How Does Standing vs. Sitting to Eat Impact Digestion?

Most everyone eats while standing upright from time to time — when you’re crunched for time, need to nourish on the go, or get home after an exhausting day and are just too hungry to even put your takeout on a plate.

But is it bad to eat standing up? Here’s how your eating posture impacts your digestion.

What Happens When You Eat on Your Feet?

Several relatively minor changes in digestion, as well as eating patterns, tend to happen when you chow down while standing, according to Peyton Berookim, MD, a double board-certified gastroenterologist at the Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California in Beverly Hills.

“First, from a physiological standpoint, standing while eating can cause blood to ‘pool’ in your legs due simply to gravity,” Dr. Berookim says. “This can cause some decreased blood flow to your gut, where it is needed for digestion.” However, this is similar to what happens when you move your body directly after eating and is nothing to lose sleep over, he says.

You may eat faster, though, when you eat standing up, which can cause some side effects. Berookim says the faster you eat, the more likely you are to swallow air, leading to extra gas in your stomach. “Eating quickly and chewing less thoroughly can also result in abdominal cramping or discomfort, as your stomach will require more time to break down and digest food,” he says.

If you experience gas or indigestion and making changes to your diet doesn’t help, Berookim recommends you try taking a seat instead of standing while you eat.

What Are the Benefits of Sitting While Eating?

When you sit while dining and take the time to enjoy your meal, you can anticipate several benefits for digestion and otherwise.

And Berookim says that taking time to sit down and enjoy your meal isn’t just good for your body — it’s also good for your mind. “Sitting while eating tends to involve longer meal times and a greater sense of calm,” he says. Whether you’re dining solo or breaking bread with friends, family, or colleagues, sitting while eating may allow you to enjoy your overall dining experience more than standing upright.

Is It Always Preferable to Sit and Eat?

Regardless of whether you sit or stand while you’re eating, doctors say the main thing is to keep your body upright while you eat and afterward.

Heartburn and acid reflux are among the most common GI complaints. “Reflux is caused by increased pressure in the stomach that makes its way up the esophagus, giving one symptoms of burning in their throat, a sour taste in their mouth, and eructation — aka belching,” Berookim explains. To minimize this, he advises patients to avoid lying down for a few hours after eating. “In this scenario, standing while eating may actually help patients with symptoms of heartburn or reflux by reducing this pressure, too,” he says.

All things considered, Berookim says, standing or sitting while eating is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Simply take care to notice if one method tends to produce undesired digestive symptoms, and if so, adjust your dining habits accordingly. “Either way can be all right. The most important thing is to be mindful while eating and be in tune with what your body needs,” he says.

The Takeaway

• If you have acid reflux, maintaining an upright position while eating can help relieve your symptoms by reducing pressure on your stomach.
• When you eat on your feet, you may eat faster, which can lead to gas and stomach discomfort.
• Seated eating generally promotes a relaxed environment and slower, more mindful meals, which can enhance digestion.
• Pay attention to how standing versus sitting impacts your digestive health and adjust your eating position as needed.