Is chewing gum actually bad?
Chewing bubble gum is an act which is embraced by some and considered not so cool by others because of the downsides it holds such as it causing excessive gas and migraine. Getting to chew gum sometimes could be a factor of the environment you find yourself, if you are all by yourself or in an informal environment, you are free to chew as many gums as possible without the expectations of a possible backlash. However, its usually frowned at in places such as a formal environment or gathering.
According to recent studies, it has been discovered that chewing gum might not be that much of a bad idea as there are some surprising health benefits from just chomping on a stick of gum. Here they are;
Ability to help burn calories and control your weight
Chewing gum regularly could help you burn some calories, this was discovered during a study carried out by Mayo clinic where it was discovered that the body burns 11 calories each hour through working the jaw. Another study carried out at Louisiana State University also discovered that adults who chewed gum after having lunch reported decreased feeling/ craving for sweet foods as both normal and sugar-free gums helped adults eat less snacks compared to adults who didn’t.
It helps improve your memory and cognitive performance
According to a recent research, it was discovered that the continuous movement of the jaws while chewing gum helps improve the delivery of oxygen to the brain, the production of glucose, increases the activity in the hippocampus (an area responsible for memory) and helps dispose of C02. These processes could improve your alertness, motor control and arousal which in turn would help improve your memory and cognitive performance. However, be warned that excessive chewing of gum could affect your short-term memory.
Chewing gum could prevent tooth decay
Chewing gum could also help reduce the possibility of you having a tooth decay as when gum is chewed, saliva is produced and this can help neutralize plaques, kill cavities and wash away food particles in your mouth and as a result protect your teeth. You could do sugarless gum 20-3 minutes before meals to help reduce your chances of experiencing tooth decay. Also, note that chewing gum is never an alternative to brushing or flossing.
Reduction of stress symptoms
For years now, psychiatrists and psychologists believe that chewing gum could serve as an outlet for anger, frustration or irritation and could help reduce tension and nervousness. This has been affirmed by recent studies that the rhythmic movement while chewing gum has a stress-reducing effect on individuals as it helps them feel more relaxed and satisfied.
Improves the digestive process
Activation of the digestive process occurs immediately after chewing occurs. When you chew, saliva is produced in the mouth aiding swallowing of food and triggering the release of the enzymes and acids that digest food. This same process applies when you chew gum, especially after meals as the enzymes and acids required for digestion are released and as result, digestion and the performance of the digestive system are improved. You should avoid chewing gum on empty stomach to avoid bloating or overproduction of stomach acids.
It could help reduce acid reflux and heartburn
The chewing of gum can help stimulate the secretion of acid neutralizing saliva which could help relieve heart burns and reflux. For this purpose, you shouldn’t take peppermint flavoured gum as it could worsen the condition rather than reduce it.
Conclusion
Chewing gum has no precise effect on everyone, but in generality could be considered more beneficial than harmful when chewed. Chomping on some few sticks today might not be a bad idea.