In a world of hustle, we often overlook the simple joys that can make a real impact on our lives. Chewing gum provides comfort without compromising health, particularly when it’s sugar-free. Let’s discuss the genuine benefits of healthy chewing gum and how can chewing gum help with digestion.
| Digestion and Chewing Gums | General Ingredients of Chewing Gums | What if you swallow your gum? | Conclusion | References |
Digestion and Chewing Gums
Chewing gum has long been associated with a freshening breath and satisfaction, but recent studies have suggested that chewing gum can also help in digestion. Digestion is an essential process in our bodies that breaks down the food we consume and extracts nutrients for proper functioning. We all strive for a better digestion system and there are various ways to promote good digestion, such as:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Staying hydrated
- Exercising regularly.
- Eating healthy
Chewing gum not only helps in digestion but it has other benefits as well. Check out: Surprising Benefits of Chewing Gum.
Do you know that Chewing Gum can Help with Digestion?
But have you ever wondered if chewing gums can aid in digestion as well? Let’s find out how chewing gum helps with digestion and digestive problems.
Stimulating Saliva Production
One of the common ways that chewing gum helps in digestion is by stimulating saliva production [1]. When we eat food, saliva helps to moisten and break down the food particles, making them easier to swallow and digest. Saliva also contains essential enzymes that digest the carbohydrates in your meals.
As chewing gum activates the salivary glands, this leads to increased saliva production and a more efficient digestion process.
Enhancing the Release of Digestive Juices
Beyond saliva production, studies have also mentioned that chewing gums help to stimulate the release of digestive juices such as gastric acid. These substances aid in the further breaking down of food, especially proteins, in the stomach. By increasing their release, chewing gum can potentially improve overall digestion.
Preventing Acid Reflux
One of the other benefits of chewing gum is its ability to prevent acid reflux. First, let’s understand what acid reflux is. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus, a narrow tube that carries food from your mouth to the stomach. This reflux leads to discomfort and a burning sensation in the middle of your chest.
Chewing gum can stimulate the production of saliva, which acts as a natural neutralizer for acid in the stomach [2]. This also promotes a healthier digestive system.
Reducing Bloating and Gas
Chewing gum also has the potential to reduce bloating and gas, which are common digestive issues that many people experience. The act of chewing gum can help stimulate the muscles in the digestive tract, promoting movement and preventing the buildup of gas [3].
General Ingredients of Chewing Gums
Some of the general ingredients of Chewing gum are as follows:
- Base: Elastomers, resins, and waxes.
- Sweeteners: Sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, or aspartame.
- Flavourings: Artificial or natural flavours.
- Softeners: Glycerol and vegetable oil.
- Colourings: Food colourings for visual appeal.
However, while buying the gums you must keep in mind that healthy chewing gums are not the same as regular chewing gums. The major difference in the ingredients is the type of sweetener used in them: Xylitol, Aspartame, Sorbitol or Mannitol. While xylitol can have positive health benefits, aspartame is classified as a “carcinogenic substance” [4]. Sorbitol and mannitol, often used in combination with xylitol, are still harmful. Here are some of the advantages of Healthy Chewing Gums:
Healthy Chewing Gum
There are many chewing gums available in the market, but chewing gums made up of xylitol are the best choice you can make for your health. These gums can help you digest your food in a better manner, without the negative implications of artificial sweeteners.
So what actually is Xylitol? Let’s discuss the benefits of chewing gums made up of Xylitol.
Xylitol chewing gum is the most healthy option when it comes to chewing gum [5]. It helps in the prevention of tooth decay and also helps in achieving stable blood pressure. Xylitol can increase collagen production and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It also nourishes the friendly bacteria in your gut.
There is a general consensus in the medical community that the most suitable sugar substitute is xylitol. Xylitol Chewing gums helps in different manners such as,
- Stress Reduction [6]
- Weight Management Support
- Oral Health Booster
- Better Digestion process
- Teeth Whitening
What if you swallow your gum?
Many people have heard the myth that if you swallow your gum, it will stay in your stomach for seven years. However, this is not true. While swallowing gum is not ideal, it typically passes through your digestive system within a few days, just like any other food you consume. The body is unable to fully digest the gum because it contains indigestible ingredients such as gum base, but it will eventually be excreted in your stool. So while it’s best to avoid swallowing gum, if you do happen to accidentally swallow it, there is no need to worry.
You know, when you swallow gum, it usually goes through your system in less than seven days [7].
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that sugar-free chewing gums can be really helpful in digestion. That’s primarily due to stimulation in the production of saliva. Overall, this helps you get a physiologically healthier digestive system. Sugar-free chewing gums are a great way to make your digestive system stronger at a low cost. Additionally, sugar-free gums with xylitol (only) may help to reduce gas and digestion problems and make it a better choice to make your tummy happy and healthy.
References
[1] Chewing gum stimulates saliva production – http://www.jstor.org/stable/20251709
[2] The alkaline nature of saliva can neutralize the acid in your stomach – https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/chewing-gum-acid-reflux
[3] Chewing gum improves bloating issues and has a positive impact on obesity as well – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/376321535
[4] Aspartame has been recently linked as carcinogenic by WHO – https://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2023-aspartame-hazard-and-risk-assessment-results-released
[5] Xylitol in chewing gums have shown clinical importance – http://www.jstor.org/stable/29733428
[6] The findings suggest that gum-chewing reduced stress-related responses and also has a positive impact on stress coping – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309472958
[7] Chewing gum does not stay in your stomach for more than seven days – https://www.yalescientific.org/2010/05/everyday-qa-can-gum-really-stay-in-your-stomach-for-7-years/