Good nutrition is only as good as the body’s ability to absorb what we consume. Digestion and absorption of nutrients are vital if we are to stay well.

When we chew food properly, the body has a chance to absorb the food we eat. Good digestion breaks down the food we eat into tiny molecules for nutrient absorption into the bloodstream. The blood then carries the nourishment to our cells.

There is a famous saying that says, ‘You are what you eat’ and although it refers to what we put in our mouths, it doesn't go far enough because, 'We are what we eat, as long as long as nutrients are being absorbed.'

I believe that is more of an accurate analogy, because without our body’s ability to absorb nutrients, we will always continue to struggle with our health.

How digestion works?

When food particles aren’t broken down adequately, they cause bacterial overgrowth in the colon, which can lead to indigestion, constipation and bloating and other forms of digestion issues such as Acid Reflux, Heartburn and IBS may occur.

By chewing our food properly, we automatically send a signal to the gastrointestinal system that the food we’ve swallowed is on its way. That triggers hydrochloric acid production, which speeds up the digestive process. Releasing saliva helps relax the lower stomach, which also contributes to speeding up the digestive process.

Soft food like fruit should be chewed between 5 and 10 times and more dense foods including meat proteins and vegetables should be chewed up to 30 times before swallowing.