PHYSICAL WELLNESS

your nutrient absorption highway

THE SMALL INTESTINE

Your small intestine is like a long, winding waterslide for food — except along the way, it pulls out almost all the nutrients your body needs to live and thrive.

It’s where most digestion and absorption happen, turning the food you’ve eaten into fuel, building blocks, and vital chemicals your body can use.

Your small intestine:

  • Breaks down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into absorbable pieces

  • Absorbs vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids into the bloodstream

  • Coordinates with digestive enzymes and bile to process food

  • Houses much of your gut microbiome, which supports digestion and immunity

  • Produces hormones that control appetite and blood sugar

  • Acts as a barrier to keep harmful substances out of the body

SMALL INTESTINE BASICS

Common Terms + Simple Definitions

Here’s a mini glossary for related words you’ll see throughout the site:

Duodenum - The first section — mixes food with enzymes and bile

Jejunum - The middle section — absorbs most nutrients

Ileum - The last section — absorbs leftover nutrients, especially B12 and bile salts

Villi - Tiny finger-like shapes that increase surface area for absorption

Microvilli - Even smaller projections that help absorb nutrients

Chyme - The semi-liquid mix of food and digestive juices from the stomach

Leaky Gut - A condition where the intestinal barrier lets harmful particles pass into the bloodstream

WHAT THE STOMACH WORKS WITH

THE STOMACH + OTHER SYSTEMS

  • Stomach → Delivers chyme (partially digested food)

  • Pancreas → Provides enzymes to break down carbs, proteins, and fats

  • Liver + Gallbladder → Provide bile to help digest fats

  • Bloodstream + Lymphatic System → Carry absorbed nutrients throughout the body

  • Gut Microbiome → Helps digest fiber, make vitamins, and regulate immunity

  • Immune System → Detects and responds to harmful microbes or toxins

🌱 Why This Matters

A healthy small intestine:

  • Gives your body the fuel and nutrients it needs for energy, growth, and repair

  • Protects you from harmful bacteria and toxins in food

  • Supports your immune system and gut microbiome

  • Helps maintain healthy metabolism and hormone balance

When the small intestine is inflamed, damaged, or imbalanced, it can lead to nutrient deficiencies, digestive discomfort, food sensitivities, or systemic inflammation.

Your small intestine isn’t just a tube — it’s one of the busiest, most important hubs in your entire body.