{
  "id": 86837,
  "title": "Spaceflight could change how astronauts swallow, eat and drink in subtle ways",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/spaceflight-could-change-how-astronauts-swallow-eat-and-drink-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-03T12:29:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation",
    "slug": "the-conversation",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/spaceflight-could-change-how-astronauts-swallow-eat-and-drink-in-subtle-ways-282659"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station face unique challenges when it comes to eating, drinking, and swallowing in microgravity. While they can consume food and beverages despite the absence of gravity, normal bodily functions still adapt to this new environment, potentially affecting these everyday activities.\n\nMicrogravity causes bodily fluids to shift toward the head, resulting in facial puffiness, nasal congestion, and altered pressure on the mouth and throat. These changes can make it harder to swallow, given that swallowing involves the coordinated effort of over 30 muscles and nerves. Performing this action efficiently requires the subtle assistance provided by gravity on Earth, which aids in moving saliva and food from the mouth to the esophagus.\n\nOne of the most significant impacts of spaceflight on eating and drinking is the reduced satisfaction astronauts experience from their meals. In microgravity, the sense of smell is diminished, which plays a crucial role in flavor perception. Additionally, certain foods may not have the same textures or appetizing qualities, leading to a less enjoyable dining experience. Furthermore, astronauts often consume less food than they would on Earth, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies that could compromise muscle strength, immune function, and mental performance.\n\nAnother consequence of spaceflight is its effect on saliva production and oral health. Fluid shifts, dehydration, and changes in the body's stress response during extended space missions could compromise saliva production and oral health, increasing the risk of dental problems and discomfort. Saliva is essential for softening food, forming cohesive food masses, and protecting teeth and oral tissues. Consequently, a dry mouth in space could make even simple tasks like swallowing challenging, especially during lengthy missions.\n\nWith a round-trip mission to Mars potentially lasting two to three years, astronauts will be far from medical facilities and emergency evacuation options. Preparing and consuming food in microgravity requires new strategies, as traditional methods have proven insufficient. Recent developments include the use of 3D-printed foods, which can be customized to meet nutritional requirements and provide the desired textures. However, further research is needed to fully understand the impact of spaceflight on the human body's ability to eat and drink comfortably, ensuring that nutrition and hydration remain a top priority for astronauts during their missions.",
  "summary": "A speech-language pathologist on how complex swallowing is – and how small changes from gravity can complicate the process.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/86837.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Phys.org",
        "title": "Spaceflight could change how astronauts swallow, eat and drink in subtle ways",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/spaceflight-could-change-how-astronauts-swallow-eat-and-drink-in-98101",
        "published": "2026-08-03T18:20:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}