You are what you eat…  but even more, you are what you digest and absorb!

If we don’t digest our food we can’t absorb the nutrients that come into our bodies. While this sounds simple, digestion is actually very complex and has many steps.  Before any of the downstream steps have a chance to engage, what and how we initially come into contact with our food sets the stage for any of it to work properly.

Our state of mind greatly influences how we digest a meal, much of which happens before any food enters our mouth – it’s called the cephalic phase of digestion.  We’ve become so rushed in our culture, many see eating as an inconvenience. We seek the quickest source of calories to fill the need or eliminate eating altogether.  We’ve become disconnected not only from what we’re eating, but just as importantly, how we’re eating it.

Our senses serve as the initiator of digestion. Seeing a delicious meal, smelling it’s aromas, feeling the texture, even talking about the food, or hearing the pan sizzle, all stimulate a reflex reaction through the vagus nerve which starts the digestive process.  These sensations trigger the release of digestive juices which prime the stomach and the rest of the digestive tract for the food coming down. You know what it’s like to have your mouth water just by looking at food? This “predigestion” actually accounts for about 20-30% of the gastric juices that will be produced. Since stomach hydrochloric acid is critical for proper digestion, this phase is critical for long-term health.

Consequences of Bypassing the Cephalic Phase

Sometimes it is necessary to rush through a meal. It’s just unavoidable. But when you do this day in and day out, the consequences can be drastic – indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and low nutrient status are just a few examples.

How to Maximize Cephalic Digestion

  • Sit down at a table for meals.
  • Take a moment to be grateful for your food.
  • Eat with someone if possible.
  • Take time to see and smell your food.
  • Put your fork down between each bite and chew thoroughly.
  • Give yourself enough time to eat and enjoy your meal.

I’ve seen so many poor health conditions improve simply by getting back to the basics of mindful eating. Is everything else really that much more important than how we nourish ourselves? Remember, eating is not simply about getting calories in our bodies, it’s about nourishing our bodies in a way we can use the nutrients our food is meant to provide.