Are you aware that the digestive system finds it difficult to digest food when we overeat? Read further!
Overeating is a frequent phenomenon in today’s fast-paced Environment. It can be alluring to indulge in your favorite foods, especially during holidays or social gatherings, or even to binge out of anxiety, idleness or other psychological issues. However, ingesting more food than your body needs can have serious consequences on your digestive system. Overeating can overwhelm the digestive system, making it difficult for it to break down food efficiently.
The digestive system is responsible for metabolizing food into nutrients that the body can absorb and use. When we eat, our digestive system secretes enzymes and acids to help break down food into smaller molecules. These molecules are then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various parts of the body for energy, growth, and repair.
When you consume more food than your body needs, your digestive system has to work harder to break down the excess food. This can cause bloating, discomfort, and even pain in the abdominal area.
One of the most common effects of overeating on the digestive system is acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when the acid from the stomach moves back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. Overeating can increase the pressure on the stomach, forcing the acid to move back up into the esophagus.
Overeating can also cause constipation. When you consume too much food, your body may not be able to process it quickly enough, leading to a buildup of waste in the intestines. This can cause discomfort and make it difficult to have regular bowel movements.
Another consequence of overeating is the development of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine and causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Overeating can exacerbate these symptoms and make it more difficult to manage the condition.
In addition to physical effects, overeating can also have psychological effects which often also circles back to hamper the digestive process. People who overeat may experience feelings of guilt or shame, which can cause stress and anxiety. This, in turn, can affect the digestive system by altering the balance of bacteria in the gut and reducing the production of digestive enzymes.
To prevent the negative effects of overeating on the digestive system, it is essential to practice moderation when consuming food. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can help prevent overeating and keep the digestive system functioning efficiently. It is also important to avoid eating too quickly and to chew food thoroughly as these aid in proper digestion.
TIPS TO STOP OVEREATING
- 1. Eat personalized-portion size of Food: Yes! The food that fits in your two palms is your personalized-portion. Less food doesn’t make you malnourished or weak especially when you are not doing hard labour. Caloric intake decrease of 30% will result to a lifespan increase of 30%.
- 2. Comprise your diet of all six flavors: These flavors are sweet, bitter, sour, salty, pungent and astringent. If followed, you won’t feel lethargic after eating your meals.
- 3. Eat desserts and appetizers: Milk after a meal, fruits and salads before meals help to curb overeating.
- 4. Eat Slowly and mindfully: Get mindful while eating and chew your foods properly. Operating phones, watching TV, working on a laptop or talking while eating distracts your body.
- 5. Know when to stop Eating: Your body gives signals when it is full because that’s how much it can digest.
So you understand by now that your body doesn’t need all that you can EAT but only all it can DIGEST. By practicing moderation and healthy eating habits, you can prevent the negative effects and promote optimal digestive health.
Overeating is a habit that can be unlearned.
