The practice known as “chew and spit” (CAS) involves chewing food thoroughly to experience its flavor and texture, but then purposefully expelling it before swallowing. This behavior is employed by individuals who wish to enjoy certain foods, often those considered high-calorie, while attempting to avoid caloric intake. The goal is to prevent the body from assimilating nutrients and energy. This action is frequently explored by people intensely focused on weight control or managing anxiety related to food.
The Physiology of Calorie Absorption
The question of whether calories are absorbed during chewing and spitting involves understanding the initial stage of chemical digestion. Digestion begins immediately in the mouth through the action of enzymes contained in saliva. Salivary amylase, also called ptyalin, is a digestive enzyme that starts the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, such as starches, into simpler sugars like maltose.
The mechanical action of chewing mixes the food with saliva, allowing this enzymatic breakdown to occur rapidly. A second enzyme, lingual lipase, is released in the mouth and begins the initial hydrolysis of fats, though its activity increases significantly in the stomach. By the time the food is expelled, a portion of its starches has already been converted into simple sugars.
While the majority of caloric absorption takes place in the small intestine, simple sugar molecules are small enough to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The mucous membranes lining the mouth, particularly under the tongue and in the cheeks, are capable of absorbing these sugars. This means that a small, unpredictable amount of calories can enter the body even if the food is not swallowed.
The amount of calories absorbed is inconsistent and depends on the food type, the duration of chewing, and the thoroughness of expulsion. Foods high in simple carbohydrates, which amylase quickly breaks down, pose a higher risk of absorption. Furthermore, an individual may inadvertently swallow small amounts of the liquified food mass, or bolus, leading to further caloric intake and making precise calorie counting impossible.
Immediate Physical Health Consequences
The practice of chewing and spitting can lead to a variety of physical harms by stimulating the digestive system without providing food to process. One immediate concern is severe dental damage due to the prolonged exposure of tooth enamel to food particles. Chewed foods, especially those high in sugar or acid, mix with saliva and enzymes, creating a corrosive environment. This repeated exposure significantly increases the risk of tooth decay, sensitivity, and cavities.
The constant stimulation of the salivary glands without swallowing can cause them to become enlarged. This condition, known as sialadenosis, results from the glands overproducing saliva in anticipation of a meal, leading to painful, chronic swelling. The parotid glands, located in front of the ears and behind the jaw, are most commonly affected, sometimes giving the face a visibly puffy or swollen appearance.
Chewing food activates the cephalic phase of digestion, signaling the stomach to begin preparing for nutrients. This preparation includes the secretion of strong hydrochloric acid. When the food is spat out and the stomach does not receive the expected buffer, this excess acid can back up into the esophagus, causing acid reflux or heartburn. Over time, this chronic exposure to stomach acid can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues, such as esophagitis or stomach ulcers. The continuous disruption of the digestive process may also interfere with the body’s fluid and hormonal balance, influencing electrolyte levels.
Psychological Context and Warning Signs
Engaging in chewing and spitting is widely recognized as a form of disordered eating, often presenting as a compensatory behavior. This action is frequently associated with serious conditions, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED). For many, the behavior provides a temporary sense of control over food intake, driven by an intense desire for thinness or a fear of weight gain.
The attempt to circumvent calorie ingestion often results in profound negative emotions rather than relief. Individuals who practice this frequently report intense feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety surrounding their food habits. This cycle of wanting to taste food, engaging in the behavior, and then experiencing distress can significantly worsen existing psychological struggles, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A clear warning sign that this behavior has become clinically significant is when it is performed frequently, in secret, or in conjunction with other restrictive habits. Individuals may isolate themselves during meal times or avoid social situations involving food to hide the practice. If the behavior is causing significant distress, has become compulsive, or is being used as a primary coping mechanism, professional intervention is needed. Seeking support from a therapist or a nutritionist specializing in disordered eating can help address the underlying psychological drivers and establish a healthier relationship with food.