When we think about digestion, we often think only of the stomach and intestines. We usually forget that a number of other influences and mechanisms are involved.
Our Dailybacs They work specifically in the gut, one of the most crucial steps in the digestive process. These small, self-regulating bacteria provide their necessary support locally and usually very successfully. They restore balance to the gut flora, can improve digestion, and promote effective nutrient absorption. But digestion actually begins much earlier—with processes that we can consciously control. This means we don't have to leave the work entirely to our body's own mechanisms and the hard-working probiotics. In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, we can also actively contribute to improving digestion—and it's much easier than you might think!
A rhythmic journey
Our digestion is a composition of various rhythms, created by instruments many of which we may not even realize play a role. Strictly speaking, our digestion begins with our eyes and nose. They orchestrate the start of the rhythm, because as soon as the eyes perceive food, this can already trigger increased salivation (provided the food looks appealing). The olfactory nerves, too, must give their approval before we even indulge in the meal.
“Well chewed is half digested”
This is where the art of chewing begins. With a steady, rhythmic movement of the jaw, the food is crushed and broken down. The more thorough, the better – because this is how the food is broken down into its individual components. Increased saliva production provides food-digesting enzymes that chemically divide the food. These enzymes, called amylases, break down carbohydrates into simple sugar building blocks.
Try it yourself: if you chew bread long enough, it will eventually taste sweet!
This way, we've already done a good job of preparing food for the stomach and intestines. The smaller pieces can then be more easily absorbed and metabolized by the other digestive organs. This reduces the frequency of unpleasant symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn. This is simply because the stomach sometimes struggles to break down larger pieces of food. These arrive in the intestines only partially digested and cause the familiar problems. It's also crucial to understand that energy and nutrients are not extracted as effectively from large food particles. It can even be considered a real waste of food, as all those beneficial nutrients simply end up down the drain – even if it's regional, seasonal, organic produce. Such nutrient waste would be a real shame and, above all, far too expensive to flush it all down the toilet. Dr. [Name] Stossier summed it up well in his book “Viva Mayr”: “…it makes no sense to spend money on organic food if we don’t chew it long enough. Then you might as well eat industrially processed food.”
After the teeth and jaw have contributed their rhythmic action, the muscular contractions of the esophagus push the food past the heart and lungs toward the gastrointestinal tract. The rhythmic impulses of these organs—heartbeat and respiration—can also be seen as part of this process. Once in the stomach, the rhythm is disrupted once again.Through gastric peristalsis, the movement of the stomach, the food bolus is further liquefied, kneaded and broken down, simultaneously sterilized by hydrochloric acid and directed further into the small intestine.
The small intestine never rests – like the heart, it works in a constant rhythm that neutralizes stomach acid. The pancreas and gallbladder also play a role, as their secretions provide important enzymes that complete the digestion of ingested food. Sometimes, a disruption in this rhythm can occur, as potential intolerances can manifest during this process. The remaining food components, which our body doesn't need or can't absorb, are first concentrated in the large intestine and then excreted. The large intestine also moves in a rhythm, but one that somewhat reverses the overall process. Its pace is slower, and it slows down the movement of the chyme towards the end, moving it in the opposite direction to the small intestine.
Yes, digestion is a wonderful, rhythmic interplay! But unfortunately, there are things that can disrupt this rhythm. This is where chewing comes into play again. Often, we find ourselves unable to properly enjoy our food. We're not present and not mindful while eating, hastily stuffing our food in, distracted by the many influences around us: whether it's our cell phone, the television, or a conversation with the person opposite us. Food connects people and, as we know, brings friends, family, and strangers together. Conversation is part of the enjoyable experience, but thorough mechanical digestion shouldn't be neglected.
Because those who chew properly and thoroughly not only benefit their stomachs, but also their taste buds. You can enjoy the various, diverse layers of flavor that a dish has to offer. Furthermore, chewing properly can help you lose weight. Lose weight Through thorough chewing? That sounds somewhat unrealistic, but it's proven. Those who chew more thoroughly automatically take more time to eat and become aware of their feeling of fullness earlier. Brain The body lags behind in terms of timing and needs at least 15 minutes to signal satiety. Fifteen minutes is quite a long time when you consider how much a "fast eater" can wolf down in that time. You'll be satisfied with smaller portions, which can have a positive effect on your weight (provided you're overweight). Chewing thoroughly also means you swallow less air. This prevents that sluggish feeling of fullness after eating.
The classic daily rhythm does not coincide with the digestive rhythm.
Just pay attention to your own habits. We often want to feel full as quickly as possible, a combination of gnawing hunger and the pressure to get back into our daily routine as soon as possible. This also explains the rise in fast-food restaurants in recent years. The faster, the better, and the question of quality often gets overlooked. Our bodies are naturally designed to select food in the mouth through thorough chewing, eliminating inedible or toxic components. Inedible food often only reveals itself in the final nuance of taste! For example, unhealthy, refined food doesn't taste nearly as good after prolonged chewing.
Anti-stress therapy
Taking time for relaxed meals can act as a real anti-stress therapy in our stressful everyday lives. Many people who have changed their chewing habits report that the mechanical chewing movements have a relaxing effect on their entire body.
If this long list of benefits of thorough chewing still hasn't convinced you – brace yourself! Because we have a whole lot more reasons to chew well that are guaranteed to make you fall off your chair:
Youthful, immune, and feather-light just by chewing!?
- Radiate youth:
Chewing releases the hormone parotene into the mouth via the parotid glands. Scientific research has revealed parotene to be a regenerative powerhouse. It stimulates cell metabolism and is thus responsible for the regeneration of the entire body. One study showed that subjects who received parotene treatments looked significantly younger.
- Defensive power:
Since the food we consume is anything but sterile, saliva in the oral cavity plays a crucial role. It kills off the first bacteria. This happens with the help of the protein histamine and an antibacterial enzyme called lysozyme. The increased saliva production during chewing can influence the body's overall defenses, and the digestive tract is also more effectively protected against invaders and the resulting illnesses!
- Feeling feather-light:
Feeling light as a feather after eating? Most people don't know this feeling. But if you chew properly, you avoid large chunks of food in your stomach that quickly begin to ferment, leaving you feeling bloated and heavy. Smaller pieces of food require less energy from your body to break them down. So instead of feeling sluggish, heavy, and tired, you feel fit and light – because you can use that energy for much better things!
- Hollywood Smile
To avoid unpleasant dental visits, simply chew properly. This improves blood flow to the chewing muscles and gums, strengthening the entire jaw. Saliva washes over the teeth, disinfecting and preventing cavities. Nothing should stand in the way of your radiant smile!
But how do you chew “correctly”?
Experts recommend 40 to 50 chews per bite. Yes, that's quite a lot! If you just want to try it out, you can start with 20 chews and gradually increase the number of bites! This is when you usually realize how careless your eating habits have been in the past. It might also lead you to start feeling annoyed with yourself and the missed taste experiences.
Better late than never! Your stomach and intestines will thank you and likely reward you quickly with improved digestion, which can also have a positive impact on your entire body and well-being!
FUN FACT:
Herbivorous birds often have stones in their stomachs, and for good reason. These so-called gastroliths are there to further process and break down the food pulp in the stomach.Because grass and other plants are very difficult to digest. Gastroliths are also known to be associated with dinosaurs.
