This small, popular delicacy has turned into a daily habit for many. Be it walking, driving, or sitting; most of us immediately turn to gum in order to rid ourselves of bad breath or simply to enjoy its pleasant taste. But did you ever think about the benefits of chewing gum other than in its delightful flavor and aroma? The fact is, chewing gum is not just a simple habit; amazing impacts on physical and mental health can be derived from it.
While there are plenty of benefits, chewing gum also produces side effects when it is in overconsumption. In some cases, excessive chewing of gum by teenagers has resulted in migraine issues. However, research studies prove that, if taken in moderation, it offers plenty of advantages. This article tends to present ten unexpected chewing gum benefits along with its possible side effects to help one develop better comprehension of this everyday treat.
Chewing Gum Benefits
It may appear that the advantages of chewing gum amount to fresh breath only, but actually, it has positive effects on both mental and physical health. Let’s get into some points that detail the various benefits:
1. Appetite Control and Weight Loss
One of the most important chewing gum benefits is its ability to suppress cravings for high-calorie foods and junk snacks. It does this by sending signals to the brain, which helps create a feeling of satiety. Chewing gum after meals can reduce overall calorie intake, hence being a very easy and effective tool for weight management.
2. Improving Concentration and Memory
The other fabulous benefit is that chewing gum increases the flow of blood to the brain. Where there is more blood, more oxygen becomes available, which helps in focusing and aids in short-term or long-term memory. This feature can be availed by the working population and the students.
3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Chewing gum has its contributions to making one’s level of cortisol-the stress hormone-go down, hence creating calm. Some of the chewing gum benefits include keeping the mind occupied with the mechanical action of chewing, thereby distracting the individual from reasons for stress and offering a way to relax.
4. Aids Digestion
Another important benefit of chewing gum is its positive effect on digestion. By stimulating the production of saliva, gum turns on digestive enzymes to make the process of digestion smoother. Chewing gum after meals can prevent indigestion.
5. Relieving Acid Reflux
Matters like acid reflux and heartburn are relieved by the gum. Chewing stimulates saliva production, which neutralizes stomach acid and helps clear the esophagus of any remaining acid. Sugar-free gum after meals can greatly reduce symptoms.
6. Preventing Tooth Decay
One of the most valuable advantages of chewing gum is its protection of dental health. Sugar-free gum enhances salivation and helps to rinse off food particles, along with neutralizing acids. This prevents plaque formation and decaying of the tooth, making your smile healthier.
7. Fighting Dry Mouth
This is quite a common problem for many. Chewing gum can increase saliva production in the mouth up to tenfold. This relieves discomfort and keeps the mouth moist. This chewing gum benefits is especially helpful for those experiencing dry mouth due to medication or medical conditions.
8. Reducing Cold Symptoms
The gum containing mint or eucalyptus helps in clearing the nasal pathways and reduces the deposition of mucus. A surprising benefit of gum in such cases is its ability to improve breathing and provide relief from cold symptoms, even though it’s not a complete cure.
9. Supporting Addiction Recovery
Chewing gum is a helpful tool either for quitting one’s habits of smoking or lowering caffeine craving. Among the helpful side of chewing gum are that it keeps the mouth busy, reducing the psychological dependence on stimulants. Especially for smokers who want to get rid of smoking, nicotine gums are useful.
10. Reducing Earworm Phenomenon
Earworms, or the constant playing of songs in one’s head, can be annoyingly irritating. It has been observed that one of the less well-known benefits of chewing gum is its tendency to reduce this phenomenon. The motion of chewing distracts the brain and minimizes the mental loop of repetitive tunes.
Chewing Gum Side Effects
While there are numerous chewing gum benefits, its overconsumption or improper usage can result in certain side effects. Following are some key considerations:
1. Digestive Issues with Sugar-Free Gum
Most sugar-free gums contain xylitol or sorbitol, and sugar alcohol can cause gastrointestinal complications like bloating, gas, or diarrhea if consumed in excess. They fall under the category of foods known as FODMAPs and, therefore, can cause symptoms among IBS patients.
2. Potential Tooth Decay
While sugar-free gum is beneficial to dental health, the sugar-containing one does just the opposite. It feeds opportunistic bacteria that multiply in the mouth to cause plaque and dental cavities. Besides that, excessive sugar intake leads to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
3. Jaw and Muscle Strain
Constant chewing of the gum may stress and strain the muscles and joints of the jaw. This can eventually cause temporomandibular joint disorder, known as TMJ, which includes pain or discomfort during the opening and closing of the mouth. People with symptoms like these must reduce the frequency of chewing gum.
4. Migraines
Some research suggests that gum chewing in excess can be a migraine or tension headache trigger for some people, especially adolescents. The continual stimulating of the jaw can tire out facial muscles and prompt headaches.
5. Swallowing Excess Air
Constantly chewing the gum can lead to aerophagia, a condition wherein people swallow excess air, which again causes bloating and discomfort.
The Exclusive Charm of Bubble Gum
It is unique and full of flavor, and has a few advantages.
1. Sugar-Free and Tooth-Friendly
Sugar-free bubble gum protects teeth while still giving a sweet and pleasant flavor.
2. Long-Lasting Flavor
One of the most important advantages of bubble gum is its long-lasting, delightful taste that keeps the mouth fresh and entertained for extended periods.
3. Bubble-Making Fun
It gives a playful sensation since big and strong bubbles can be blown, making it favorable for both kids and adults.
4. Stress Relief and Focus
Like normal gum, bubble gum can help reduce stress and improve focus; therefore, this product is fitting for those ready to enjoy themselves in a leisure activity yet an engrossing way.
5. Healthy Distraction
For those wanting to kick off bad habits or cravings, bubble gum is a healthier option that is pleasurable.
Conclusion
Chewing gum is more than a habit; it’s a small but powerful tool with numerous chewing gum benefits for mental and physical health. The advantages of chewing gum, ranging from reducing stress to improving dental hygiene, make it something worth adding to your daily routine. However, it is in moderation and choosing sugar-free options that avoid possible side effects.
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