In the fast-paced city life, many of us are strapped for time and eating on the go. It is well understood that the contents of our diet can impact our digestive health. However, is also another significant factor that contributes to digestive health- chewing.
As food passes through our digestive system, various enzymes are released throughout the process. The saliva in our mouth contains salivary amylase which breaks down carbohydrates, our stomach secretes hydrochloric acid which breaks down proteins, our gallbladder releases bile which breaks down fats and like this all the way to the end of the digestive tract our body breaks down our food- extracting, absorbing and assimilating nutrients in this process.
What we eat is important- but so is how we eat. If we are sub-optimally digesting our food- we may not be absorbing and extracting the essential nutrition we need to build our health and wellbeing. This may also contribute to low iron, B12, and other nutrient and vitamin deficiencies.
Chewing our food signals to the other parts of our digestive tract (stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine and large intestine) to get prepared and begin to secrete enzymes in preparation to the food to come. By not chewing our food effectively this can impact the process downstream- contributing to symptoms of bloating, digestive pain, loose stools and diarrhoea with undigested food.
Chew your drink and drink your food
Mahatma Gandhi
Taking the 10-20 minutes to sit down, chew your food and eat your meal is a simple way to get more out of your food. It may also help some people with bloating.
If you still feel symptoms of bloating, digestive pain, loose stools and diarrhoea talk to your GP first, as ongoing digestive symptoms should be medically checked, and then, if appropriate, book a consultation. Warm regards and happy holidays, Ahil.
Any questions or to book in, feel free to contact Ahil at the Alexandria clinic on (02) 9341 5775 or by email at ahilnaturopath@gmail.com.
Ahil Naturopath/Acupuncture is a clinic located near Redfern, Alexandria and Waterloo. We also service areas across Sydney including Botany, Camperdown, Darlinghurst, Erskineville, Eveleigh, Mascot, Newtown, Rosebery, Surry Hills and Zetland.
We offer Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Cupping, Gua Sha (Scraping) and Moxibustion services in South-East, Eastern and Inner City of Sydney.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for individual advice from a qualified health practitioner. If you have a health concern, please see your GP or book a consultation.