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 alertness, concentration and overall brain function.
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many people eat meals hurriedly while using mobile phones, watching screens or working. However, neurologists and dieticians suggest that mindful chewing may positively influence both physical and mental wellbeing.
Dr Harish Hovale Bheemrao, Consultant Neurologist at Fortis Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru, explained that 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 said.
According to experts, chewing acts as a mild sensory stimulus that may support attention, concentration and memory-related functions by improving oxygen-rich blood flow to the brain.
A study published in the journal BioMed Research International has also linked chewing with improved alertness and sustained attention. Researchers noted that the rhythmic action of chewing may increase blood circulation to the head and stimulate important brain networks.
Ms Karthigai Selvi, CF Dietician at Gleneagles BGS Hospitals, Kengeri, said proper chewing also improves digestion by breaking food into smaller particles and mixing it effectively with saliva and digestive enzymes.
“When food is chewed properly, the body absorbs nutrients more efficiently, which may indirectly support energy levels, concentration and overall brain performance,” she explained.
Experts also highlighted the growing awareness around the gut-brain connection, where digestive health is believed to influence mood, focus and mental wellbeing.
Doctors warned that fast eating habits, often caused by stress and screen distractions, may negatively affect digestion and reduce mindfulness during meals.
“When you chew slowly, you become more aware of hunger and fullness signals. This supports both physical health and mental wellbeing,” Ms Selvi said.
Dr Bheemrao added that distractions during meals may increase stress and reduce mental relaxation over time.
Experts further noted that chewing may help reduce stress responses in some individuals, which could explain why people often chew gum while concentrating or during stressful situations.
However, doctors clarified that chewing alone is not a treatment for cognitive disorders or brain-related illnesses.
They recommended adopting mindful eating habits such as eating slowly, avoiding screens during meals, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly and getting adequate sleep to support long-term health.