In today's fast-paced world, many choose to eat quickly while standing, especially at work or on the go. However, according to Dr. Peyton Berookim, a gastroenterologist at the Southern California Gastroenterology Institute, this habit can impede blood flow to the digestive system due to gravity pulling blood towards the legs.
Additionally, standing while eating often leads to faster chewing and swallowing, which can result in swallowing air, causing bloating. It also makes the stomach work harder to process food.
Conversely, sitting down to eat and savoring the meal allows the body to relax. Research published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine suggests that chewing slowly, appreciating the flavors, and eliminating distractions helps maintain the balance of the autonomic nervous system, promoting digestive function.
"Sitting down to eat usually prolongs meal times, promoting calmness and supporting both digestion and mood," Dr. Berookim said.
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Illustrative photo: livestrong |
Illustrative photo: livestrong
A 2019 study in the Journal of Consumer Research also indicates that standing reduces the ability to perceive flavors. Researchers found that those who ate standing up rated food as less enjoyable and even failed to notice differences when salt was added.
This is because while standing, the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the head, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which reduces taste sensitivity.
While standing while eating might reduce food consumption, which could be beneficial for those watching their weight, it also means a less satisfying dining experience and a more stressed body.
However, sitting isn't always the best option. For those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), standing or walking gently after a meal can help reduce stomach pressure and alleviate heartburn.
"Both positions have their pros and cons. It's important to listen to your body and adjust accordingly," Dr. Berookim advises.
Furthermore, eating while distracted, whether standing or sitting, increases the risk of overeating. Harvard Health Publishing states that it takes about 20 minutes for the brain to register fullness. Therefore, eating hastily or while multitasking can lead to consuming more than necessary and less efficient digestion.
Eating habits also impact children and families. According to a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the time families spend eating dinner together has decreased by 30% in the past 30 years.
Meanwhile, children who regularly have dinner with their families tend to have healthier diets, perform better academically, develop better language skills, and have a lower risk of substance abuse.
Nhat Minh (according to Wellandgood/livestrong)
