We’ve all sat across from that person — the one who’s practically wiping their mouth before you’ve even finished your salad. Or maybe you’re the fast eater in your circle (no judgment!). But what actually happens in your body when you rush through a meal? It turns out, the effects go far beyond a little indigestion.

Let’s start with the basics. The muscles you use to chew — the muscles of mastication — are part of your skeletal muscle system. And that system doesn’t just move your body; it’s wired into your sympathetic nervous system — the same “fight or flight” response that kicks in when you’re under stress. When your body thinks you’re in danger, your heart rate and blood pressure rise, blood rushes to your arms and legs, and energy is pulled away from your digestive organs. It’s a brilliant design for survival… but not so great for dinner.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Researchers at Osaka University found that when people chewed rapidly, their bodies actually showed a measurable increase in sympathetic nervous activity — the same pattern you’d see during stress or anxiety. In other words, eating fast can trick your body into thinking it’s in a mini “fight or flight” situation. And when that happens, your parasympathetic nervous system — your “rest and digest” mode — is turned down or even shut off for a while.

So while you’re wolfing down that sandwich, your body is quietly rerouting blood away from your stomach and slowing down the release of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. Studies highlighted in Dr. Emeran Mayer’s book The Mind-Gut Connection show that when the sympathetic system dominates, digestion literally takes a back seat — nutrients are absorbed less efficiently, food sits longer in the stomach, and bloating or discomfort often follow.

Of course, you’ve probably heard the advice to slow down and chew your food thoroughly, but it’s not just about mixing food with saliva. It’s about giving your body the signal that it’s safe to digest. When you eat slowly and mindfully, your parasympathetic system stays active, blood flows freely to your gut, and your body relaxes into its most natural, nourishing rhythm.

So, the next time you sit down to eat, take a breath. Notice the smell, the colors, the warmth of your food. Let your body know there’s no rush, no bear chasing you, no threat to survive — just a delicious meal and a moment of calm. That’s when digestion truly begins.

Link to Morter March Monday Rebroadcast: