We often think of digestion solely in terms of the stomach and intestines. However, we usually forget that this topic involves a number of other influences and mechanisms.
Our Dailybacs work specifically in the intestines, one of the most crucial steps in the digestive process. These small, self-determined bacteria provide local and usually very successful support. They restore the balance of the gut flora, can improve digestion, and promote effective nutrient absorption. But digestion actually begins much earlier—with processes we can consciously control. This means we don’t have to leave the work solely to the involuntary mechanisms of our body and the diligent probiotics. In addition to healthy eating and exercise, we can 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 might not even realize play a role. Strictly speaking, digestion begins with the eyes and nose. They conduct the start of the rhythm, because as soon as the eyes perceive food, this can already trigger increased saliva flow (provided the food looks appealing). The olfactory nerves must also give their consent before we even indulge in the meal.
"Well Chewed Is Half Digested"
Here begins the art of chewing. With a steady, rhythmic movement of the jaw, the food is crushed and broken down. The more thorough, the better—because this breaks the food into its individual parts. Increased saliva production supplies food-splitting enzymes that chemically divide the food. The so-called amylases break down carbohydrates into simple sugar building blocks.
Try it yourself: if you chew bread long enough, it eventually tastes sweet!
This way, we’ve already done good preparatory work for the stomach and intestines. The small pieces can be more easily absorbed and metabolized by the other “digestive instruments.” This reduces unpleasant issues like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or heartburn. This is simply because the stomach sometimes struggles to break down larger food pieces. These only arrive partially broken down in the intestines and cause familiar problems. It’s also crucial that large food particles don’t allow energy and good nutrients to be extracted as effectively. You could even call it real food waste, as all those good nutrients just end up in the drain—even if it’s regional, seasonal organic vegetables. Such “nutrient waste” would be truly unfortunate and especially too expensive to just flush away. Dr. Stossier put it well in the 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 made their rhythmic contribution, the muscular movement of the esophagus pushes the food past the heart and lungs toward the gastrointestinal tract. The rhythmic impulses of these organs—heartbeat and breathing—can also be seen as part of the process. Once in the stomach, the rhythm is stirred up again. Through gastric peristalsis, the stomach’s movement continues to liquefy, knead, and break down the food, while simultaneously sterilizing it with hydrochloric acid and directing it further into the small intestine.
The small intestine never rests—it works like the heart in a steady rhythm that neutralizes stomach acid. The pancreas and gallbladder join in, as their secretions provide important enzymes that complete the digestion of the ingested food. Sometimes, disharmony in this rhythm can occur—because potential intolerances become noticeable during this process. The remaining food components that our body doesn’t need or cannot absorb are first thickened in the large intestine and then excreted. The large intestine also moves rhythmically, but it somewhat slows down the entire composition. Its pace is slower, and it holds the food mass toward the end, moving it in the opposite direction to the small intestine’s movement.
Yes, digestion is a wonderful, rhythmic interplay! But unfortunately, there are things that can disrupt this rhythm. This is where chewing comes back into play. Often, we find ourselves unable to properly enjoy our food. We are not present and not mindful while eating, hastily shoveling food in, distracted by many influences around us: whether phone, TV, or a conversation with someone. Eating connects people and is known to bring friends, family, and strangers together. Talking is part of the enjoyable experience, but thorough mechanical digestion should not be neglected.
Because those who chew properly and thoroughly are not only appreciated by their stomach but also by their taste buds. You get to enjoy the various, diverse layers of flavor a dish has to offer. Also, proper chewing can help you become slimmer. Losing weight through mindful chewing? It 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. The brain lags behind slightly in time and needs at least 15 minutes to signal the body’s feeling of satiety. Fifteen minutes is quite a long time when you consider how much a “fast eater” can gulp down in that time. You are satisfied with smaller portions, which can positively affect weight (assuming you are overweight). Thorough chewing also means swallowing less air, which prevents sluggish bloating after eating.
The Classic Daily Rhythm Does Not Align with the Digestive Rhythm
Just pay attention to your own habits. Often, we want to get full as quickly as possible—a combination of nagging hunger and the pressure to quickly return to our daily routine. This also explains the rise in fast food restaurants in recent years. The faster, the better—and quality often falls by the wayside. Our body is naturally designed to select food in the mouth through prolonged chewing and to reject inedible or toxic substances. Inedible items often reveal themselves only in the last nuance of taste! For example, unhealthy, refined food doesn’t taste as good after prolonged chewing.
Anti-Stress Therapy
Taking time for relaxed meals can act as a real anti-stress therapy in a hectic daily life. Many people who have changed their chewing habits report that the mechanical chewing movements have a relaxing effect on the entire body.
If this long list of benefits from thorough chewing still hasn’t convinced you—get ready! Because we have plenty more reasons to chew well that will surely knock you off your chair:
Youthful, Immune, and Light as a Feather Just by Chewing!?
- Radiate Youth:
Chewing releases the hormone parotin through the salivary glands in the mouth. Parotin has been revealed by scientific research as a regeneration miracle. It stimulates cell metabolism and is responsible for the regeneration of the entire body. A study showed that subjects who received parotin treatments looked significantly younger.
- Defense Power:
Since the foods we consume are naturally anything but sterile, saliva in the oral cavity takes care of the first line of defense. It kills the first bacteria with the help of the protein histamine and an antibacterial enzyme called lysozyme. Increased saliva production during chewing can influence the body’s overall immune strength and also protect the digestive tract more effectively from invaders and resulting diseases!
- Feel Light as a Feather:
Feeling light as a feather after eating? Most people don’t know this experience. But when you chew properly, you avoid large food chunks in the stomach that quickly start fermenting and make you feel bloated and heavy. Smaller pieces require less energy from the body to break down. So instead of feeling sluggish, heavy, and tired, you feel fit and light—you can use the energy you’ve taken in for much better things!
- Hollywood Smile
To avoid unpleasant dentist visits, just chew properly. The chewing muscles and gums get better blood circulation, which strengthens the entire jaw. Saliva surrounds the teeth, acting disinfectingly and preventing cavities. Nothing should stand in the way of your radiant smile!
But How Do You Chew “Properly”?
Experts recommend 40 to 50 chewing repetitions per bite. Yes, that’s quite a lot! If you want to try it out, you can start with 20 repetitions and work your way up with small bites! Usually, this makes you realize how unmindful your usual eating habits have been in the past. It might also lead you to start getting annoyed with yourself and the missed taste experiences.
Better late than never! Your stomach and intestines will especially thank you and probably quickly reward you with improved digestion, which can also positively affect your entire body and well-being!
FUN FACT:
Plant-eating birds often have stones in their stomachs, and for good reason. These so-called gastroliths help further process and grind the food mass in the stomach. Grass and other plants are very hard to digest. Gastroliths are also known in connection with dinosaurs.
