The Surprising Benefits of Chewing Gum

What’s in Your Gum?

Before we dive into the benefits, let’s take a look at what’s in your average piece of gum. The ingredients may surprise you: elastomers, resins, waxes or oils, fillers, flavoring, and sweeteners. While these man-made ingredients may not seem like the healthiest options, they’re actually what make gum chewable and enjoyable.

9 Health Benefits of Chewing Gum

From reducing stress to improving oral health, there are several surprising benefits to chewing gum. Here are nine of them:

1. Reducing Stress: Chewing gum has been shown to reduce stress levels in both work and educational settings. In one study, students who chewed gum before exams reported lower stress levels and improved test scores.
2. Boosting Memory: Chewing gum has been linked to improved cognition and memory. In fact, one study found that chewing gum activates the part of the brain associated with memory.
3. Improving Oral Health: Sugar-free gum can actually be good for your teeth! Chewing gum after meals can help clean food off your teeth, increase salivation to fight plaque, and rebuild enamel.
4. Preventing Ear Infections: Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten gum, has been shown to prevent ear infections in children. Chewing gum with xylitol can help reduce the risk of bacterial infections that lead to inner ear infections.
5. Helping You Quit Smoking: Nicotine replacement therapy, which includes nicotine gum, is 80% more effective at helping people quit smoking than a placebo.
6. Aiding Digestion After Surgery: Chewing gum has been shown to kick-start bowel function after abdominal surgery, including C-sections and colon surgery.
7. Relieving Heartburn: Chewing gum can help ease indigestion and heartburn by increasing saliva flow and washing down digestive acid.
8. Satisfying Thirst: While chewing gum won’t improve hydration, it can help relieve thirst and dry mouth in a pinch.
9. Improving Vision: In one small study, chewing gum was shown to improve eye focus, although more research is needed to confirm this benefit.

Choosing the Best Chewing Gum

When selecting a gum, make sure to choose a sugar-free option to avoid cavities. Opt for a flavor you enjoy, and look for gum containing xylitol for its antibacterial properties. Just be sure to consume xylitol in moderation to avoid digestive distress.