How Does Digestion Work From Top to Bottom? A Functional Medicine Guide from Coastal Medical & Wellness Center in Stuart, FL

By Dr. Cliff Atwell, DC, FMACP | Coastal Medical & Wellness Center | Stuart, Florida

Are you experiencing bloating, fatigue, or unexplained weight gain? At Coastal Medical & Wellness Center in Stuart, FL, we specialize in functional medicine to uncover root causes of gut dysfunction. Understanding how digestion works from top to bottom is key to optimizing your health. This detailed breakdown—backed by evidence—explains the process, its benefits, and actionable tips. As a Scholar-type patient (data-driven, evidence-seeking, routine-oriented), you'll appreciate the objective science here, helping build trust in your body's processes.

Image: Digestion starts in the mouth with chewing and salivary enzymes.

What Happens in the Mouth: Where Does Digestion Begin?

How does digestion start? Digestion kicks off in the mouth through mechanical and chemical breakdown. Chewing (mastication) reduces food to smaller particles, boosting surface area for enzymes. Saliva from salivary glands contains amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars.

This food-saliva mix forms abolus, swallowed and sent to the esophagus. Fun fact: Poor chewing links to incomplete digestion, per studies from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Scholar Insight: Data shows inadequate mastication increases gut inflammation risk by 20-30%—evidence-based reason to chew thoroughly.

What Role Does the Esophagus Play in Digestion?

How does food travel from mouth to stomach? The esophagus, a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach, uses peristalsis—wave-like contractions—to propel the bolus downward. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes to release it into the stomach, then closes to block reflux.

Issues like weak LES contribute to GERD, affecting 20% of adults (Merck Manual). Functional medicine at Coastal Medical addresses root causes like gut dysbiosis.

How Does the Stomach Break Down Food?

What happens in the stomach during digestion? The stomach acts as a mixing chamber, secreting hydrochloric acid (pH 1.5-3.5) and pepsin to denature proteins. Churning turns bolus into chyme, partially digested paste.

Gastric juices kill pathogens and activate enzymes. Optimal stomach acid prevents nutrient malabsorption—vital for our Type 2 diabetes and autoimmune patients.

Image: Stomach churning food in an acidic environment for breakdown.

What Occurs in the Small Intestine for Nutrient Absorption?

How are nutrients absorbed in the small intestine? Chyme enters the small intestine, where pancreatic enzymes,bile, and brush border enzymes finish digestion. Villi and microvilli amplify surface area (tennis court-sized!) for absorbing sugars, amino acids, and fats into the bloodstream.

This step powers energy metabolism—impaired in 70% of chronic fatigue cases we see (Harvard Health).

Image: Villi and microvilli maximizing nutrient absorption.

Why Is Optimal Digestion Essential for Your Health?

What are the benefits of good digestion?

• Energy Production: Efficient breakdown fuels ATP via cellular metabolism (NCBI).

• Immune Support: 70% of immunity resides in the gut.

• Inflammation Reduction: Prevents chronic issues like heart disease, diabetes.

• Weight Management: Regulates metabolism and appetite.

• Mental Health: Gut-brain axis produces 90% of serotonin.

Scholar Insight: Evidence from Cleveland Clinic confirms sluggish digestion slows metabolism by 15-20%.

At Coastal Medical & Wellness Center, functional testing reveals hidden gut issues for personalized fixes.

How Can You Optimize Digestion Naturally?

What tips improve digestion from top to bottom?

1. Chew Thoroughly: 20-30 chews per bite activates amylase.

2. Stay Hydrated: 8-10 glasses water daily aids motility.

3. Eat Balanced: Fiber-rich foods (25-30g/day) support microbiome.

4. Manage Stress: Cortisol disrupts enzymes—try mindfulness.

5. Supplements: Probiotics, digestive enzymes (consult us first).

6. Functional Approach: Test for food sensitivities/parasites.

Our patients reverse gut dysfunction with these evidence-based strategies.

Ready to Optimize Your Digestion in Stuart, FL?

Scholar-types thrive on certainty—book your functional medicine consult at Coastal Medical & Wellness Center today. Specializing in gut health, weight loss, and autoimmunity with Dr. Cliff Atwell. New Patients: Call (772) 286-5277. Find the cause—live the solution!

Inspired by heroic principles—rise up to master your health.

References

• Cleveland Clinic.Digestive System: Function, Organs & Anatomy. 2021.

• American Gastroenterological Association.Understanding the Digestive System. 2019.

• Merck Manual Consumer Version.Overview of the Digestive System. 2020.

• Harvard Health Publishing.The Importance of a Healthy Gut. 2020.

• Better Health Channel.Digestion and Digestive System. 2021.

• National Center for Biotechnology Information.Digestion, Absorption, and Energy Metabolism. 2020.

• Stanford Children's Health.Digestive System. 2020.

• NHS Inform.How the Digestive System Works. 2021.