Chewing gum is not always harmful to health

The history of chewing gum goes back to ancient times. Tree resins were chewed in Egypt and among the Maya. The modern version appeared in the 19th century, when natural latex — chicle — became the basis of the first industrial chewing gum. Today, chewing gum is perceived mainly as a means to freshen your breath and prevent tooth decay. However, scientists have collected an array of data to understand where its benefits extend far beyond the oral cavity.

An analysis of more than 260 studies has revealed three key areas of application. The first is related to improved performance. Caffeinated gum stands out in particular, which improves endurance, shortens reaction time, and reduces fatigue. Athletes have long appreciated this effect, and now it has been confirmed in scientific papers.

The second area is medicine. Nicotine gum has long been used to stop smoking. But the list is not limited to just that. The gum helps patients with limited fluid intake to cope with thirst, relieves pain, and is sometimes used even during childbirth. Some studies have studied its effect on glucose levels in pregnant women, intestinal conditions in chronic diseases, and even cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s disease.

The third area is surgery. Here, chewing gum acts as a simple but effective tool. After surgery, especially on the abdominal cavity, chewing stimulates the intestines, reduces the risk of nausea and pain, accelerates recovery and shortens hospital stays. In fact, the process of chewing seems to trick the body into turning on its digestive mechanisms, even though food is not being supplied.

However, one thing is already clear: the habit of chewing gum is no longer a small thing. This may turn out to be a simple and affordable way, for example, as a quick way to deal with stress and recover faster from illnesses. However, it is always worth remembering that you should not constantly use chewing gum. However, it does not contain the most natural ingredients that can provoke individual reactions of the body.