Did You Know That Digestion Begins in Your Head?

That’s right, whenever you eat a meal it is important that your head becomes involved, and in a big way!

Have you ever been in a situation where you have seen your favorite food and your mouth started to salivate or maybe your stomach began to churn?

That is your head phase of digestion responding to that food.

 Cephalic Head Phase Digestion Response

The Cephalic Head Phase Digestion Response, or CPDR is actually one of the most important and yet little known features of your biology. And this feature has a huge impact on your;

•  digestion
• assimilation
• calorie burning capacity
• appetite

 CPDR is a fancy term for; 

• taste
• aroma
• satisfaction – how much pleasure you receive
• visual stimulization of a meal 

And here’s something truly amazing; researchers estimate that as much as 30 to 40% of the total digestive response of any meal is due to CPDR. 

How cool is that? 

So what does this mean exactly? 

Being aware at the plate 

Since your digestive process begins in the head you need to eat each and every meal with awareness. By being aware at the plate you will initiate; 

• the secretion of saliva
• gastric enzymes
• gut-associated neuropeptides 

You will also increase production of the full range of pancreatic enzymes. And in addition, encourage blood to rush to your digestive organs, stomach and intestines so that they will rhythmically contract assisting the digestive process. 

When you are aware at the plate, meaning you are in CPDR, chemical receptors on your tongue and in your oral and nasal cavities are stimulated by smelling, tasting, chewing, and of course noticing your food. 

What happens if you fall asleep at the plate? 

Well, if physiology dictates that 30 to 40% of your total digestive response to any meal is due to CPDR, and if you choose to fall asleep at the plate, then you are only metabolizing your meal at 60 to 70% efficiency. 

And this happens because you have failed to register any sense of taste, smell, satisfaction, or visual interest. 

“Sleepwalking” through a meal 

Sleepwalking through a meal is an ill-informed nutritional choice because having this lack of attention during your meal times translates into; 

• decreased blood flow to your digestive organs
• which means less oxygenation
• hence, a weakened metabolic force 

With less enzymatic output in your gut, you become susceptible to; 

• digestive upsets
• bowel disorders
• lowered immunity
• and fatigue 

So what is the solution? 

You need to capitalize on the Cephalic Head Phase Digestive Response of course! 

And what this means is learning to become more aware at the plate, no more sleepwalking through your meals. You need to become completely present during your meals. 

That means; 

• not watching TV while eating
• not reading while eating
• not eating at your desk at work
• not eating while driving in your car
• not talking on the phone while eating 

These are bad habits anyway and in order to receive the optimum level of metabolism from your meals you need to be 100% present! 

Become Present and Fully Aware 

So starting today practice being present and fully aware at the plate. Turn off the TV, put down that book, take time away from your desk and do not eat while driving. And you can call that person on the phone later. 

Allow yourself to sit down to your meals as you are meant to in order for your brain and body to receive the optimum information and nourishment it requires from your meals. 

• Begin to take in the colors of the food on your plate
• appreciate the aroma of your meals
• chew slowly to enjoy and fully taste each and every bite
• observe the differences in texture and crunch 

Then you allow your brain to receive the message that you are fully engaged with your meal and that will get you closer to accessing 100% of your body’s digestive response and metabolism. 

And once again, a little gratitude at each meal goes a long way too! 

I would love to help you transform your relationship with food, body and health and empower you to achieve a balanced life of health, purpose and vitality!

Your Nourishing Nutritionist,

Lynne Bowsher

Nourishment for body, mind and spirit