EDITOR’S PICK:
Everyone enjoys chewing gum; we can pop one while driving, relaxing, after a meal, or to satisfy their sweet tooth. While you may already be aware that chewing gum is beneficial for your teeth and keeps your mouth fresh, it also has a number of surprising health benefits.
Chewing gum, like everything else, can have unpleasant side effects such as jaw pain or migraines in some people if done excessively. However, the benefits of chewing gum can be realised with regular, moderate use.
1. Improves Oral Health and Prevents Cavities.
This is arguably the most well-known fact regarding chewing gum: it’s healthy for your teeth. Sugar-free gum, in particular, is proven to be beneficial in preventing tooth decay, with results similar to fluoride-containing mouthwash and toothpaste. Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.
It works by boosting saliva output in the mouth and eliminating food particles and acids from the teeth, which would otherwise cause tooth decay. Saliva also contributes to the strength of the enamel by providing it with calcium and phosphate.
2. Relieves Acid Reflux.
Acid reflux is a complex condition in which stomach acids flow up the oesophagus (food pipe) and cause chest congestion while destroying it, resulting in the typical burning feeling in the throat or chest. Surprisingly, chewing gum can help relieve acid reflux by emptying the food pipe and neutralising the acids.
According to one study, chewing gum clears the oesophagus by boosting the swallowing reflex and neutralising acids by making the saliva more alkaline. This indicates that the acid reflux has been decreased to provide you with relaxing comfort while also lowering irritation.
3. Enhances Digestion.
While chewing gum has no direct effect on digestion, chewing gum before a meal promotes digestion. This occurs because chewing stimulates the mouth to create saliva and the stomach to produce digestive acids, efficiently preparing the system for a meal.
As a result, it not only makes swallowing easier but also promotes digestion by preparing the stomach. Chewing gum after a meal not only keeps the mouth healthy but also aids in the prevention of indigestion by stimulating the digestive process.
4. Prevents Nausea
People who are prone to morning or motion sickness often find considerable comfort by chewing on a piece of gum, particularly herbal gums that contain ginger to aid with salivary production and digestion. Surprisingly, a recent study found that chewing gum can be just as helpful as prescription nausea medications.
It’s also worth noting that chewing gum is frequently given by doctors after major colon surgery to help stimulate the digestive tract. More research is being conducted to support this method as a beneficial remedy due to its lack of adverse effects and low cost.
5. Aids in weight management by improving eating habits.
When you’re attempting to lose weight, chewing gum can help you keep your cravings at bay.
FURTHER READING
According to studies, popping a sugar-free gum when you sense a sugary snack urge is a good method to immediately reward yourself without all the extra calories and deceiving your brain. If you want to avoid food cravings, chew a stick of gum instead of a sugary treat to avoid all the unneeded calories.
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