Debunking the Myth: Do Instant Noodles and Fried Foods Stay in Your Stomach for Days?

 

Illustration of instant noodle | image source: Ikhsan Baihaqi/unsplash

Have you ever heard the claim, "Don’t eat too many instant noodles because they stay in your stomach for days"? This widely shared statement has led many people to limit their consumption of instant noodles and other flour-based foods. But is there any scientific truth to this claim, or is it just another food myth?

Besides instant noodles, similar myths circulate about fried foods like crispy fried chicken, fritters, or any dish containing wheat flour. Some even go as far as to say that these foods remain in the stomach for three days or can even cause cancer. Understandably, hearing the word "cancer" can be alarming, leading some to develop an irrational fear of flour-based foods.

But before jumping to conclusions, let’s critically analyze whether these claims are scientifically valid or just another health hoax.

How the Human Digestive System Works

The human digestive system is designed to efficiently process a wide variety of foods, including wheat-based products. Here’s how digestion works:

1. In the Mouth: Saliva contains amylase, an enzyme that starts breaking down complex carbohydrates in wheat flour into simpler sugars.
2. In the Stomach: Stomach acid and digestive enzymes further break down nutrients.
3. In the Small Intestine: Pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase, maltase, and sucrase, convert complex carbohydrates into glucose, which is absorbed into the bloodstream.
4. In the Large Intestine: Undigested food components, such as fiber, are fermented by gut bacteria before being excreted.

Based on these processes, there is no scientific evidence suggesting that wheat flour or flour-based foods remain undigested in the stomach for days.

Why Does This Myth Persist?

1. The Perception of Instant Noodles Being Hard to Digest

Many people believe that instant noodles are difficult to digest due to their chewy texture and added preservatives. However, research has shown that instant noodles are digested similarly to other processed foods, albeit slightly slower than whole foods due to their refined carbohydrate content.

2. Overeating and Digestive Discomfort

Consuming large quantities of flour-based foods, especially those low in fiber, can slow down digestion, leading to bloating or constipation. However, this does not mean the food stays undigested for days—it simply affects gut motility.

3. Lack of Understanding About Digestion

Some people assume that heavy foods like fried chicken or noodles take longer to digest just because they feel "heavy" in the stomach. However, the body’s digestive system continues processing these foods normally, unless underlying digestive disorders are present.

Scientific Evidence That Debunks the Myth

Numerous studies have disproven the claim that flour-based foods stay in the stomach for extended periods:

• A 2018 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that carbohydrate-based foods, including processed ones, are typically digested within 24 hours, depending on fiber and fat content.
• Research in Gastroenterology & Hepatology (2021) demonstrated that processed foods like instant noodles and bread have a normal gastrointestinal transit time of 24 to 48 hours, similar to other foods.
• A 2020 study in the Journal of Food Science and Nutrition found that gluten-rich foods, such as wheat flour, do not significantly slow digestion unless the person has conditions like celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Can Instant Noodles and Processed Flour Foods Cause Cancer?

Some viral claims link instant noodles and flour-based fried foods to cancer. While it’s true that excessive consumption of processed foods is not ideal for overall health, there is no direct evidence proving that eating instant noodles or flour-based foods causes cancer. The main concerns are:

• Acrylamide formation: When foods like fried chicken or French fries are cooked at high temperatures, they may form acrylamides, compounds linked to potential cancer risks. However, occasional consumption is not harmful.
• Nutritional imbalance: Regularly consuming processed foods without a balanced diet can lead to health issues such as obesity and metabolic disorders, but this is due to poor diet quality rather than the ingredients themselves.

Conclusion: Separating Fact from Fiction

There is no scientific basis to the claim that flour-based foods like instant noodles and fried chicken remain undigested in the stomach for days. The human digestive system effectively processes these foods within 24 to 48 hours, depending on individual metabolism and dietary habits.

To maintain a healthy digestive system:

• Eat a balanced diet with fiber-rich foods to support digestion.
• Stay hydrated to aid in nutrient absorption and waste elimination.
• Avoid overeating highly processed foods, but understand that moderate consumption is not harmful.
• Be skeptical of health myths that lack scientific backing.

With proper knowledge, we can make informed food choices rather than fearing baseless food myths!

References

• Smith, R. et al. (2018). "Digestive Efficiency of Processed and Unprocessed Carbohydrates in Humans." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 108(4), 789-796.
• Lee, C. et al. (2021). "Gastrointestinal Transit Time of Different Food Types: A Clinical Study." Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 16(2), 145-152.
• Johnson, M. & Peters, D. (2020). "Effects of Gluten on Digestion and Nutrient Absorption." Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 12(3), 250-263.
• Brown, T. et al. (2019). "The Role of Dietary Fiber in Digestion and Transit Time." Nutritional Biochemistry Review, 34(5), 310-325.
• Wilson, A. et al. (2017). "Impact of Processed Foods on Gut Microbiota and Digestion." Journal of Gastrointestinal Health, 22(1), 12-19.