Do you systematically swallow your meals in less than five minutes? Be careful, because this bad habit has harmful consequences on your health. Update with Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of TipsForWomens.
Do you only have a little time for lunch or simply out of habit, do you eat your meals very quickly? Be careful, eating too quickly can be dangerous for your health.
Beware of wrong paths and the risk of suffocation!
“Eating too quickly, particularly by doing several things at once, can lead to Wrong Way with dramatic consequences“warns Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of TipsForWomens.”Be careful not to swallow the food, to avoid this type of accident. On the contrary, chewing well and eating delicately also helps avoid swallowing bones or small bones.” recalls the expert.
Prevent metabolic syndrome
“A Japanese study found that people who eat quickly are 89% more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than those who eat slowly” underlines the doctor. Metabolic syndrome is associated with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular risks, and taking the time to chew reduces this risk.
Limit weight gain
People who eat fast also eat more than others. “As a result, fast eaters tend to gain weight. By chewing slowly, you allow your body to better regulate satiety and avoid excesses.” recommends the specialist
Avoid difficult digestion
“Eating too quickly can lead to bloating and digestive discomfort. Taking the time to savor food allows the enzymes in saliva to do their job, making it easier to digestion” recalls Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
Stop aerophagia!
The phenomenon of aerophagia occurs when a person “eats air.” The faster we eat, the more this happens. Reducing the speed at which we eat helps limit this phenomenon.
Avoid biting your tongue
It's an accident that we don't always think about, but “eating too quickly can lead to a tongue bite which can be impressive and take time to heal” explains the expert. “Furthermore, repeated bites create micro trauma that can degenerate in the long term..
You will be less tired
Rapid digestion requires more energy from your body. “Taking the time to eat helps prevent fatigue linked to digestion, so” indicates the medical director of TipsForWomens.
NO to diets, YES to WW!
Gérald Kierzek's three tips for eating better
Now that you know the risks associated with eating too quickly, you are probably wondering how to extend the duration of your meals. Dr Gérald Kierzek gives you three practical tips.
- Slow down: “To do this, remember to take small bites, chew for a long time and put down your cutlery between each bite. It may seem tedious at first, but it's just a habit to get into.” ;
- Become aware of what you put on your plate: “Pmaking time to eat begins with putting together your plate and being connected to yourself when you eat. It's called mindfulness and it's important to practice it at mealtime, to feel hunger and satiety signals afterwards.” ;
- Savor every bite, because eating is above all a pleasure. “By eating slowly, you take the time to feel the flavors of the food and make the work of digestion easier. Your health will thank you!“concludes the doctor.
