digestion

Everyday

1. The process in the body that breaks food down into tiny parts the body can take in and use. tree →
2. The body's ability to do this. tree →

In the lessons

In science, digestion begins in the mouth (teeth and saliva), then the food goes down the gullet (oesophagus) to the stomach, then into the small intestine where nutrients pass into the blood, and the large intestine takes water back; what is left leaves the body as poo. Fibre, water and exercise help good digestion. Phrases: «the digestive system», «good for digestion», «aid digestion».

Examples

• Digestion starts when you chew food in your mouth. tree →
• Saliva helps digestion by making food soft. tree →
• The stomach uses acid for digestion. tree →
• Fibre from fruit and vegetables is good for digestion. tree →
• Food takes many hours to pass through the whole digestive system. tree →
• Some people have trouble with digestion of milk. tree →
• A cow has four parts to its stomach for the digestion of grass. tree →
• The idea that you must wait an hour to swim after eating is a myth. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable. Verb «digest»; adjective «digestive». Myth: you do not have to wait an hour after eating to swim; it is safe, though a very big meal can make you feel slow. Chewing well helps digestion.

In Jewish tradition

In science, digestion begins in the mouth (teeth and saliva), then the food goes down the gullet (oesophagus) to the stomach, then into the small intestine where nutrients pass into the blood, and the large intestine takes water back; what is left leaves the body as poo. Fibre, water and exercise help good digestion. Phrases: «the digestive system», «good for digestion», «aid digestion».

Note

Usually uncountable. Verb «digest»; adjective «digestive». Myth: you do not have to wait an hour after eating to swim; it is safe, though a very big meal can make you feel slow. Chewing well helps digestion.