Chewing and saliva play crucial roles in maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being. In this combined module, we will explore how the act of chewing and the enzymes found in saliva contribute to digestion and enhance the flavor of food.

Chewing: The Foundation of Digestion

Chewing is not merely a preliminary step in eating; it’s a fundamental part of the digestive process. Here’s why it matters:

Physical Breakdown of Food: Chewing breaks down food into smaller, more manageable particles. Large food particles can be challenging for the body to absorb, as the walls of the small intestine have limited-sized pores. Imagine trying to pass golf balls through marble-sized holes; at best, only the outer layers of food particles are absorbed by digestive juices.
Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS): Inadequate chewing can lead to undigested food particles penetrating the intestinal wall, resulting in LGS. These large particles enter the bloodstream, causing allergic reactions and inflammation.
Brain-Gut Connection: Chewing and tasting are linked to the brain, which signals the gastrointestinal tract to produce digestive fluids. More chewing stimulates the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid and triggers the pancreas to release enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine.

Benefits of Chewing

Weight Control: Chewing helps prevent overeating by allowing you to recognize when you’re full.
Healthy Digestion: Smaller food particles are easier to digest, and chewing stimulates the secretion of digestive fluids.
Maximum Nourishment: Chewing increases the surface area of food, making it easier to extract nutrients.
Mental Calmness: Chewing requires focus, which can alleviate stress.
Reduced Flatulence: Proper chewing prevents undigested food particles from reaching the colon.
Less Toxins: Undigested food can ferment and produce toxins in the colon.
Enjoyment of Taste: Chewing allows you to fully experience the taste of food.

Chewing Frequency

In order to digest food properly, it’s important to chew thoroughly. Consider counting 30 chews before starting a meal. The goal is to chew until the food is well-diluted.

What’s in a Mouthful

Avoid overstuffing your mouth with food, as digestion starts in the mouth where saliva mixes with the food. Use all teeth, not just one side of your mouth, to maximize the efficiency of chewing.

Saliva: Nature’s Digestive Aid

Saliva is more than just a lubricant for food; it contains essential enzymes and components:

Amylase Enzyme: Saliva contains amylase, which breaks down starches into simpler forms, including sugar, enhancing the flavor of food.
Lingual Lipase: Another saliva enzyme, lingual lipase, aids in breaking down fats, which digest slowly.
Acid Phosphatase: Saliva contains acid phosphatase, which extracts phosphates from food, crucial for genetic encoding and energy release.
Enzymes and Friendly Bacteria: Saliva houses enzymes and friendly bacteria with detoxifying and antibacterial properties that protect your digestive tract.
Bacteria in Saliva: Over 500 million friendly bacteria cells per ml in saliva aid in breaking down food.

In summary, understanding the significance of both chewing and saliva in the digestive process is essential for overall health. Proper chewing and the enzymatic activity of saliva are key factors in maximizing nutrient absorption and promoting well-being.