Chew Your Food Well

While growing up - we have often heard the refrains - chew your food, chew well and swallow. Many people even insist on counting the number of chews but that sort of takes away all the fun of eating.

The word ‘digestion’ conjures to the mind ‘the stomach’ - when actually the digestion begins in the mouth - as soon as the chewing action begins.

The action of chewing prepares the body for digestion and the stomach is now on alert to make acid. The pancreas also receive signals to secrete juices into the small intestine.

Chewing is a methodical and well-paced action, which constitutes the ‘cephalic stage’ of digestion.

The stimulation of the taste receptors in the mouth prompts the nervous system which in turn relays the information to the gastrointestinal system. This relay system signals the stomach lining to produce and release hydrochloric acid which aids in breaking down protein in the food.

When you swallow large bites - without chewing, only the outer surface is accessible to the stomach enzymes and acid to work on. This undigested food stays for a longer time in the stomach, giving a feeling of bloating and gas. In addition, there is not enough saliva for quick and smooth movement of food.

These are all causes for reflux and heartburn, acidity and stomach cramps.