The Importance of Chewing Your Food

The last time I had chemotherapy, It took a toll on me, and after it was over and I had started to recover, My husband and I decided to go on what we called a Raw Vegan Adventure in San Diego, CA at a place called Optimum Health Institute. It was a way for my body to detox from the chemo. We spent 3 weeks eating a completely organic and raw vegan diet and attending classes on health and wellness for the body, mind and soul. During this time, we learned many things, but one of those things was the importance of chewing your food. 

In the cafeteria there was a sign that said "Chew, Chew, Chew, Chew at least 30 times before swallowing" After learning the importance of chewing your food. I slowed my eating way down. I used to be one of the many people in our society that would just scarf down my food. It was the way that I thought you were supposed to eat, especially if you were hungry. Or, I was just used to doing it that way. It had become a habit. So, every day, I would grab my raw vegan plate of food and I would spend an entire hour eating. I couldn't even really carry on much of a conversation, because we only had an hour to eat. So it was all about chewing thoroughly and swallowing. 

The question is, why? Why is is so important to slow down, and

chew your food before swallowing. One reason is simply to enjoy your food. Savor the flavors of the food, this makes eating more indulgent and satisfying. What's the point of taste buds if we scarf down the food and don't take the time to enjoy it? The other reason is that digestion starts in your mouth. Your saliva starts to break up the food before it hits your stomach making it easier for your stomach to digest, break down the food, and pull the nutrients it needs from the food. Not only are you making it easier for your body to digest the food, but you are saving yourself from some uncomfortable indigestion symptoms and you are also protecting your esophagus. 

Chewing your food thoroughly also helps your immune system. The way in which it does this is simple. Digestion is one of the biggest challenges that your body takes on in a day, and this takes energy away from other things your body could be doing, like fighting off disease. The more you can help your body along, the better. If you chew thoroughly, you are taking off some of the pressure of the digestive system to break down the food you are eating, allowing for it to break it down faster and get back to it's many other functions. 

This might sound strange, but even holding beverages in your mouth for a while and letting the saliva break them down is helpful for your body. When I make smoothies every morning, I try to do this. Have you ever heard people say "Chew your wine, and drink your food?" The idea behind that has to do with this same concept. Chewing your food thoroughly is just one of the many ways you can help your body work efficiently. 

If you really want to help your body, you could even do a juice or smoothie cleanse where you spend as many days as you feel comfortable only drinking liquids. Some people will do a juice cleanse for a few days, others have gone as far as doing a water cleanse. There are so many to choose from and I won't get into the specifics in this post, but if you feel your body needs a reboot, this is a great way to do it. I have linked to a 5 day detox that I've been wanting to try below. Doing this gives your digestive system a break, so that your body can focus on healing. 

If you are interested in learning more, I have included some articles on the importance of chewing your food below. I hope that this information, at the very least, has inspired you to consciously be aware of how quickly you are eating and slow down so you can savor your food and give your body a bit of a break. 

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/07/31/chewing-foods.aspx

https://yoursuper.com/products/detox-pack

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7775/why-chewing-your-food-can-change-your-life.html

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2015/03/10/5-reasons-you-should-chew-your-food

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-many-times-should-you-chew-your-food