Chewing Gum: This is What Happens in the Body

Chewing gum is popular with children and adults alike. But hardly anyone thinks about what long chewing of chewing gum actually triggers in the body. We’ve researched everything you need to know about it.

Chewing gum: This is a chewing pleasure

Most of us have already done it, and I’m sure you have too: chew some gum. Whether for dental care, because of the taste, or against nicotine addiction, the reasons could not be more different. But what exactly is chewing gum?

• Chewing gum consists of one of these three raw materials: mastic, which is the resin of the pistachio tree, chicle, which is the milky sap of the porridge apple tree, or synthetic raw material based on petroleum.
• Added sugar and flavorings. This creates a mass that you can chew for several hours without decomposing.
• In addition to the conventional chewing gum, which only tastes good, there are also those that have a specific function. For example, caffeine chewing gum replaces coffee. You have the advantage that the caffeine gets into the blood faster and you get fit and awake again quickly.
• Nicotine gum helps to quit smoking. The nicotine dissolves through chewing and goes into the blood. Unlike cigarettes, chewing gum is not addictive.
• Dental care chewing gum cleans the teeth when a toothbrush is not at hand. They remove dirt by chewing and supply the teeth with minerals.

This is how chewing gum affects the body

When you chew gum, the ingredients dissolve and are swallowed. From there they get into the blood via digestion.

• Chewing gum contains the sweetener aspartame. Although it is harmless, it can be dangerous for people with metabolic diseases. To be on the safe side, you’d better grab gum without artificial sweeteners.
• Frequent chewing of gum can damage the jaw joints. You will be overused. You can tell by the cracking in your jaw when you chew.
• If you chew gum very often, the sugar substitute sorbitol can lead to flatulence and diarrhea.
• However, frequent gum chewing reduces stress. Regular chewing supplies the brain with sufficient oxygen.  You can concentrate better and are more productive.
• Chewing gum can also help when planes take off and land. Chewing relieves the pressure in the ears. They prevent possible earaches.
• Chewing gum burns 11 calories an hour, gets the digestive juices going, and boosts your metabolism.
• Don’t worry if you swallowed some gum. The mass is indigestible but is excreted through digestion.