Digestion: How long does it take?

Q.	How long does it take to digest food — from the time you eat it to the time you excrete it in urine or stool? Mary / Washington see response Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Michael Picco, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

All Digestive System Q&As:

• Appendix stones (fecal stones): A cause of appendicitis?
• Celiac disease diet: How do I get enough grains?
• Celiac disease: Can gluten be absorbed through the skin?
• Chronic diarrhea: A concern after gallbladder removal?
• Cimzia: A new drug treatment for Crohn's disease?



• Colon cleansing: Is it helpful or harmful?
• Crohn's disease in children: Are growth delays permanent?
• Crohn's disease symptom: Coping with fatigue
• Detox diets: Do they offer any health benefits?
• Dieulafoy's lesion: How is it treated?



• Digestion: How long does it take?
• Diverticulitis diet: Should I avoid nuts and seeds?
• Diverticulitis diet: What should I eat after an attack?
• Elevated liver enzymes: What does it mean?
• Fiber supplements: Are they safe to take every day?



• Frequent bowel movements: Should I be concerned?
• Fructose intolerance: Which foods should I avoid?
• Acid reflux and GERD: Are they the same thing?
• GERD: Can certain medications increase severity?
• Gallbladder cleanse: A 'natural' remedy for gallstones?



• Gallbladder polyps: Can they be cancerous?
• HIDA scan (cholescintigraphy): Why is it performed?
• High-protein diets: Are they safe?
• Home enemas for constipation: Are they safe?
• IBS diet: Can yogurt ease symptoms?



• Liver cysts: A cause of abdominal pain?
• Liver hemangioma: Does it cause any symptoms?
• Mucus in stool: Is it a concern?
• Narrow stools: Should I be concerned?
• Nervous stomach: Is there such a thing?



• Pancreatic insufficiency: What causes it?
• Poinsettia plants: Are they poisonous if eaten?
• Probiotics: What are they?
• Proctalgia fugax: A cause of episodic rectal pain?
• Proton pump inhibitors: Do they impair calcium absorption?



• Rectal prolapse surgery: When it is necessary?
• Redundant colon: A health concern?
• Runner's diarrhea: How can I prevent it?
• Spastic colon: What does it mean?
• Stomach noise: What makes my stomach growl?



• Stool color: When to worry
• Swallowing gum: Is it harmful?
• The 'dawn phenomenon': What causes it?
• Undigested food in stool: What does it mean?
• Water after meals: Does it disturb digestion?



• White stool: Should I be concerned?

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