Watch: India's Shubhanshu Shukla explains how astronauts digest food in space
Without gravity, stomach contents float freely and take longer to settle, meaning digestion can slow down for some astronauts.The small intestine's muscles continue to push food along, while peristalsis in the large intestine slows to allow more water and nutrients to be absorbed before waste elimination. This slowdown necessitates that astronauts stay well-hydrated at all times to aid nutrient absorption and waste processing.Moreover, the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms in the digestive tract, can change during spaceflight due to microgravity's effects. These changes may affect how nutrients are broken down and absorbed, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies if not managed carefully. Understanding these effects is key as studies aim to optimise astronauts' dietary intake to maintain their health on long missions.Shukla pointed to the essential nature of peristalsis in both Earth and space environments, stating that without it, digestion and bodily functions would be impossible. He also highlighted the broader goals of space exploration, mentioning ongoing efforts to send astronauts to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.The discoveries from digestion and muscle health research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will not only help astronauts care for themselves on these challenging missions but also provide insights beneficial to human health on Earth.Alongside his educational outreach on digestion, Shukla conducted pioneering scientific experiments on muscle stem cells aboard the ISS's Kibo laboratory. These studies seek to understand muscle loss in microgravity and how to prevent it, offering hope for treatments for muscle-wasting conditions to aid aging populations on Earth.Shubhanshu Shukla's work highlights how space research tackles fundamental human health challenges in extreme environments, inspiring future generations while advancing the frontiers of science and exploration.His STEMonstration vividly, showing that even in weightlessness, the body's sophisticated systems keep us nourished and functioning.All eyes are now on his return to India, which is expected in the second week of August.- EndsTrending Reel
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