Every time that we eat or drink something, it goes into the gastrointestinal tract. This is where digestion of food takes place. Digestion is a process where enzymes and acids convert food into very small fragments that can be absorbed by the gut. Enzymes are molecules that help to convert something into another thing very quickly. For example, in the gastrointestinal tract, enzymes convert pieces of food into tiny bits. Gastrointestinal cells produce these enzymes and acids. Together with gastrointestinal cells, gut bacteria help the body with food digestion. From digestion, the human body obtains nutrients, such as proteins, sugars, fats, and vitamins that the human body requires to work and grow. Bacteria also help to produce some of these nutrients. Bacteria have the capacity to convert food molecules into energy for the human body. In fact, gut bacteria produce around 10% of the energy that the body uses. In the human body, the endocrine system manages the energy that the body needs.

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