EATING LESS, MORE OFTEN

BY EMILY SINCLAIR (SHE/HER)

A FEW YEARS back, it was splashed across the media that it was ‘healthier’ to eat six small meals a day rather than three. Is this the case? Let’s take a look at how our food is digested! (Yes, I’m channelling my inner GCSE science teacher!)

Our digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the liver, pancreas and gallbladder. Food enters the mouth and passes through the tract before leaving the body via the anus. There are bacteria in the tract, also known as microbiomes, that help with digestion. People who suffer with digestion issues are often found to have less of these.

Now may be a good time to point out that I am no scientist. I’ve never had the brain for it! But, I am interested in nutrition and the effect food has on your body.

Digestion is crucial in order for the body to break down food into nutrients which can then be used for energy, growth and cell repair. Your body breaks down food into carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins. It is important to aim to get a balanced amount of all of these groups in order for your body to function in the best way it can. Given all of this information, I can see why people started to think that six small meals was ‘healthier’ for you; to spread out the pressure on your digestive system and release nutrients around the body more often. There are studies to show that this way of eating spreads out the levels of glucose which, for some people who are sensitive to glucose levels, is beneficial. The thinking goes that six small meals stop glucose levels dropping too rapidly. It’s a way to maintain nutrients and combat tiredness.

However, the problem lies in the case studies. Researchers have found that, actually, there is little difference in the reaction of people’s bodies when food is spread over six meals. This could be because the research participants hadn’t made the change for long enough, and so the body hadn’t been able to successfully adapt to this way of eating.

Moral of the story, eat whenever you’re hungry! At least that’s my advice. Whether three, six or more meals in a day, everyone’s body works differently, and cleverly adapts to ensure digestion.

Thank you for coming to my Science lesson!