It’s common knowledge that digestion is a crucial process for the body to break down food and make use of the nutrients we consume. However, there are many misconceptions surrounding digestion that persist in popular culture.

Understanding the true nature of digestion is important for making informed decisions about your diet and overall health. Here are ten common misconceptions about digestion that need to be cleared up.

1. Digestion Starts in the Stomach

While it’s true that the stomach is where food is broken down by stomach acid and enzymes, digestion actually starts in the mouth.

The teeth break down the food into smaller pieces, and saliva contains enzymes that begin to break down carbohydrates even before the food reaches the stomach.

2. All Carbohydrates Are Bad for Digestion

Carbohydrates come in two forms, simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates, like those found in processed sugars, can be difficult to digest and can lead to digestive problems.

Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are important for digestion and provide the body with energy. Fiber, a complex carbohydrate, is especially important for digestive health.

3. The Stomach Is Responsible for All Digestion

The stomach is an important part of the digestive system, but it’s not responsible for all digestion. After the food is broken down in the stomach, it passes into the small intestine, where most of the nutrients are absorbed.

The large intestine then absorbs water and electrolytes, and the waste products are eliminated.

4. Acidic Foods Upset the Stomach

While it’s true that acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause heartburn in some people, they actually help the stomach to break down food more efficiently.

The stomach is highly acidic, so acidic foods don’t have a negative effect on digestion unless you have a preexisting condition like acid reflux.

5. Chewing Gum Helps Digestion

Chewing gum might seem like a good way to keep the digestive system working, but it can actually interfere with proper digestion. Chewing gum causes you to swallow air, which can lead to bloating and gas.

Additionally, the constant chewing can overstimulate the digestive system and cause it to produce excess acid, leading to heartburn.

6. You Should Drink a Lot of Water with Meals

While it’s important to stay hydrated, drinking a lot of water with meals can actually dilute the acids and enzymes in the stomach, making it harder to break down food.

A small amount of water with meals is fine, but it’s best to wait until after digestion to drink more.

7. Fasting Is Bad for Digestion

While it’s important to eat a healthy diet, occasional fasting can actually be good for digestion. Fasting gives the digestive system a break and allows the body to focus on repairing and healing other parts of the body.

However, fasting should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

8. Probiotics Are the Key to Good Digestion

While probiotics can be helpful in promoting digestive health, they don’t have magical powers.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are similar to the microorganisms found in the gut, and they can help to restore the balance of gut bacteria. However, they aren’t a cure-all for digestive problems. A healthy diet and lifestyle are just as important for good digestion.

9. Spicy Food Causes Ulcers

Spicy food can cause heartburn in some people, but it doesn’t cause ulcers. Ulcers are caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, as well as by long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen.

10. Digestive Problems Are All in Your Head

While stress and anxiety can exacerbate digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), they aren’t the only cause. Digestive problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and genetics.

If you are experiencing frequent digestive problems, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.