Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 19: Health experts say that properly chewing food may do more than aid digestion, as it could also help improve brain stimulation, alertness and concentration.
According to Dr Harish Hovale Bheemrao, Consultant Neurology at Fortis Hospital, chewing activates several nerves and muscles connected to the brain.
“When we chew food properly, the jaw muscles and nerves send signals to different areas of the brain. This process may help increase blood flow and improve alertness for a short period of time,” he explained.
Dr Bheemrao said some studies have linked chewing with better attention, concentration and memory-related functions. He noted that the brain requires continuous oxygen-rich blood flow and sensory stimulation to remain active, and chewing may act as a mild trigger for these processes.
“That is one of the reasons some people feel more alert while chewing gum or eating slowly, rather than rushing through meals,” he added.
A study published in the journal BioMed Research International stated that chewing directly stimulates the brain and may enhance alertness, sustained attention and cognitive processing. Researchers noted that the rhythmic muscle action involved in chewing increases blood flow to the head and oxygenates important brain networks.
Experts further explained that chewing is not only a digestive activity but also a neurosensory process that activates areas of the brain linked to awareness and cognition.
Ms Karthigai Selvi, CF Dietician at Gleneagles BGS Hospitals, said proper chewing begins digestion in the mouth itself.
“When food is chewed properly, it breaks down into smaller particles and mixes well with saliva, which contains digestive enzymes. This helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively,” she said.
She added that improved nutrient absorption may indirectly support energy levels, concentration and overall brain performance. Experts also highlighted the growing understanding of the gut-brain connection, where digestive health may influence mood, focus and mental wellbeing.
Doctors warned that modern fast-eating habits, often caused by stress, work pressure and excessive screen exposure, may negatively affect both digestion and mindfulness.
“When you chew slowly, you become more aware of hunger and fullness signals. This supports both physical health and mental wellbeing,” Selvi said.
Dr Bheemrao also noted that distractions during meals could reduce mindful eating and indirectly contribute to stress and poor focus over time.
Experts further suggested that chewing may help reduce stress in some individuals.
“There is growing curiosity about how oral activity links with stress reduction and brain performance. Chewing might help reduce stress responses in certain people because it can lower tension and help the body move toward a calmer state,” Dr Bheemrao explained.
However, doctors clarified that chewing alone is not a treatment for cognitive decline or neurological disorders.
Experts recommended eating meals slowly without distractions, limiting screen time while eating, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep and exercise, and practising mindful eating habits to support both digestion and mental wellbeing.
They said simple habits like proper chewing, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, may contribute to better focus, reduced stress and improved overall health over time.