If you search for “is eating too fast bad for you?” or similar, the answer is pretty much invariably “yes”.
However, but papers and articles don’t really seem to explain “why”.
Is eating fast bad for you because you’re more likely to consume more calories (since it takes time for your stomach to send the “I’m full” signal to your brain). If so, does eating calorie-controlled meals negate much of the problem (assuming you can also avoid snacking)?
I’ve also heard the more nebulous “it affects digestion”, but those always seem to be just kind of tacked on as a “this sounds like it makes sense” statement and I’ve not seen any actual science backing those statements.
Does anyone know of any studies or research out there that tries to dive deeper into the “why” of this?
It’s just as you said. It takes time for the hunger signals to stop sending to the brain then other hormones saying I’m full to start being sent.
As far as digestion it can be a factor. Like if you eat a big dinner then go to bed you may have indigestion bit that may be from laying on your back then the actual food.
Chewing and saliva are already part of the digestion. It prepares with enzymes the food for your stomach.
In addition you chewing muscles are the strongest one in your body so chewing costs energy that lowers the food calorie impact to your body.
That’s why high processed food, easy and soft as well as blended food is a lot worse then fresh whole food.
This all in addition what you already mentioned.
Chewing your food well helps break it down so that your body can absorb more of the nutrients during the digestive process. Also, the onset of satiation (feeling full rather than hungry) takes about 15-20 minutes after you start eating. If you eat too fast, the feeling doesn’t fully set in and you’ll feel compelled to eat more because you’re still hungry.
I’m a naturally fast eater. I was raised in a big family, and if you wanted seconds you had to eat fast than everyone else. I got to a point where i could eat a foot-long sub in under three minutes, without trying to eat fast. I notice I eat about 1/4 of what I normally eat when I chew my food at least 30 times, and waiting 1-2 minutes between bites. I am also considerable less bloated and gassy when I eat slow. I know this is anecdotal evidence, but it’s the best I have at the moment!
It’s because of one simple reason. You chew less, so the food is in bigger chunks so it is harder to digest. And saliva is an important part of digestion also. Ingested food should have a paste-like texture.
I dont like eating much, I get this pain to describe it, it’s a dull ache in the liver area and goes upto my lower jaw, it can be quite intense, usually after a meal occasionally or if it’s really cold I get it not sure why, had it on and off for a few years, about same time my hands feel extremely sensitive to cold, like just cold tap water feels like my hands held onto s block of ice until melted kind of pain.
Eating fast means you aren’t chewing enough. Its the “not chewing enough” where you’ll find the science you’re looking for. Even if you chewed really fast, you likely aren’t producing enough saliva for it to be ideal.
Also, eating fast often means you are rushing which means you have some anxiety, pressure to hurry, which releases stress hormones that affect digestion. You can still have this problem eating at the ideal pace, but the takeaway is to be relaxed at meal time.
There are enzymes on our tongues that help break down foods, as well as better chewing. Also eating fast sends more to your stomach before it says “I’m full” making you more likely to eat more. As far as I know
Your brain doesn’t get the signal that you’re full this you end up overeating. Not to mention you’re not properly chewing which leads to improper digestion. You’re also not really enjoying your meal and savoring the flavors if you’re eating too fast.
Do you not understand that well crushed food is more easily digested? Also, mixing your food with your saliva starts the digestive process in your mouth.
From a search:
Your salivary glands make saliva, a digestive juice, which moistens food so it moves more easily through your esophagus into your stomach. Saliva also has an enzyme that begins to break down starches in your food
I’ve been inhaling my food for 28years now. I’m 200lbs. Be it I don’t sit and eat huge meals, I do eat smaller meals. Regardless, it can’t be THAT bad where it’ll be the difference between you getting fat or not.