How long does it take to digest food? As a certified nutritionist, I specialize in understanding the human digestive system. The digestion process varies depending on the food consumed, but on average, it takes around 24 to 72 hours for food to pass through the digestive tract. Factors like the type of food, individual metabolism, and overall health influence the digestion time. I'm here to provide expert advice on optimizing digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.