wall and transported via the blood throughout the body.

Elimination: After the necessary nutrients are absorbed, undigested residues and waste products pass through the large intestine and are eventually expelled as feces.

The digestive process is crucial for the absorption of essential nutrients and energy from food. It involves the interaction of several organs, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine, and large intestine. The digestive system is highly complex and regulated by hormones, nerves, and feedback mechanisms to ensure that food is processed correctly.

Some of the most common causes of suboptimal digestion are:

Diet: An unhealthy diet with high levels of unhealthy fats, sugar, and low-fiber foods can lead to digestive problems. Too much fiber can also be problematic for some people.

Stress: Stress can negatively impact the digestive system and lead to symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

Lack of Exercise: Inactivity can slow down the digestive process and result in constipation.

Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can cause hard stools and difficulty passing them, leading to constipation.

Medication: Some medications can disrupt the balance of the digestive system. For example, certain antibiotics can disturb the intestinal flora.

Infections: Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites can result in digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Digestive Disorders: Chronic digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or celiac disease can cause persistent digestive issues.

Food Intolerance: Some individuals have intolerances to certain foods, such as lactose or gluten, leading to digestive discomfort.

Alcohol and Smoking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can negatively affect the digestive system.

Hormonal Changes: Some women experience digestive issues in connection with menstruation or menopause due to hormonal changes.

When you book a consultation with me, needing help with digestion issues, we typically examine your diet, looking for any foods your body may not tolerate, resulting in stress. We also look into potential vitamin deficiencies, habits, exercise, various factors that  in your life that act as a constant burden. We take a closer look into your health history as a whole. You will receive a personalized program to follow, incorporating solutions such as diet, exercise, vitamins, herbs, and homeopathy. Laboratory tests may be considered to take a deeper look into the underlying issues, particularly the “CSAP” test (see under Laboratory Tests).

Additionally, I recommend booking a package that includes four sessions of manual therapy and follow-ups. This approach yields the best results, and my experience shows that it works well, providing strong support to turn your life in the right direction, allowing you more energy to continue with positive habits for a well-functioning digestion.

Manual therapy forms that I typically offer in connection with digestive issues include reflexology, connective tissue massage/craniosacral therapy, and auriculotherapy.

I am looking forward to helping you.