The Surprising Benefits of Chewing Gum

Chewing gum can bring unexpected benefits if you fall into the following situations.

Photo: Shuttestock

Defective

A recent study by a team of psychologists at St. Lawrence University (USA) found that chewing sugar-free gum regularly can increase blood flow to the hippocampus region of the brain and also increase oxygen flow to the brain. This helps keep brain cells active and thus improves memory skills.

Stress

Another study found that chewing gum can be a lifesaver during times of stress, as it increases oxygen flow to the brain and reduces the production of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood, thereby reducing stress.

Worry

Just as chewing gum can reduce stress, the act of chewing gum increases oxygen flow to the brain and can also reduce anxiety. So chewing gum before an important interview or meeting can help calm your nerves.

Appetite

Chewing gum whenever you feel hungry can help you avoid eating, thus helping you stick to a healthy diet and aiding your weight loss plan! Make sure the gum you choose is sugar-free and low in calories.

Nausea

If you are experiencing nausea due to indigestion, chewing gum can help relieve this feeling, as chewing gum can create more saliva in the stomach, thus treating nausea.

Chewing gum can be used to temporarily treat constipation, as the extra saliva can help make bowel movements smoother. However, constipation is a condition that requires medical intervention.

Increased acidity

The excess saliva produced while chewing gum can reduce the digestive acids produced in the stomach, it can also cure acid reflux temporarily.

Distracted

Whenever you feel tired and lethargic at work, chewing gum can help you become more alert and energetic because it increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain.

Tinnitus

Many people experience ear pain or ear popping when flying or at high altitudes, due to the build-up of air pressure in the ears. Chewing gum while you are flying can help release the air from the ears, thereby providing instant ear pain relief!

According to TNO