You may always be thinking why grandparents always say us to chew food. Interestingly enough, this very ancient tip contains a monumental list of benefits to your health, especially your digestive system. Chewing is the initial and one of the most important processes of digestion. But nowadays due to our hectic life, we always rush to eat and never bother about chewing food properly.

Your digestive system or gut health is responsible for your health overall, governing digestion, immunity, and even the mind. Effective chewing of food will make a huge difference in your gut health, making digestion efficient and smooth. Here is a blog article by Pune's top nutritionist, discussing six important reasons for good chewing of food to ensure a healthy gut.

6 Reasons Why Chewing Your Food Properly is Important for Gut Health

1. It Enables Better Digestion

Digestion starts in the mouth. If you're chewing properly, it's digested into tiny little edible pieces, so your intestines and stomach will be able to digest it easily.

1.   Your salivary enzymes have amylase and lipase in them, and they begin to break down the carbohydrates and fat of your food within your mouth.

2.   Chewing suspends the food in these enzymes, and then digestion starts off with some relief on pressure from the stomach.

3.   If food is not chewed properly, large lumps are forced into your stomach, which is even more difficult for digestive juices to function efficiently, and indigestion, bloating, and discomfort will be the outcome.

Proper chewing of food thereby makes digestion simple and best for your gut.

2. Increases Nutrient Absorption

The more you chew, the greater the number of nutrients your body will absorb from food.

1.   When you chew food into tiny morsels, you are providing digestive enzymes with a larger surface area to operate on, so it becomes easier to digest and get the nutrients out.

2.   Chewing half-chewed food allows it to move through your digestive system without having been thoroughly processed, so you are robbing yourself of vital nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

3.   Healthy chewing makes your intestines pull out the maximum level of nutrients, and that also contributes to overall gut health and strengthens your immune system.

Just chewing more maximizes nutrient absorption and puts your body in its best-performing phase.

3. Minimizes Digestive Symptoms Such as Bloating and Gas

Bloating and unwanted gas are probably the most prevalent digestive complaints. It is most likely caused by a rushed chewed meal.

1.   Large food particles are digested slowly in the stomach, and that causes fermentation in the intestines and discomfort, bloating, and gas.

2.   Well-chewing reduces the likelihood of food reaching your intestines undigested and hence gas formation and fermentation.

3.   It also avoids heartburn and acid reflux since the stomach is not required to work harder to digest food.

By allowing each bite to chew, you can avoid unnecessary digestive discomfort and create a happier gut.

4. Maintains a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, all collectively known as the gut microbiome. The bacteria digest, metabolize and keep you healthy. Proper chewing of your food can maintain your gut microbiome.

1.   Properly chewed food encourages better bacterial fermentation, which in turn maintains good gut bacteria growth.

2.   Poorly masticated food, on the other hand, causes an imbalance of gut microbiota, which perpetuates gastrointestinal disorders and inflammation.

3.   Proper chewing of food maintains a healthful gut microbiome, which is necessary for good health and immunity.

Proper digestion, nutrient assimilation, and even clear thoughts depend on an intact gut microbiome.

5. Supports Weight Management

Healthy chewing also promotes weight management through portion control and restriction of excess intake.

1.   Your brain has about 20 minutes to recognize fullness. Rushing to eat will have you consuming more before you even know you are full.

2.   Slow and efficient chewing provides your brain with enough time to recognize fullness, thus preventing overconsumption.

3.   Research has established that individuals who chew food more consume fewer calories, a simple way to lose weight.

Ideal weight preserves healthier gut health, lowering the risk for obesity-related gastrointestinal diseases.

6. Oral and Digestive Health

Good gut health begins in the mouth. Proper chewing is not only beneficial for your digestive system but also for your oral health.

1.   Chewing stimulates the secretion of saliva, which neutralizes lethal acids and avoids cavities.

2.   Properly chewed food is easier on your digestive system, placing less stress on the stomach and esophagus.

3.   Stronger teeth and healthier jaw muscles translate to better digestion and overall health.

Correct chewing enables you to experience a smoother digestion from mouth to intestines.

How to Chew Your Food Correctly?

Now that you know why chewing is so important, the following are some easy tips on how to make sure that you are chewing properly:

1.   Take small bites – It becomes simpler to chew and digest small amounts.

2.   Eat slowly and deliberately – Make an effort to take a minimum of 20-30 chews per bite.

3.   Set your fork down between bites – This will assist you in eating slowly and not gulping.

4.   Prevent distraction – Eating mindfully without watching TV or browsing on your phone will assist in proper chewing.

5.   Consume water wisely – Avoid gulping water when eating since it can dilute digestive enzymes.

Slowing down the chewing of food is a simple but effective method of enhancing your gut health. Assisted digestion, optimal nutrient uptake, ease of bloating, healthy gut microbiome, weight regulation assistance, and overall oral health can be promoted when food is chewed thoroughly and transformed in its metabolic process in the body.

Adding mindful chewing to your everyday practice is a simple habit with humongous payoffs to your overall health. So go for it, the next time you sit down at the table to eat, slow down, chew thoroughly, and show your gut a little love!

For more expert advice on gut health, introduce yourself to Pune's top nutritionist and begin making small swaps with massive health gains.

By putting conscious eating and chewing first, you can take a giant leap to a healthy gut and a healthy life!