We know that what we eat affects our body weight, but did you know that how we eat can also influence our weight? Our dentist in Lombard, IL, is here to share an interesting fact: chewing your food well can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Chewing is the first step in digestion, and when you chew more, your body processes food better. But if your teeth are misaligned, damaged, or missing, you may not be chewing as well as you should. This can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, poor nutrient absorption, and changes in body weight. So, take care of your smile at Dental Care of Lombard. Call our dentist in Lombard, IL, at (630) 629-5700 for dental care that enhances your overall health today!
Many people focus on what they eat, but how they eat is just as important. When you slow down, avoid soft foods, and chew thoroughly, your body has time to feel full. This prevents overeating and helps with weight management. Follow along as our dentist in Lombard, IL, explains it all.
How Chewing Starts the Digestion Process
Chewing is actually the very first step in the digestive process. When you chew, your teeth grind food into smaller pieces. This makes it easier for the stomach to digest and extract nutrients.
Our dentist in Lombard, IL, explains that saliva also plays a key role in this process. Saliva contains enzymes that start breaking down food before it even reaches your stomach.
If you do not chew enough, your stomach has to work significantly harder to digest food. This can cause bloating, indigestion, and poor nutrient absorption. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, encourages people to chew their food slowly and thoroughly before swallowing. This not only helps digestion but also makes meals more enjoyable.
Eating Slowly Helps You Feel Full
Have you ever finished a meal and still felt hungry? This could be because you ate too fast. According to our dentist in Lombard, IL, the stomach and brain work together to tell you when you are full. But this process takes time (roughly 20 minutes after the first bite). So, if you eat too quickly, your brain does not get the signal in time, and you may accidentally overeat.
Chewing more and eating slowly gives your brain time to catch up, helping you eat just the right amount at every meal. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, recommends putting your fork down between bites and taking time to enjoy the flavors and textures of your food before swallowing. This simple trick can help you eat less and maintain a healthy weight.
Proper Chewing Leads to Better Nutrient Absorption
Your body needs nutrients to function properly. However, if you do not chew your food enough, your body may not absorb nutrients as well. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, says that smaller food particles are easier for your digestive system to process, helping your body take in vitamins and minerals more efficiently.
When your body gets the nutrients it needs, you feel satisfied and energized. If you do not chew properly, you may feel hungry again soon after eating. This can lead to unhealthy snacking and weight gain. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, encourages people to chew their food thoroughly to get the most out of their meals.
Strong Teeth and Gums Are Necessary for Chewing
Chewing is essential for digestion and weight management, but you need strong teeth and gums to chew properly. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, warns that if your teeth are weak, damaged, or missing, chewing can be painful. This may cause you to eat softer, less nutritious foods like mashed potatoes and processed snacks.
Taking care of your oral health ensures that you can chew comfortably. Brushing and flossing daily, visiting our dentist in Lombard, IL, regularly, and avoiding sugary foods help keep your teeth strong. And a healthy smile leads to better eating habits, a healthier body, and a happier you.
Softer Foods May Lead to Weight Gain
When people have dental problems, they often switch to softer foods to avoid discomfort. Unfortunately, these foods are often high in carbohydrates and low in nutrients. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, explains that eating too many processed or soft foods can contribute to weight gain.
Our dentist in Lombard, IL, encourages people to minimize their consumption of soft, processed foods and reach instead for whole, more nutritious foods, like:
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables
- Lean meats
- Whole grains
These foods require more chewing, which helps with weight management and overall health.
Mindful Eating Leads to Better Weight Control
Mindful eating means paying attention to what and how you eat. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, suggests taking smaller bites, chewing slowly, and savoring each mouthful. This helps you enjoy your food and recognize when you are full.
Many people eat while distracted by TV or their phones. This can lead to overeating because they are not paying attention to their hunger signals. That’s why our dentist in Lombard, IL, recommends eating without distractions and focusing on each bite. This simple change can help control portions and prevent weight gain.
Chewing More Helps Prevent Overeating
Overeating is a common cause of weight gain. But, according to our dentist in Lombard, IL, chewing more can help you eat less. When you chew slowly, your body has time to process food and send fullness signals to your brain.
If you tend to eat quickly, try counting how many times you chew each bite. Aiming for 20 to 30 chews per bite can help slow down your eating. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, encourages this habit for better digestion and weight control.
A Healthy Smile Supports a Healthy Body
Your oral health affects your overall health, and our dentist in Lombard, IL, wants to remind people that gum disease and tooth loss can make chewing difficult. This can lead to poor digestion, unhealthy food choices, and weight gain.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene keep your smile in top shape. Our dentist in Lombard, IL, recommends brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting Dental Care of Lombard regularly. This ensures that you can chew properly and enjoy a healthy diet.
Stay Healthy – Visit Dental Care of Lombard Today!
Chewing plays a big role in digestion, nutrient absorption, and weight management. That’s why our dentist in Lombard, IL, wants to remind everyone to chew their food thoroughly and eat slowly. This helps prevent overeating, improves digestion, and supports a healthy weight.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is essential for proper chewing. So, schedule regular dental care with our dentist in Lombard, IL, to help you maintain a strong smile and a healthy body for life. Click here to request a visit with Dr. Julie Glud, or call Dental Care of Lombard at (630) 629-5700 for scheduling.
