Changes

Each ''dhatu'' has its own transforming ''agni'' and ''srotas''. ''Srotas'' or micro channels have two functions of carrying and transforming the tissues with the help of their specific ''dhatvagni''. Five ''bhutagnis'', one for each ''mahabhuta'', transform five ''bhautic'' elements into the body tissues and organs. Seven ''dhatvagni'' or tissue transformers, form the tissue elements of seven ''dhatus'' by their needed nutrients. After formation of ''dhatu'', the microchannels permeates them into the organs for functioning. During this transformation process, ''upadhatu'' or subtissues and ''dhatumala'' or waste products are formed. ''Updhatus'' of ''rasa dhatu'' is breast milk; menstrual blood is ''upadhatu'' of ''rakta''; tendons and six layers of skin are ''upadhatu'' of ''mamsa dhatu'' etc.

Each ''dhatu'' has its own transforming ''agni'' and ''srotas''. ''Srotas'' or micro channels have two functions of carrying and transforming the tissues with the help of their specific ''dhatvagni''. Five ''bhutagnis'', one for each ''mahabhuta'', transform five ''bhautic'' elements into the body tissues and organs. Seven ''dhatvagni'' or tissue transformers, form the tissue elements of seven ''dhatus'' by their needed nutrients. After formation of ''dhatu'', the microchannels permeates them into the organs for functioning. During this transformation process, ''upadhatu'' or subtissues and ''dhatumala'' or waste products are formed. ''Updhatus'' of ''rasa dhatu'' is breast milk; menstrual blood is ''upadhatu'' of ''rakta''; tendons and six layers of skin are ''upadhatu'' of ''mamsa dhatu'' etc.

Apart from digestion, the gut performs various other significant functions as well. The gut has its own protective mechanism in the form of gut-associated lymphoid tissue, which prevents the entry of pathogens into the bloodstream. The micro-biota in the gut serves vital functions related to various aspects of health. The enteric nervous system of the gut has its own functional significance and has been proven to be very closely associated with the central nervous system functions. The gut secretes several hormone-like substances that are helpful in regulating long-term energy balance. All the factors mentioned are either directly or indirectly dependent on these functional domains of the gut. [ ] [ ] Other forms of ''agni'' in this context are indicative of ''bhutagni'' and ''dhatvagni'', which in turn, are functionally dependent on ''jatharagni''. ''Prana'' in this context may stand for all types of ''vata'' as well.

Apart from digestion, the gut performs various other significant functions as well. The gut has its own protective mechanism in the form of gut-associated lymphoid tissue, which prevents the entry of pathogens into the bloodstream. The micro-biota in the gut serves vital functions related to various aspects of health. The enteric nervous system of the gut has its own functional significance and has been proven to be very closely associated with the central nervous system functions. The gut secretes several hormone-like substances that are helpful in regulating long-term energy balance. All the factors mentioned are either directly or indirectly dependent on these functional domains of the gut. <ref>W I Khan, J E Ghia. Gut hormones: emerging role in immune activation and inflammation. Clin Exp Immunol. 2010 July; 161(1): 19–27</ref> <ref>Andrew L. Kau, Philip P. Ahern, Nicholas W. Griffin, Andrew L. Goodman, Jeffrey I. Gordon. Human nutrition, the gut microbiome, and immune system: envisioning the future. Nature. 2011 June 15; 474(7351): 327–336. doi: 10.1038/nature10213</ref>Other forms of ''agni'' in this context are indicative of ''bhutagni'' and ''dhatvagni'', which in turn, are functionally dependent on ''jatharagni''. ''Prana'' in this context may stand for all types of ''vata'' as well.

==== Three stages of digestion ====

==== Three stages of digestion ====