Our body has many fascinating processes, and one of them is how the brain and stomach work together to regulate hunger and fullness. Did you know that your brain takes about eight minutes to realize that your stomach is full? This delay is why experts recommend eating slowly, as it gives your brain enough time to receive signals from your stomach and prevent overeating.

When you eat, your stomach stretches and releases hormones like leptin and cholecystokinin (CCK). These hormones send signals to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls hunger and fullness. This communication helps the brain understand when you have had enough food. However, this process doesn’t happen instantly, which is why people may sometimes continue eating even when they are full.

Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, explains that these signals take time to travel through the body before the brain registers fullness. While the brain eventually understands that the stomach is full, the exact time can vary from person to person depending on factors like metabolism, diet, and overall health. Experts say mindful eating, chewing food properly, and taking breaks between bites give your brain enough time to catch up with your stomach.

Dr Agarwal says that the time it takes for the brain to know you are full is different for everyone. "Some people may feel full in less than eight minutes, while others may take longer," she said. This depends on things like how fast your body digests food, how much you eat, and what kind of food you have. Foods with fibre and protein can make you feel full faster, while processed foods might slow this process down.

Eating slowly and paying attention to your body’s signals can help prevent overeating. Dr Maneendra, consultant and head of the critical care department at Gleneagles Hospitals, Hyderabad, explains, “Chewing food properly, enjoying each bite, and taking small breaks while eating allows the brain enough time to realize when the stomach is full.”

Eating too quickly can lead to overeating, which may cause weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems. Including fibre and protein in your diet can also help you feel full for longer and improve overall health.

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