There is a good number of studies with decent evidence about the benefits of chewing gum.Chewing gum can provide health benefits ranging from improved oral health to reduced hunger and stress levels if taken in moderation, but it may also lead to increase in a headache.
Improves Concentration and Memory
Many studies have shown that chewing gum increases our cognition function and overall mental performance.Chewing gum increases the blood flow to the brain thereby increasing oxygen to the brain. This makes our brain more potent and improves all cognitive factors.
Improves Wakefulness and Alertness
Many studies have also shown that chewing gum can increase alertness which may make us feel more awake. Therefore you can replace it with coffee and see how it works out for you.Chewing gum causes movement in the jaw which stimulate nerves and parts of the brain which increases activeness and alertness.Many studies show that chewing gum increases alertness and sustained attention, apart from one study which showed an increase in sustained attention but a reduction in alertness.
Oral Health
The one benefit that every one of us is aware of is its oral health benefits.The American Dental Association recommends chewing sugarless gum after meals may reduce plaque along with reducing cavities and gingivitis.Food which sticks to our mouth post meal usually gets broken down by microbes in our oral cavity and produces acidic by-products that can harm our teeth.Chewing gum increases the production of saliva in our mouth which neutralizes the acidic compounds. The stickiness of the gum can also trap some bacteria and solid food items in or around our cavity region.It is important to use sugar-free gum. Gums which has xylitol can reduce decay-causing bacteria much more efficiently. Xylitol (sugar alcohol) present in chewing gum shows many benefits as it reduces the acid-producing bacteria (streptococci mutans).Finally, stay away from sorbitol, which can cause GI discomfort.
Reduces Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Chewing gum post meal can reduce acid in the oesophagus region which can cause heartburn and acid reflux.Excessive saliva produced by chewing gum clears the acid more effectively.Spearmint and Peppermint flavours can increase the acid level in our body so it is better to stay away from them.
Improves Eating Habits by Controlling Appetite
Studies show that chewing gum can make you consume less by reducing food cravings. moreover, popping gum just after the meal, while watching TV, or when doing other activity to save few calories. Because at that time mostly you decide to Bing upon some Cheetos or sodas leading to mindless nibbling.According to few studies chewing gum affects our hunger and appetite by bringing it down and may, in turn, increases satiety.Chewing gum may make you and your brain into thinking that you are eating and help to reduce craving by not thinking about food.The hormone known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) makes us feel satiated and chewing gum increases the level of this intestinal hormone.
Anxiety
Many studies showed that chewing gum decreases the level of stress and anxiety, apart from few who showed no change in stress and anxiety levels.Chewing gum mostly of a specific flavour, may increase cerebral blood flow and alter the brain waves.
Things to note
Apart from all the main benefits of chewing gum, it comes with some flaws. For some people chewing gum increases worsen their headache. Few studies have found a relationship between the frequency of chewing gum and headache.Extreme and unnecessary chewing gum can affect TMJ (temporomandibular joint) symptoms by worsening it. It can trigger a headache.
The bottom line
There are some other benefits also like it may help in making Cigarette Smokers Quit, Relieves Dry Mouth, Relieves Ear Pain During Flights etc.It is important to be aware of the dose and quality of gum you are consuming. It is better to chew gum occasionally rather than excessively.Don’t make it an addiction. If you think that occasional chewing gum can improve your oral health and anxiety or lower your appetite, then take the best out of it.
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