A person who does not meet the required daily intake of essential nutrients needed by the body for optimal functioning, is vulnerable to becoming malnourished. Malnutrition is a serious condition that has the potential to be life-threatening if not addressed.
There are numerous causes that can lead to a person becoming malnourished; one of them being missing teeth or teeth being in such a poor state as to make biting and chewing painful or difficult. The population group most likely to have teeth missing are the elderly; the group also who are at greater risk of malnutrition. Age UK puts the number of elderly persons (aged 65 and over) at 1 in 10 who are either nutrient deficient or are at risk of becoming so. When adult teeth falling out cannot be avoided, it is best to seek appropriate dental solutions to replace missing teeth, like dental implants Herefordshire which have become the go-to teeth replacement solution in the dental industry.
The Role Of Mastication In Nutrient Absorption
The key to efficient nutrient absorption begins in the mouth with the proper grinding down of food into tiny bits before being swallowed. Foods that are not chewed properly stay undigested in the gut for an extended period of time.
Not only does this mean missing out on available nutrients as the nutrients can only be absorbed once digested, but foods not processed properly opens up the possibility of bacteria breeding in the colon, resulting in a whole host of other undesirable ill-health consequences.
The Benefits Of Chewing Food Properly
While nutrient absorption is a most desirable spin-off of chewing food properly, it is not the only advantage to be gained. Chewing serves other functions as well, including those now mentioned below.
It may come as a surprise but the longer one chews one’s food, the more satiated one may feel. Chewing facilitates the release of hormones responsible for communicating the feeling of fullness.
Breaking down larger pieces of food into smaller particles through chewing helps to alleviate the stress placed on the oesophagus reducing the risk of low energy, bloating, constipation, acidity and indigestion.
Taking longer to eat a meal may mean eating less which can have a positive impact on one’s weight goals. Finishing a meal too quickly can send the wrong signal to the brain, that one is still hungry and needs more food.
Chewing stimulates the production of saliva which contains enzymes that play a role in breaking down fats in food. Chewing for longer gives these enzymes more time to do their job to break down fat more effectively. In addition to this, an increased saliva production is useful in the prevention of dental diseases like cavities and gum disease. Saliva acts as a natural mouthwash by washing away bad bacteria in the mouth.
Opting for modern teeth replacement devices can prove to be life-changing. Not only would a missing teeth replacement solution help one eat a wider variety of foods, one can improve one’s ability to absorb nutrients more effectively which has a number of health-promoting benefits.