Well-chewed food is half-digested
“Intensive chewing makes digestion easier and relieves stress associated with eating.” My name is Dr Matthias Menschel, and today I will explain why thorough chewing is the most important first step for healthy digestion.
March 4, 2026
6 Min.
Why is chewing properly so important?
If you chew your food thoroughly, your body can utilise it more efficiently. However, if you swallow food without breaking it down enough, your stomach and intestines have to work harder than necessary.
When you chew, food is mechanically broken down and mixed with important enzymes in your saliva. This creates a larger surface area, which significantly facilitates further digestion.
This relieves the stomach and intestines as they have to do less work, so thorough chewing is not just a detail, but the actual start of digestion.
Eating without distractions
Chewing also means being present. Put away your phone, put down the newspaper and stop multitasking — just focus on your meal.
By eating slowly and mindfully, you send a message of peace to your body. Your nervous system switches from stress mode to digestion mode. The result is improved digestion, reduced fullness and a more natural feeling of satiety.
People who eat more slowly tend to eat less and enjoy their food more.
Benefits and effects at a glance
- Better digestion
- Discharging of intestines
- Less bloating
- Natural feeling of satiety
- Appreciation of food
- Better taste experience
Practical tip
For your next meal, try chewing each bite 20–25 times before swallowing.
You'll find that you eat more slowly.
You will eat more consciously.
The food will also become much more digestible.
For more health tips, follow Menschel's Moments. Your Dr. Matthias Menschel
