4 Ways Music Can Affect Your Digestion

Before you book a reservation for a restaurant with live music, you may want to consider the effects that various types of music can have on your eating habits and digestion. This can help you make a choice between seeing your favorite rock band while you eat your evening meal or enjoying smooth jazz in the background. Of course, your personal music preferences will play a large role in selecting the perfect live entertainment dining establishment, but these basic rules will also help you make a decision that will aid in your digestion. 

Slow Music Can Stimulate Relaxation and Digestion 

Slow, gentle music is known to be relaxing. Human digestion functions best when you are calm, relaxed, and feel safe. This means that soft music, such as classical, soft jazz, or easy listening variations, can help put you into a relaxed mood that encourages efficient digestion. This is especially important to keep in mind if you plan to stay at a venue after you have finished your meal and enjoy the music while you relax. 

Fast Music Can Stimulate Your Fight or Flight Reflex, Making Digestion More Difficult

Alternatively, fast, loud music with complex rhythms and lyrics such as rock, rap, and some pop can increase your respiration and heart rate. An increase in heart rate can slow down digestion as the energy required for digestion is being spent elsewhere in your body. For this reason, it is best to select a restaurant with upbeat music if you are going out for drinks or a light meal as opposed to a full meal. 

Slow Music Can Cause You to Eat Slower 

Slow music can encourage you to eat slower than you would if you were not listening to music or listening to fast music. This is because the repetitive motion of bringing food to your mouth and chewing is a naturally rhythmic process and will sync with the tempo of music that you are listening to. Without even thinking about it, you will bring the fork to your mouth more slowly and chew for longer periods of time.

Eating slowly has been associated with weight loss . This is because it takes time for your body to recognize that you are full and for you to stop eating. This means music that can help slow your eating pace is a good option if you are looking to lose weight and tend to overeat when you dine out.

Fast Music Can Encourage You to Eat More 

Just as slow music can encourage you to slow down when you eat, fast music can encourage you to eat more quickly. You may find yourself finishing your meal more quickly than you expected and you may overeat because you do not leave enough time for your body to signal fullness when you eat quickly. Additionally, if the fast music is played loudly, you may be distracted from your meal and not pay attention to the flavors, textures, or taste of the food. This can make it more difficult for your body to signal its cravings and you may end up eating more food.

While deciding where to dine it is important to keep in mind that most performers are aware of the various ways their music affects diners. They often modify their style to allow for light conversation and seek to provide a pleasant background rather than be the main focus of your dining experience. However, knowing whether you want a full meal or just a light dining experience with drinks can help you choose between a restaurant hosting a pop band or a jazz band for the evening.