Can Eating Too Fast Make Me Sick?

“Count and chew your food ten times on the right, then shift the food to the left side of your mouth and chew ten times.” I repeat this phrase frequently in my office because I have found so many patients whose pain, illness and discomfort are results of eating too fast.

While the term “fast food” was created to describe meals that are quickly prepared and readily available, it has evolved to also describe how quickly Americans eat their food.

The simple act of chewing thoroughly can help relieve bloating, heartburn and stomach pain. Plus, you will experience the full flavor of the foods you eat, which will help satiate cravings and contribute to weight loss. Not only does eating too quickly minimize your enjoyment of food, it can also lead to a wide range of health issues. When you eat too much, too quickly, your digestive system doesn’t have time to signal your brain that your stomach is full. This will cause you to eat more than you need, making you feel fatigued. You may also soon feel hungry again because your body isn't properly absorbing nutrients. (Imagine a gasoline nozzle that is not properly inserted into the gas tank of your car. When gasoline leaks out, your tank isn’t full, and you will soon need to buy additional fuel.) If you don’t slow down and allow your food to properly digest, the food will simply be stored as fat. I call this wasting food—and hurting your body at the same time.

“Longevity is the result of chewing carefully and swallowing slowly,” according to an ancient Chinese proverb. Traditionally, eating is a time of social gathering with friends and family. Much time and care is given to food preparation, and meals are a way of nurturing the mind and body.

So enjoy your next meal! Savor the flavors, relax and chat with friends, chew thoroughly and give your body a break. Breakfast, lunch and dinner may take a little bit longer but you will more than make up for this time by being healthy and productive instead of sick and in a doctor’s office.

Eating too quickly is just one of many causes of digestive issues. To learn more about your specific digestive concerns, call my office at 415.544.9104 to schedule a consultation or send an email to drwonson@drwonson.com.