Transition Artist

The mouth kickstarts digestion by breaking down food and mixing it with enzymes. Eating is primarily about absorbing the nutrients essential for our health, and chewing food thoroughly helps in this process.

Having a complete set of teeth, properly aligned with good saliva flow, and healthy jaw joints are crucial for optimal digestion’s first step.  Chewing food in your mouth physically breaks down larger particles into smaller ones, increasing surface area and aiding nutrient absorption.

Chewing aids in reducing stress on the esophagus and assists the stomach in metabolizing and breaking down food. Saliva, containing digestive enzymes, is released during chewing, further aiding digestion. These enzymes are released from the mouth into the throat and stomach, enhancing the digestive process.

The act of chewing initiates various processes in the body that promote digestion. Since digestion is energy-intensive, thorough chewing helps prepare the body for this demanding task.

Thorough chewing lowers the risk of bacterial overgrowth. Inadequately broken-down food can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the colon, causing issues like indigestion, bloating, flatulence, and constipation.

Chewing signals to the gastrointestinal system that food is incoming, prompting the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, aiding food passage through the digestive tract. Thorough chewing also promotes stomach relaxation through saliva release, facilitating efficient food passage into the intestines once the stomach has completed protein breakdown.

Embracing the habit of chewing your food longer not only improves digestion and nutrient absorption but also offers your body the opportunity to fully acknowledge your meal, fostering a positive impact on weight management.