Introduction: Digestion Starts with Posture
You may have heard “you are what you eat”—but at BreatheWorks, we also say: how you sit while eating matters just as much.
Poor posture during meals impairs everything from chewing to swallowing to digestive motility. And for patients with reflux,GERD, or swallowing difficulties, slouching may be the invisible factor worsening symptoms. This blog explores how alignment affects the entire digestive process—and what to do about it.
How Posture Affects Digestive Function
When posture collapses:
- The stomach is compressed, increasing intra-abdominal pressure
- The diaphragm loses tension, weakening the lower esophageal sphincter
- Chewing becomes rushed or uneven due to poor jaw and tongue mechanics
- Swallowing is less coordinated, raising risk of choking or aspiration
- Reflux is exacerbated by pressure on the esophagus and poor positioning
Real-World Case: A 58-Year-Old Man with Reflux and Swallowing Fatigue
A man was referred to BreatheWorks after years of gastroesophageal reflux disease treatments, frequent throat clearing, and discomfort swallowing.
What we found:
- Slouched seated posture during meals
- Shallow breathing, frequent sighing, and low vocal tone
- History of mouth breathing and improper chewing
- Compressed rib cage and forward head posture
- Over-reliance on neck muscles during the swallow reflex
Therapy included:
- Myofunctional therapy to improve bolus control and tongue posture
- Postural alignment coaching during and after meals
- Breathing support to reduce aerophagia and air swallowing
- Education on positional strategies to reduce reflux (e.g. upright sitting, pacing)
Results:
- Fewer reflux episodes within 4 weeks
- Increased confidence while eating with others
- Decreased need for antacids and fewer post-meal throat issues
- More relaxed, efficient swallowing and better oxygenation
The Posture-Digestion Connection, Explained
- Rounded shoulders and collapsed spine compress the stomach and intestines
- The diaphragm, which helps regulate stomach pressure, loses tone and function
- Nasal breathing decreases, leading to more swallowed air and indigestion
- Impaired chewing and oral rest posture increase aspiration risk and bloating
In older adults or post-surgical patients, these factors can contribute to malnutrition, fatigue, and swallowing disorders.
How BreatheWorks Addresses Digestive Dysfunction Through Posture
Our interdisciplinary care model helps restore function from the mouth down:
✅ Myofunctional therapy to improve chewing, swallowing, and tongue posture
✅ Postural coaching during meals to reduce reflux and fatigue
✅ Breathing re-education to decrease aerophagia and improve parasympathetic tone
✅ Coordination with gastroenterologists, ENTs, and dietitians
✅ Education for caregivers and families on feeding positions and pacing
We treat children, adults, and seniors struggling with digestive symptoms rooted in mechanics, not just diet.
Signs Posture May Be Affecting Your Digestion
- Frequent heartburn or regurgitation
- Discomfort or fatigue during meals
- Frequent sighing or shallow breathing
- Difficulty swallowing or sensation of food “getting stuck”
- Voice changes after eating or drinking
- Burping or bloating despite clean diet
Key Takeaways
- Slouched posture compresses the digestive system and worsens reflux and swallowing issues
- Aligning the spine and restoring breathing coordination can relieve symptoms
- Myofunctional therapy supports long-term digestive health from the first bite
- BreatheWorks provides whole-body therapy for airway, posture, and gut health
