Chewing gum is good or bad for you
It turns out that chewing gum can be really good for you for a number of reasons. If you’re looking for ways to focus, reduce nausea, or just improve your breath, grab some gum and you’re good to go! Here are some reasons why chewing sugar-free gum is actually good for you:
It improves your focus and your memory
Several studies have found that chewing gum improves mental performance. Brain functions such as concentration, memory, and even reaction times improved when people chewed gum. It is believed that this boost results from increased blood flow to the brain from chewing. In fact, some studies have shown a 25-40% increase. So as the blood flow to the brain increases, so does the oxygen in the brain, which helps improve memory and other cognitive functions.
It wakes you up
Additionally, many studies have shown that chewing gum can make you more alert. It is believed that chewing movements stimulate the nerves and increase blood flow. This can help some people feel more awake or stay awake longer. In fact, mint-flavored chewing gum is believed to be particularly useful for this.
It helps stress and anxiety
There have been people who said that chewing gum can help relieve nervous energy and make you feel a little calmer. It turns out that chewing gum can be a great substitute for nervous habits. In fact, this is backed up by studies showing that chewing gum helps reduce the stress hormone cortisol.
It protects your teeth
It turns out that the American Dental Association recommends chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals. This is because it has been shown to reduce plaque, promote tooth enamel, reduce tooth decay, and reduce gingivitis. Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva, which reduces the acid on the teeth that causes tooth decay. You just need to make sure the gum is sugar free to take advantage of these benefits. Chewing gum with sugar can actually contribute to acid build-up.
It reduces acid reflux and heartburn
Some people dealing with acid reflux and heartburn might find that chewing gum after meals can help reduce these things. It has been shown to reduce the acidity in the esophagus due to increased saliva production. As saliva production increases, you tend to swallow more, which helps clear the acid faster. However, it is advisable to avoid peppermint and spearmint flavors as they can increase acidity and make heartburn worse.
It improves your breath
This one is a breeze. If you want to combat bad breath, some gums are better than others. In fact, research has found that a well-known cinnamon gum reduces bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. It contains a vegetable essential oil that does this. The key is choosing the best breath freshening gums. So find the ones made from vegetable oils that fight bacteria rather than just masking smells.
It combats nausea
If you’re looking for some natural nausea relief, try safe herbal gums. There are ginger gums that help with this problem. The ginger and increased saliva production help relieve acidity and stomach irritation.
.