Improve Your Digestion By Chewing Properly

Learn how to eat better by taking the time to chew your food. Don't be in such a hurry to eat and run. Your healthy digestion begins with your mouth, so chewing your food properly aids in a better digestive experience.

When you chew your food longer, it breaks up into smaller pieces and mixes it with the saliva in your mouth better. The saliva in your mouth contains digestive enzymes. The longer the food particles spend in your mouth, the more saliva they contain. When we take the time to chew our food properly we also retain the flavor longer and can enjoy the eating experience better than when we rush through the process of eating. Remember again, the joy of enjoying your food by taking the time to chew it thoroughly.

Digestion works better when it is not done while the body is being stressed out. Eating while you are working, driving, or watching a disturbing program or the evening news can create stress that does not benefit the digestive process. Another good reason to avoid arguments, lectures, and confrontations at the dinner table is that when these things occur stress is caused on all members gathered around the table, which means everyone, is eating while being stressed. To avoid stress while digesting foods, make snack and mealtimes a quiet, enjoyable experience by setting an atmosphere that will be enjoyable and soothing to eat by. You can light candles, or play music during the meal.

It is important to pay attention to what your body is telling you. Stop eating when your body signals that you are full. If you eat slowly, and pay attention to how your stomach is feeling, you are more likely to avoid overeating. It is a good thing to plan on eating only to satisfy your hunger and not just to be eating. When you eat only enough food to satisfy your hunger, you remain alert, relaxed, and you will not be placed into a "food coma", from overeating.

FACT: You should chew your food 30 times before swallowing!