Chewing and spitting (C&S) is the practice of thoroughly chewing food to experience its taste and texture before expelling it without swallowing. Individuals engage in this practice to enjoy highly palatable foods while attempting to avoid calorie ingestion for weight control. This behavior is a compensatory mechanism used by people who fear weight gain but crave the sensory pleasure of food. The practice is considered an ineffective method for weight management, carrying significant physical and psychological consequences.
The Mechanism of Calorie Avoidance
The central premise of C&S relies on the assumption that calories are absorbed only after the food reaches the stomach and small intestine, which are bypassed when the food is spat out. Most caloric content from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins is absorbed through the intestinal lining after being broken down by digestive enzymes. By expelling the bulk of the chewed food, an individual successfully avoids the vast majority of these calories.
However, the mouth’s mucous membranes are not impermeable, and they can absorb small amounts of simple sugars, alcohol, and certain compounds directly into the bloodstream. Furthermore, thorough chewing of high-fat and high-sugar foods, such as chocolate or ice cream, causes a significant portion of the caloric content to dissolve and cling to the tongue and oral tissues. Studies suggest that a person may unwittingly absorb or swallow up to a third of the calories from a high-density, easily dissolvable food item, making the practice an unreliable method for complete calorie elimination.
Immediate Hormonal and Digestive Responses
Chewing and spitting triggers an immediate physiological reaction known as the cephalic phase of digestion, which occurs before food is swallowed. The sight, smell, and taste of food activate the vagus nerve, signaling the body to prepare for nutrient intake. This preparation involves the release of digestive juices, including stomach acid, and a rapid surge of the hormone insulin from the pancreas.
This initial release of insulin, called the cephalic phase insulin release (CPIR), prepares the body to manage the expected influx of glucose. When the food is spat out, the anticipated glucose load never arrives, resulting in a rapid, uncompensated drop in blood sugar levels. This state of transient hypoglycemia can paradoxically intensify feelings of hunger and craving, often leading to a vicious cycle of repeated C&S episodes or subsequent overeating.
Specific Physical Health Damage
The physical consequences of repeated C&S are substantial and primarily affect the oral cavity and upper digestive tract. One of the most common physical manifestations is the painful swelling of the salivary glands, particularly the parotid glands, sometimes referred to as “chipmunk cheeks.” This parotitis results from the constant, excessive stimulation and subsequent inflammation of the glands, which are repeatedly signaled to produce saliva for food that is never swallowed.
The prolonged and repeated exposure of teeth to highly concentrated sugars and acids from chewed food leads to severe dental erosion and an increased risk of cavities. Unlike normal eating, where saliva and swallowing help clear the mouth, C&S keeps the teeth coated in corrosive substances for extended periods. Furthermore, the release of stomach acid triggered by the cephalic phase, without the presence of food to buffer it, can irritate the stomach lining. This can contribute to gastrointestinal issues such as acid reflux, inflammation, and potentially the formation of stomach ulcers over time.
Connection to Disordered Eating Behaviors
C&S is widely recognized by medical professionals as a behavior highly indicative of disordered eating. It is not classified as a standalone disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) but is instead considered a “transdiagnostic” behavior. This means it occurs across the spectrum of eating disorders, frequently seen as a symptom of Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED), Anorexia Nervosa, or Bulimia Nervosa.
The psychological impact is profound, characterized by intense feelings of shame, guilt, and a profound loss of control over eating habits. The behavior can become compulsive and ritualistic, with individuals often isolating themselves to hide the practice. Seeking professional intervention is necessary because C&S is a psychological coping mechanism tied to underlying issues of body image preoccupation, anxiety, and a desire for control. Addressing this behavior requires comprehensive treatment that focuses on the psychological context and not just the physical act of spitting out food.