Proper digestion is fundamental to good health.
What is required for digestion?

Proper and thorough chewing: Chewing breaks down large pieces of food into smaller ones and stimulates the production of amylase, the enzyme needed to breakdown starches. Chewing, tasting, seeing and smelling food stimulates the production of stomach acid.

Proper pH: The stomach produces acid. An acidic environment is needed to sterilize food, activate enzymes to breakdown protein, activate intrinsic factor needed to absorb Vitamin B12. The intestines produce bicarbonate. An alkaline environment is needed for the proper function of enzymes: bile from liver breaks down fats, enzymes from the pancreas and intestinal cells breakdown all other food components.

Enzymes: Enzymes are needed to breakdown food components. They are produced by different organs and are released into the digestive tract via signals (presence of food, pH, hormones etc). Enzymes are specific to proteins, fats and carbohydrates and require the proper environment to work.

Microflora: The digestive system has its own ecosystem—we need friendly bacteria to make and absorb certain vitamins, regulate bowel movements and provide immune protection.

Fibre: Fibre is needed to regulate bowel movements, help increase enzyme response, bind to toxins, and provide fuel for cells and bacteria.

Healthy cellular lining: The walls of the digestive system are like specialized filters that strictly control the movement of molecules. Healthy cells allow proper absorption of nutrients and proper production of certain enzymes and co-factors. There are also immune cells. Anytime this lining is compromised (by illness, infection, drugs, improper diet etc), proper digestion is also compromised.

Muscle movement: The digestive tract is one long muscular tube. It creates rhythmic movements to help mix food and digestive juices and to move the food through. These movements are controlled by the brain and by the presence of food, pH and enzymes in the system.

Absence of stress: When we are under mental or physical stress, the digestive system doesn’t work as well. Chronic stress results in altered production of acids and enzymes and changes in microflora and muscle movement.