Affects the process of nutrient absorption
Nutritionist Ashlesha Joshi from Tone30 Pilates Wellness Center (India), said many people often finish eating within 10 minutes or less without realizing its effects on digestion, metabolism and overall health.
While fast food may provide convenience in our busy lives, it can have long-term consequences for the body.
Because when you eat too quickly, the digestive process can be interrupted and the ability to absorb nutrients is reduced. Digestion begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva containing enzymes to break down carbohydrates.
However, eating quickly often causes people to not chew enough, causing food to enter the stomach in larger pieces, putting pressure on the stomach and intestines. This can lead to indigestion, bloating and poor nutrient absorption.
Sharing the same view, Kanikka Malhotra, a nutrition consultant and diabetes educator in India, also pointed out that eating quickly can increase stomach acid production to compensate for insufficient chewing, leading to heartburn and discomfort.
Additionally, fast eating disrupts the brain-gut axis, preventing hormones like leptin from signaling satiety, leading to overeating and weight gain. Over time, this habit can contribute to serious health problems, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Eating too fast leads to long-term health problems
Eating too quickly can lead to long-term health problems, such as acid reflux, metabolic imbalance and high blood pressure, notes Kanikka Malhotra.
Studies have also shown a link between eating quickly and the risk of metabolic syndrome, with factors such as increased triglycerides. So eating slowly and chewing your meals thoroughly is important for improving your health.
Causes of fast eating habits
Fast eating habits can stem from many psychological factors, such as stress, childhood habits of being asked to eat quickly, or eating while working, watching TV, or scrolling through your phone… These factors can cause us to lose focus and eat quickly without realizing it.
To improve eating habits, nutritionist Malhotra suggests some strategies such as: eliminating distractions by turning off screens (computers, televisions, phones) and focusing only on the meal, chewing thoroughly to help with better digestion.
