Slow Down and Savor Your Meals, Despite Time Constraints
Impact of Eating on the Go on Digestive Health
With the hustle and bustle of daily life, many individuals find themselves grabbing food on-the-go to save time. However, a gastroenterologist at UW Medicine, Jason Harper, MD, explains that this practice can negatively impact gut health.
The human body and digestive system are not designed for quick consumption of food and absorption of nutrients. According to Harper, "consuming food swiftly and without pause is significantly different from enjoying a meal leisurely." This difference results in the body's inability to properly digest sugars and proteins, which speeds through the intestines, causing bloating and sugar spikes.
"When you take the time to eat slowly, your intestines receive a microburst of nutrients," says Harper. "This allows them time to break down and process the nutrients effectively."
Family medicine doctor Debra Bell, MD, who works at the UW Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Health, adds that intentional eating is essential for proper digestion. Bell emphasizes that digestion doesn't merely refer to what happens in the stomach but also encompasses the intestines and the brain.
Before the first bite, digestion begins with sight, smell, and looking at the food. Chewing plays a vital role in initiating the process as well. "Slowing down and resting during mealtimes is crucial for optimal digestion," says Bell.
To promote intentional eating, consider adopting the following practices:
- Cultivate a positive attitude towards food: Eating should be perceived as a nourishing activity rather than a task to be completed.
- Listen to your body's hunger cues: Don't wait until you're famished to eat. Instead, pay attention to your body's signals for hunger and address them promptly.
- Prepare quick meals and snacks: Preparing some meals and snacks in advance can save time when hunger strikes unexpectedly.
- Establish designated mealtimes: Attempt to eat meals at consistent times each day, even during travel or when schedules are hectic.
By incorporating these practices, you can improve your digestive health and maintain a healthy gut microbiota even when eating on-the-go.
According to the gastroenterologist at UW Medicine, Jason Harper, consuming food swiftly and without pause can negatively impact not only digestion but also the entire digestive system. This is because the body's inability to properly digest nutrients caused by quick consumption can lead to bloating and sugar spikes. To promote intentional eating and ensure proper digestion, Dr. Debra Bell from UW Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Health suggests adopting a positive attitude towards food, listening to body cues, and preparing quick meals or snacks in advance to maintain a healthy gut microbiota, even when eating on-the-go.
