Chewing and Digestion: The Most Underrated Wellness Habit

Khristina Maureen
May 20, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Jan 25

Woman eating salad while scrolling on her phone, mindless chewing habit.

Let’s talk about something wildly underrated and not at all glamorous: chewing and digestion.

Yes, that thing you do while half-scrolling Instagram, inhaling your lunch, and hoping no one notices salad dressing on your sleeve.

Here’s the thing: chewing isn’t just about breaking food down. It’s where digestion officially begins. And when you rush it, you skip a critical first step that affects your gut, your energy, and even your mood.

Mouth as Digestive Organ

Your mouth isn’t just a smile factory. It’s a digestive organ.

As a dental hygienist trained in functional nutrition, I see this overlooked all the time.

Chewing is what signals your body to prepare for digestion; enzymes, stomach acid, and gut activity all rely on that cue.

When chewing is rushed or incomplete, the system downstream has to work harder. That’s when people start noticing bloating, gas, sluggish digestion, and that frustrating “my diet should be working” feeling.

Chewing and digestion are not separate processes. They’re the same conversation happening at different points in the body.

Why It Matters

When chewing is compromised, digestion suffers. That can show up as:

bloating or pressure after meals
undigested food in stool
energy dips
increased gut irritation

Not because your body is broken, but because the first step was skipped.

Why Chewing Matters for Digestion and Gut Health

Chewing isn’t just mechanical; it’s biochemical.

When you chew thoroughly, your body gets the signal to release stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Saliva increases. (Source )

The gut prepares. Even blood flow to the brain improves. (Source)

All before food ever reaches your stomach.

In other words, chewing sets the tone for digestion downstream.

It’s pretty impressive for something most of us do on autopilot.

Healthy Teeth Make Chewing Possible

This is where oral health matters more than people realize.

Chewing requires stable, functional teeth and adequate saliva. When teeth are missing, gums are inflamed, or dry mouth is chronic, digestion doesn’t just struggle locally; it struggles system-wide.

That’s why I’m so direct about this: oral health isn’t cosmetic. It’s foundational.

Not just for digestion, but for how the entire body processes nutrients and maintains balance.

Action Section

If you want to support chewing and digestion without adding another supplement:

Slow down. Aim for 15–20 chews per bite. Yes, it feels awkward. It works anyway.
Reduce distractions while eating. Digestion needs attention.
Support oral health. Healthy teeth and saliva matter more than most people realize.