204. Chewing One’s Food

PLEASE NOTE: The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch incorporated in his work what was the best available medical data of his day. We are presenting his thoughts on these matters without additional commentary. Please be sure to consult with your rabbi on matters of halacha and with your doctor on matters of health and well-being. 32:12 In order to aid digestion, one should eat easier-digested foods before eating things that are harder to digest. For example, one should eat poultry before red meat. 32:13 Digestion starts in the mouth with the grinding of the teeth and the addition of saliva. One should therefore not swallow his food without chewing it, since that skips an important step in the process.