Chewing gum has been a popular activity for centuries, dating back to ancient times when ancient Greeks used resin from mastic trees as gum to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. It has become a popular pastime worldwide and has been used in various forms and flavors. The benefits of chewing gum are not only limited to dental health, but it also has several surprising mental health benefits as well. So, let’s dive right into it, shall we?
It aids with moderating stress
One of the many important benefits of chewing sugar-free gum is its ability to moderate stress levels. Many studies have shown that chewing gum helps in reducing stress levels in the body by reducing the release of cortisol hormone, which is called the stress hormone. When we chew gum, we stimulate the salivary glands, which increases the production of saliva in our mouth. This increase in saliva production helps to dilute and clear any excess cortisol in the bloodstream, leading to less stress and anxiety. Chewing gum can also act as a calming activity, which can help distract from stressful situations and reduce the psychological and physiological impact of stress.
It enhances alertness
Another major benefit of chewing gum is its positive effect on alertness. Chewing gum can increase mental alertness and cognitive function by increasing blood flow to the brain. This increase in blood flow leads to the stimulation of the brain’s neural pathways, which, in turn, promotes greater cognitive function, particularly in tasks that involve memory or problem-solving. This is especially useful when we are feeling foggy-headed, sleepy, or exhausted. Instead of resorting to caffeine or energy drinks, chewing a piece of sugar-free gum can provide a natural pick-me-up.
It sharpens concentration
In addition to enhancing alertness, sugar-free gum also aids in sharpening concentration levels. Concentration is an essential aspect of many daily routines, whether it’s studying, working, or driving. The act of chewing gum can help in improving focus and the ability to complete tasks more efficiently. Chewing gum utilises the brain’s motor functions, which means that by doing so, we are engaging the parts of the brain necessary for attention and focus. Gum-chewing works particularly well in distracting the part of the brain that controls wandering thoughts, leading to better productivity and task completion.
Its effect on levels of anxiety, mood, and fatigue
The positive effects of chewing gum on mental health are not just limited to reducing stress and increasing alertness and focus. Chewing gum also has a direct impact on the levels of anxiety, mood, and fatigue. Anxiety can cause sufferers to suffer from stagnant thought processes, leading to a lack of focus and productivity. Chewing gum can reduce this effect by providing a constant sensory input to the body, leading to an overall calming sensation. This effect is amplified when chewing sugar-free gum since it contains less of those ingredients (like sugar) that can contribute to hyperactivity and anxiety in some people.
Chewing gum also has a surprising effect on mood regulation. Research studies have shown that the physical act of chewing gum can release mood-regulating chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are linked to feelings of happiness and well-being. Dopamine is considered to be a ‘pleasure chemical,’ while serotonin is considered to play a crucial role in mood regulation. Chewing gum can hence provide a natural boost to improve mood and help combat depression.
Lastly, chewing gum can assist in combating fatigue. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the body’s sensory cortex, leading to an increase in physical and mental alertness in the body. This effect is particularly helpful for people suffering from chronic fatigue symptoms. The boost of alertness and energy can aid in maintaining focus and productivity and reduce the amount of downtime required for rest and recovery.
On a final note
The benefits of chewing sugar-free gum on mental health are multi-fold. It reduces stress, enhances alertness, sharpens concentration levels, and provides a direct influence on anxiety, mood, and fatigue. Additionally, sugar-free gum has no calories, which can be beneficial for those on restrictive diets. As with any mental health self-care practice, it’s essential not to create an over-reliance on gum for your overall well-being. However, under the right circumstances, sugar-free gum is a cheap, non-invasive, and productive way to care for our overall physical and mental health.
