Is eating standing up bad or not: Doctors' advice
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Many people have the habit of eating standing up due to their hectic lifestyles. However, it is good to be aware of how this could be bad for your health, according to Live Strong.
Can eating standing up be beneficial?
Dr. Peyton Berookim, a Doctor of Medical Sciences, explained that for some people, standing while eating can alleviate symptoms of acid reflux, one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders.
Acid reflux occurs when increased pressure in the stomach triggers your stomach contents (including food, acid and digestive juices) to travel back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like a burning sensation in the mid-chest (heartburn) or throat, sour taste in the mouth and burping.
The risk of acid reflux increases when you lie down after eating. This is because in this position, lying down, food and acid can easily flow back from the stomach into the throat.
Can eating standing up be harmful?
As we know, people who eat standing up tend to eat faster, and this fast pace leads to a shorter overall mealtime.
The problem is that this can contribute to overeating. When you eat quickly and on your feet, you're also more likely to be distracted. And when you're not focused on your food, you're less likely to feel full and satisfied.
It's worth remembering that the more time a person has to chew their food, the less likely they are to overeat.
The only thing worse than eating while standing might be eating on the go, as it disrupts the function of the diaphragm, which also affects digestion. The safest and best option for dining is sitting down.
Eating hastily, while in motion, often leads to crumbs getting into the airway. This can cause choking and even death if there's no one around to provide timely assistance.
Therefore, to avoid overeating and digestive problems, it's essential to eat calmly, sitting at a table, and thoroughly chewing each bite.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
