Having the body in an upright position while eating is very important for healthy digestion. One of the most harmful habits is eating while lying down or moving to a horizontal position immediately after eating. In this case, stomach acid can rise up and return to the esophagus, resulting in a feeling of heartburn.
Medianews.az, citing Lent.az, reports that according to gastroenterologist and medical associate professor Kerolin Nyuberri, gravitational force normally helps food move downward, but when a person lies down, this process is disrupted.
Food usually takes about two hours or more to pass from the stomach to the intestines. Therefore, eating before going to bed is not recommended.
Moreover, specialists emphasize that what is more important than the position in which food is consumed is the speed at which it is eaten. Because people often do not chew their food sufficiently when eating standing or hurriedly, which negatively affects the digestive system.
When eating quickly, a person swallows more air, swallows food without properly breaking it down, and as a result may face problems such as burping, bloating, and digestive disorders. Additionally, in such cases, a person does not feel full in time and may consume excessive food. However, the digestion process already begins in the mouth, and enzymes in the saliva play an important role in the initial breakdown of food. For this reason, it is recommended to eat food slowly and chew well.
Another advantage of slow eating is that the feeling of fullness forms more properly. According to specialists, satiety signals reach the brain about 20 minutes after starting to eat. If a person eats without rushing during this period, overeating can be prevented.
Another important point is to limit physical activity during and immediately after eating. Eating while moving or running not only complicates digestion but also increases the risk of choking. Sudden movement immediately after eating can cause dizziness. The reason is that blood circulation shifts away from the digestive system to the muscles, which complicates the absorption of food.
Specialists note that the body best absorbs food in a state of rest and digestion. At this time, the body relaxes, blood flows to the digestive organs, and food is absorbed more efficiently. Therefore, being calm, not rushing, and giving the body a chance to rest during eating are considered essential conditions for healthy digestion.
It is noted that in some countries, especially France, people prioritize balanced and conscious eating over strict diets. They pay attention to food quality, eat in measured amounts, and try to enjoy their meals. This approach helps both to protect physical health and to prevent overeating.