Question

What is the typical gastrointestinal transit time?

Answer 1

Depending upon individual digestive factors, the entire digestive process takes between 24 to 72 hours on an average.

Explanation:

It takes about 6 to 8 hours for the food to pass through the stomach and small intestines .
When food enters the colon , it is possible that some food particles still need to be digested. Beneficial bacteria present in the colon break down the remaining undigested matter. Water is also reabsorbed from the stools.
Digestion through the large intestines ( colon ) takes longer than the stomach and small intestines - roughly 24 hours.
From the colon the digestive material is moved to the rectum , where it remains till a bowel movement.
Type of diet can speed up or slow down digestive process.