Did you know that how you chew your food can affect your weight? It’s true! Our Naperville dentist wants to share how chewing can help prevent obesity. Many people eat too fast, which can lead to overeating. But chewing food more slowly can help you feel full sooner and eat less.
Unfortunately, dental damage, misaligned teeth, and tooth loss can significantly affect your chewing ability, influencing how and when you feel full. That’s why treating oral issues with Thomas F. Brown, DDS, in Naperville, IL, is a must. Call (630) 369-3120 for exceptional dental care that benefits your entire body today!
Chewing more can help you stay healthier. In today’s post, our Naperville dentist explores how chewing plays a big role in weight management.
How Chewing Affects Digestion
The body begins digesting food as soon as it enters the mouth. When we chew, our mouths secrete saliva, which begins breaking down food. But chewing is required to further break down food before swallowing.
The more you chew, the easier it is for your body to digest. According to our Naperville dentist, chewing well can help our stomachs process food properly, making it easier for our bodies to absorb nutrients.
If you don’t chew enough, large pieces of food go into your stomach. This makes digestion much harder and can cause bloating or discomfort. Eating slowly and chewing well can help your body work better!
Chewing More = Eating Less
Many people eat quickly, especially when they are busy. But eating too fast can lead to weight gain. It takes about 20 minutes for our brains to realize we are full. If we eat too fast, we might eat too much before our brain tells us to stop!
Our Naperville dentist recommends chewing each bite approximately 20 to 30 times. This gives our brains time to catch up and helps us feel full sooner. Eating this way can help prevent overeating and support a healthy weight.
Chewing and Your Metabolism
Did you know that chewing burns calories? It may not seem like much, but chewing food well can slightly increase your metabolism. Our Naperville dentist explains that when we chew longer, our bodies work harder to digest food, which can help with weight control.
Also, when food is chewed well, the body absorbs nutrients better. This can help with energy levels and keeps us feeling satisfied longer, reducing the need to snack between meals.
Soft Foods vs. Hard Foods
Many processed foods are soft and easy to swallow quickly. This can lead to accidental overeating because soft foods require less chewing, which means we eat them faster.
Our Naperville dentist suggests eating more crunchy foods like raw vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. These foods require more chewing, helping us eat slower and feel full sooner. Plus, they are usually healthier choices!
Tips for Chewing Better
Our Naperville dentist shares these easy tips for better chewing:
- Take smaller bites.
- Put your fork down between bites.
- Count to 20 while chewing each bite.
- Eat in a relaxed setting, not in front of the TV.
- Drink water between bites to slow down eating.
- Address dental damage, misaligned teeth, and tooth loss for better chewing
Visit Your Naperville Dentist for a Healthy Smile!
If you have trouble chewing due to dental issues, our Naperville dentist can help! Dr. Thomas Brown provides comprehensive treatment to keep your teeth healthy so you can chew properly and support a healthy weight.
Schedule a visit with our Naperville, IL, dentist here, or call us today at (630) 369-3120 to keep your smile and your health in top shape!