There has been talk about how meats are digested better in the stomach due to the type of stomach acids, where plants don’t digest as well. But this is very much due to a generation that hasn’t been taught to chew and soak their food in saliva in the mouth. Chewing in itself is an essential part of breaking down foods that don’t digest fully in the gut. Saliva requires hydration, so make sure you’re hydrated. 
Chewing is a crucial first step in digestion because it physically breaks down food into smaller pieces and ideally into a paste-like consistency. This increases the surface area for digestive enzymes, making it easier for the stomach and intestines to process food efficiently. Proper chewing also signals the body to start releasing digestive enzymes and stomach acids, preparing the gut for the food it is about to receive.
Saliva plays a key role in this process by moistening food and beginning chemical digestion. It contains amylase, which starts breaking down carbohydrates, and lipase, which begins fat digestion. Saliva also contains antimicrobial compounds that help kill harmful bacteria and protects the teeth and gums. The combination of mechanical breakdown from chewing and chemical digestion from saliva helps form a soft, smooth food mass (bolus) that is easier to swallow and pass through the digestive tract.
When food is chewed into a fine paste, the stomach has less work to do. The digestive system can more effectively extract nutrients because the stomach acids and digestive enzymes can penetrate the food more thoroughly. If food is swallowed in large chunks without proper chewing, the stomach and intestines struggle to break it down fully, which can lead to bloating, indigestion, and inefficient nutrient absorption.
One common sign of inadequate chewing is finding undigested food in the stool, such as corn kernels, leafy greens, or other fibrous foods. These foods have tough cellulose walls that require thorough chewing to break down. If they pass through the digestive system intact, it means they were not properly broken down in the mouth, and the body could not fully extract their nutrients. This can also happen with nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables if they are not chewed well enough before swallowing.
Proper chewing not only improves digestion but also prevents overeating by giving the brain enough time to register fullness. Taking the time to chew food thoroughly supports overall gut health, reduces strain on the digestive system, and ensures that nutrients are properly absorbed.
Why does meat digest differently from plants?
Meat digests well in the stomach because of the high concentration of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme. The stomach’s acidic environment (pH around 1.5–3) is well-suited to break down proteins found in meat into smaller peptides, which are then further broken down by enzymes like trypsin and chymotrypsin in the small intestine. Additionally, gut bacteria in the intestines help process fats and amino acids from meat efficiently.
Plants, on the other hand, contain cellulose, a tough fiber that forms plant cell walls. The human digestive system lacks the enzyme cellulase, which is needed to break down cellulose effectively. This makes plant material harder to digest, requiring thorough chewing and help from gut bacteria in the colon to ferment and break down some fibers. While some plant-based nutrients are absorbed, undigested plant matter—like corn kernels or leafy greens—can pass through the digestive system intact if not properly chewed.
Meat digestion is efficient because proteins and fats are broken down primarily by stomach acids and enzymes, while plants require more mechanical breakdown (chewing) and microbial fermentation in the gut.
So, in short… chew your food. It isn’t fun to make a paste, but at least chew 50 times for a good breakdown before swallowing. This also helps prevent choking, helps with not getting tired after eating (less energy required for digestion) and overall health.
Chew chew chew!
Zenia is a multifaceted artist, musician, singer, actress, and tech advisor, dedicated to inspiring transformation through authentic expression. A natural wellness advocate and activist, she supports movements, foundations, and individuals committed to meaningful change. Zenia empowers people to live from the heart, harnessing the power of music, art, lifestyle shifts, and conscious awareness. Rooted in a family legacy of yoga, meditation, holistic health, education, and law, she carries forward a tradition of healing and knowledge, blending artistry with advocacy to make a lasting impact on the world.
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