system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Does the amount of chewing and final mush of food affect in any significant way the speed of digestion and metabolism of said food?

I've been wondering this as I'm a very fast eater and have also noticed that it takes me a very long time to become hungry again. I know I'm getting older and metabolism slows down, but am wondering if I can help this with chewing my food more?
gpt
Yes, it does. Indigestion as the result of not properly chewing food is a potential cause of heartburn.

&#x200B;

When you chew food, you increase the amount of surface area that enzymes and stomach acid can come in contact with. Thus, the food is more easily absorbed. By improperly chewing food, you run the risk of exacerbating digestive problems. Your stomach will have to work harder to break down improperly chewed food. That can eventually lead to esophageal and intestinal irritation, even stomach ulceration in extreme cases.

&#x200B;

Chewing slowly can also make you feel less hungry and thus eat less overall as it takes time for your stomach to send the signal that it's sated to your brain. By eating quickly, you will probably end up consuming more calories than if you were to eat more slowly as a result.

&#x200B;

If you're worried about packing on the pounds, but don't want to change your diet, you can simply add activity to your lifestyle instead. Eating more nutritiously in addition to this is obviously the best choice, but if you want to eat garbage and not end up like complete trash, working out is something you can do.