Chewing sugar-free gum is basically harmless and might have some health benefits, especially for gut health.
According to Dr. Mark V. Larson, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, chewing gum might be a great tool, for helping people recover more quickly after surgery, especially after certain surgeries when people might get constipated.
According to him “By chewing gum, you are stimulating certain reflexes that help drive activity within the intestinal system, for example, the colon and small bowel. So after colorectal surgery, people recover faster if they chew gum early in the recovery process. We encourage that for all patients who have had colon surgery.”
Chewing gum after a C-Section
Several large meta-studies involving thousands of women have found that mamas who chew gum after having a C-section are able to pass gas and poop sooner than those who did not chew gum. In addition to stimulating bowel motility, chewing sugar-free gum sweetened with sugar alcohols is particularly effective in speeding up your bowels and the time till you can head home from the hospital.
Added Benefits of Chewing Gum
The benefits start from your mouth. More saliva may help balance acids in your esophagus, easing symptoms of acid reflux.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when stomach acid flows back into the tube that connects your mouth and stomach. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is when stomach acid goes up your esophagus to your throat.
Burning calories.
You may burn 11 calories per hour when you chew gum. Over time, these add up.
Reduces stress
Ever reached for gum during a marathon study sesh — or an actual marathon? It might be because chewing helps lower stress levels.
Helps improve your memory.
Chewing gum boosts blood flow to your brain, which may help improve your memory.
Improves oral health
It can be good for your teeth ( make sure it’s sugar-free!). Chewing sugar-free gum after you eat can help clean food off your teeth, increase salivation to fight plaque, and rebuild enamel.
Fighting sleepiness.
If you feel tired, chew some gum to stay alert.
Eliminates nausea.
If you feel sick, the saliva production from chewing gum may help you feel better. This is especially true for motion sickness and morning sickness during pregnancy.
It turns out it not only freshens breath but also helps keep your body’s gut system working.
Note: Try to opt for sugar-free gum which has less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving and uses alternative sweeteners.
How to Choose the Best
- Keep it sugar-free. None of the benefits above are worth extra dentist duty.
- Pick a flavor that you like. It can’t help much if you don’t want to chew it.
- Look for xylitol. Its antibacterial properties can do wonders for your mouth , and dentists like it.