The Power of Chewing (and Fermented Foods): Simple Secrets for Lifelong Vitality
I’ve always been fascinated by older adults who live joyful, active, healthy lives. They inspire me endlessly. What do they attribute their vitality to? What daily habits help them stay energized and engaged with life?
Just two days ago, a client asked how she could “alkalize” after enjoying a few acid-forming foods. I offered some helpful shifts, but then shared what I consider the most powerful—and overlooked—digestive tool of all: chewing.
Chewing well is one of the easiest ways to improve digestion. Once you get used to it, you’ll never want to eat any other way. Your food tastes better, meals become more enjoyable, and your digestion shifts from sluggish to supportive. As we age, efficient digestion becomes essential: poor digestion drains energy, while good digestion frees energy to do whatever brings meaning to your life—even running a sprint at 105.
If you’d like a simple refresher on how to support your digestion, here’s a short video I made:
Resource #1: How to Improve Digestion
The Added Power of Fermented Foods
Another gentle yet powerful way to support digestion is to include fermented foods in your daily routine. These foods naturally supply beneficial bacteria that help balance your gut environment, improve nutrient absorption, and calm digestive discomfort.
Even a small daily serving can help your body break down food more efficiently. Fermented foods also tend to be slightly alkaline-forming, which supports your overall sense of lightness, clarity, and vitality. Think of them as friendly helpers that keep your internal ecosystem functioning smoothly.
Resource #2: One of the BEST and must have fermented foods:
Japanese Umeboshi plums Link Here
A True Inspiration: The 105-Year-Old Sprinter
Japanese centenarian Hidekichi Miyazaki set a world record as the oldest competitive sprinter the day after turning 105. Wearing his bright red T-shirt, he completed his race in 42.22 seconds—though he joked it wasn’t quite as fast as his 36-second training time. His personal best, set at age 103, remains undefeated.
Born in 1910, he lived through both World Wars. He didn’t begin running until his 90s, after many of his Go-playing friends passed on. Soon he became known as the “Golden Bolt” for playfully imitating Usain Bolt’s lightning-bolt pose.
When asked the secret to his vitality, Miyazaki credited three simple habits:
He exercised every day.
He ate with moderation.
And he chewed his food thoroughly.
Timeless wisdom worth following.