Dr. Daniel Bettiol

There are more organs, tissues and muscles used in Digestion than in any other function of the body.

First we have the muscles involved with chewing the food-including the tongue which moves the food between the teeth. The Salivary Glands pump saliva into the mouth to help initiate food breakdown. Then there are the Upper Throat muscles which contract to swallow the food bolus. After the Food passes through the Esophagus, the Esophageal Sphincter muscle opens to allow the food into the Stomach, then must close behind it.

The main Digestion organ is the Stomach. However, it is not alone in Digestion. The Pancreas secretes enzymes to break down the fats, proteins and carbohydrates. The Gall Bladder stores and delivers Bile to help emulsify the fats. The Small Intestine absorbs the liquid nutrients for delivery to the blood vessels. The Liver filters nutrient toxins from the blood. The Heart pumps the blood throughout the body. The blood carries the nutrients to the cells. The Lungs provide Oxygen to help combust (metabolize) the nutrients. The Mitochondrium of the Cell metabolizes the nutrients into energy.

Is it any wonder why we feel tired after Eating? Could that be one of the big reasons why you took a nap after Thanksgiving Dinner and usually feel sluggish after big family get-togethers.

Estimates range from 65-85% of the population overeats during the Holidays. After all, with all the goodies sitting under one's nose, who can blame anyone for sampling the culinary delights.

However, one can enjoy a Family holiday meal without popping buttons of our pants. Here are a few suggestions which could benefit the chronic "food-stuffers" this Holiday season.