1. Risks of digestive disorders
The deleterious effects occur indeed on our health because chewing is an essential step in the digestion process. It is necessary to transform food into fine particles before it reaches the stomach. Poor digestion causes a cascade of negative consequences. Gastroesophageal reflux can, for example, irritate the throat or damage the tooth enamel over time. Not to mention the risk of digestive heaviness after meals. And for hurried eaters who already suffer from stomach ulcers or gastritis, this is a way to make things worse. “Saliva contains an enzyme called amylase. Its role is to digest starch, which is a family of carbohydrates found in bread, for example. If this starch has not been chewed sufficiently, it is totally assimilated and the surplus ferments in the large intestine. This leads to bloating and gas. Hence the interest to take your meals in a calm environment, by taking your time”, advises the nutritionist.
Conclusion: If you regularly suffer from intestinal discomfort or stomach aches after meals, slow down.