Experts Stress The Importance Of Proper Chewing As Gastroenterologist Explains Causes Of Swallowing Difficulties

Chewing is one of the earliest but most essential stages of digestion, yet it is often overlooked.

A leading Florida-based gastroenterologist, Dr Joseph Salhab, has reminded people of the importance of taking time to break down food properly to avoid discomfort and improve digestive health.

Dr Salhab explained that chewing helps mix food with saliva, initiating the breakdown of carbohydrates and softening food into a texture that can easily pass through the oesophagus.

He noted that insufficient chewing often leads to food feeling difficult to swallow, occasionally triggering nausea or a sensation of blockage.

In an Instagram post shared on December 10, Dr Salhab recommended chewing each bite for 15 to 20 seconds.

He added that he regularly treats patients who get food lodged in the foodpipe, a problem that is frequently linked to hurried eating or inadequate chewing.

In his post, the specialist outlined several common medical conditions that can interfere with swallowing, cautioning individuals to take persistent symptoms seriously.

Medical Conditions That Can Cause Swallowing Problems

• Long-term Acid Reflux (GERD)

Chronic acid reflux can injure the lining of the oesophagus, Dr Salhab said. Over time, repeated damage and healing may create scar tissue, making the foodpipe less flexible. This often results in food slowing down or sticking, particularly meats and bread.

• Eosinophilic Oesophagitis (EoE)

EoE, an allergic reaction within the oesophagus, causes inflammation and narrowing.

“Young and otherwise healthy individuals can also experience sudden food-sticking episodes,” he explained, due to the accumulation of eosinophils.

• Oesophageal Motility Disorders

In cases where the muscles of the oesophagus fail to contract properly, food may move sluggishly rather than smoothly. Conditions such as achalasia or ineffective motility fall under this category, leading to frequent swallowing discomfort.

• Oesophageal Cancer

Both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can restrict or stiffen the oesophagus. Early symptoms are subtle, with gradually worsening difficulty swallowing solid foods often being the first sign.

Not All Swallowing Issues Are Medical

Dr Salhab stressed that occasional swallowing difficulty does not always point to illness. Sometimes food simply becomes stuck because the piece is too large or poorly chewed, especially in the case of dry chicken, meats, or bread. Such episodes may cause sudden pain, pressure in the chest, or drooling.

He advised individuals to slow down while eating and pay attention to their chewing habits to prevent unnecessary discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.

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