Have you ever experienced reminders or reprimands from your elders during childhood to eat at a slower pace and take smaller bites? If so, you were not alone in this experience. However, if you believed there was no scientific basis for this advice, you are mistaken.

In a video released on March 20, Dr. Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon and health content creator, discussed the significance of eating slowly and its effects on gut health. The video features a woman illustrating how the stomach responds when food is consumed at a leisurely pace compared to when it is eaten too quickly. The contrast may surprise you.

The influence of eating speed on gut health

According to Dr. Rajan, the rate at which one eats has a considerable effect on overall gut health. He stated, “Eating too quickly can disrupt several physiological processes that are intended to enhance digestion.” Additionally, digestion initiates in the mouth, where the enzyme amylase begins the breakdown of carbohydrates.

If you consume your food rapidly without proper chewing, it may enter your intestines in larger pieces. This can result in your gut bacteria encountering more undigested carbohydrates, which can cause excessive gas production. Chewing thoroughly enhances enzymatic activity and nutrient absorption.

Consequences of Eating Too Quickly  

Dr. Rajan cautioned that consuming food too quickly can overwhelm the lower oesophagal sphincter, the valve responsible for preventing stomach acid from refluxing into the oesophagus. Consequently, eating at a fast pace increases the likelihood of experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Additionally, rapid eating can provoke an exaggerated gastrocolic reflex, which may lead to a sudden urge to defecate or diarrhoea, particularly in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Overeating Due to Speed  

In contrast, consuming smaller, slower meals can help regulate the gastrocolic reflex and minimize digestive discomfort. Dr. Rajan emphasized that digestion is not instantaneous; the body requires time to produce essential digestive fluids such as bile and enzymes. When food is ingested too quickly, the body may not have sufficient time to release these fluids, resulting in incomplete digestion and suboptimal nutrient absorption.

Furthermore, eating rapidly does not allow hormones like cholecystokinin, GIP, and GLP-1 enough time to communicate with the brain regarding satiety. This can hinder the ability to recognize fullness and increase the risk of overeating.

Read Also: Pumpkin Power: How These Seeds Help Manage Diabetes

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!