You Stomach Doesn’t Have Teeth
Chew Your Liquids and Drink Your Solids
This may sound like a silly topic to deserve its own post; however digestion does start in the mouth with our saliva. It is said that you want to chew your solids until you are able to drink it because that’s how broken down the food should be for proper absorption. If you don’t chew your food enough the stomach and intestines have to take over and do the extra work.
There are these things called Enzymes that are responsible for speeding up processes to produce a specific biochemical reactions; enzymes break down food molecules so that the body can digest and absorb them better. The enzyme Amylase is responsible for converting starchy foods into sugar (hence why when you chew starchy carbs they start to taste sweet!). Fun fc
Amylase is also used in making alcohol.
The more broken down the food is via chewing, the better – this is also known as mechanical digestion; enzymes in our mouth that further break down the food is called chemical digestion. Eating is not always enough, rather we must be able to absorb the nutrients in the food so we are not malnourished – and If you want to build decent muscle and see progress in your weight loss, you must absorb the nutrients. If you are unable to digest – whether mechanical or chemically – and absorb you risk being malnourished.
The saying “chew your liquids and drink your solids” refers to converting your food into a smoothie, and keep the food (liquid) in your mouth for some time before swallowing. How do you do this? = take smaller bites…think of a teaspoon.
The magic starts in the mouth once your mouth begins to water for food, and saliva mixes with food as you chew the enzymes are secreted and begin to predigest your meal. The other magical thing that happens is chewing triggers your stomach to release hydrochloric acid to breakdown protein.
IMPORTANT Symptoms of low hydrochloric acid in the stomach include:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn*
- Constantly burping
- Foul stool smell
- Bloating/gas
- Undigested food in stool
- Abdominal pain
Proper chewing can actually reduce gas and bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramping, and other digestive problems. If you suspect you have low hydrochloric acid you can look into getting some Betaine HCI: https://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Betaine-Hydrochloric-Tablets/dp/B000GFJHP8
If you want to avoid using a supplement you can take the natural route and consider eating some ginger and zinc rich foods. I typically cut ginger in small pieces and eat It raw (I give it to my dog too because It helps with dogs’ digestion too).
Another way to ensure proper digestion is to:
1. Don’t eat at your desk where you work because this is a place where you WORK not REST. You want to feel RESTED when you eat. This is also called the parasympathetic nervous system which is essential to be in to digest food properly.
2. Breathe when you eat: sounds odd, but usually when someone is in a rush to eat they just chug and forget to breathe!
Notice how when you incorporate these techniques you’ll notice better absorption and digestion of foods. If you still notice discomfort during digestion after eating, it may be a time to consider checking the health of your gut.
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Be well,
Yelena