Sometimes I like to watch other people eat. A little strange but quite fascinating. Do they chew just few times then gulp their food down? Do they slowly and methodically chew each mouthful? See if you can count how many times per mouthful someone chews. I know it’s a little gross to contemplate, but what can happen if you don’t chew is even more appalling!
Chewing begins the process of digestion in the mouth. We secrete up to 5 liters of saliva per day (one of the many things we take for granted), and in this saliva, we have digestive enzymes. By mixing your food thoroughly with these digestive enzymes your food begins to break down into smaller particles which are then even more broken down in the stomach. If food arrives in your stomach partially digested from too little chewing then your stomach has a bigger job to do.
Once food arrives in your stomach, your stomach acid (low pH ideally around 1-2) will further break food into small amino acids— the building blocks of protein. If your stomach acid is at all deficient, a very common problem, then you’re even further behind in the game of digestion. Your protein will not get sufficiently broken down and will travel out of your stomach into your small intestine partially intact. This can cause gas, bloating, belching.
If you know you are chewing properly and you’re still having digestive symptoms, such as gas and bloating, your next step is to investigate your hydrochloric acid, or HCL.
Back to chewing for now:
The main job of your small intestine is to absorb nutrients. If food arrives there not fully broken down, it will not be absorbed easily. Proteins will continue to putrify in your small intestine because the pH is now not ideal for breaking it down. The results can be belching after meals, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
Digestion is simple and complex all at the same time. If you chew sufficiently, you set your digestion up for the best possible outcome. If your digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid are sufficient AND you take the time to chew your food, chances are your digestion is strong. Having good digestion a very important and fundamental aspect of our health.
Good news: Chewing is totally in your control! Try to chew 30 times per mouthful and maybe even more if you are chewing meat, closer to 50 times per mouthful. What you will notice is better digestion and usually less food consumed. Less food consumed also helps your digestive load be more manageable.
Chew your way to better digestive health and watch how many things about your digestion change for the better!!
