Chemical digestion occurs when the body uses enzymes to break down certain molecules, such as carbohydrates. This process allows the bloodstream to absorb smaller molecules to transport around the ...

Using new technology, researchers at UC Davis and Stanford University are able to study microbes and metabolism in different parts of the human digestive system for the first time. (Getty Images) Most ...

This story is part of a series exploring human anatomy and physiology complexities. Each story in this collection showcases discoveries reshaping our understanding of the body's inner workings, ...

Some glands in the stomach and duodenum – a segment of the intestine – secrete mucus to protect the lining of the digestive ...

According to Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a balanced diet combining probiotics, prebiotics and fibre is the key to a healthy gut.

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in ...

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause problems anywhere in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. That's the system of organs, stretching from your mouth to your anus ...

In recent years, Americans have grown more aware of gut health, with gastrointestinal-friendly products such as fermented goods or probiotics increasingly in vogue. Digestive health was a $40 billion ...

Chemical digestion is one of the six main functions of your digestive system. This system consists of your digestive or gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs. During chemical digestion, your ...