The Risks of Eating Too Fast on Digestive Health

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The way individuals consume their meals can influence digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.

Dr. Karan Rajan, a surgeon with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and a health content creator, highlights that eating too quickly can disrupt physiological mechanisms essential for optimal digestion.

"When you eat too fast, you bypass several physiological processes designed to enhance digestion," he explained, as reported by the Hindustan Times, as quoted on Antara, on Friday (3/21).

Digestion begins in the mouth, where food is broken down into smaller pieces through chewing. Salivary enzymes, such as amylase, initiate carbohydrate breakdown into simpler sugars.

However, when food is consumed rapidly without proper chewing, larger food particles reach the intestines, forcing gut bacteria to work harder in breaking down undigested carbohydrates, leading to excessive gas production.

Dr. Rajan emphasizes that thorough chewing improves enzymatic activity and enhances nutrient absorption in the digestive tract. Additionally, rapid eating may strain the lower esophageal sphincter—the valve that prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus—raising the risk of acid reflux and heartburn.

For individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eating too quickly may trigger sudden bowel movements or diarrhea. Furthermore, consuming food at an accelerated pace prevents the body from properly releasing essential digestive fluids, such as bile and enzymes, which are necessary for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.

"The body requires time to release key digestive fluids. If food is consumed too quickly, the body may not have enough time to produce it, resulting in incomplete digestion and poor nutrient absorption," Dr. Rajan explained as quoted on Antara.

Hormones involved in appetite regulation, such as cholecystokinin (CCK), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), also need time to signal satiety to the brain. When eating too fast, these signals may not activate in time, increasing the likelihood of overeating.

To promote better digestion and prevent gastrointestinal discomfort, Dr. Rajan recommends consuming smaller portions at a slower pace, allowing the body's natural digestive processes to function effectively.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas

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