Does Swallowing Gum Cause Intestinal Problems?
Reading Time: 3 minutes Modern chewing gum has been on store shelves since the 1800s. It was based on the ancient Greeks’, Mayans’, Native Americans’, and other cultures practices of chewing natural fibers.
The American chewing-gum market is estimated to be worth $5 billion and will continue to grow. Many people are curious to know the effects of chewing gum on their digestive system.
Takeaways:
- It is a myth that chewing gum remains in the gastrointestinal tract for a long time. However, if a small amount is swallowed it can be excreted within a period of 40 hours, which is comparable to the duration it takes to digest food.
- To experience digestive benefits, chew gum regularly but pay attention to the ingredients.
Benefits in the digestive system
Improves Oral Health
In many chewing-gums, xylitol, a sugar alcohol, reduces the formation of cavities by reducing the number of bacteria in the saliva. This is especially true for the bacteria that promotes the formation and growths in teeth, Streptococcus Mutans. mutans.
A study showed that xylitol reduced bad breath by decreasing b-glucosidases (salivary enzymes responsible to release aromatic compounds).
Improves saliva production
salivation is stimulated by chewing gum. It is an effective way to relieve dry mouth caused by medication or diseases.
Increased salivation also helps wash away food particles from the teeth and reduces the amount of material that is available for bacteria to ferment, which in turn reduces cavities.
Promotes recovery after GI surgery & Enhances GI mobility
A person who has had intestinal surgery is at a higher risk of ileus. This is an inability to contract the intestines normally, which can lead to an intestinal blockage that could be life-threatening. Chewing gum can increase intestinal motility, which is useful to reduce the length of hospital stays and prevent complications from colorectal surgeries. This conclusion is supported by a randomized controlled study that was conducted many years after the original research. The study found that patients with colon or rectum resections who chewed chewing gum as part of their post-surgery plan passed gas faster and had their first bowel movements significantly quicker .
Researchers have found that chewing gum can even improve bowel function in women who have had a caesarean.
Can help reduce anxiety and stress-induced GI Symptoms
The gut-brain connection is between the digestive system and the brain. It explains why emotional triggers like stress and anxiety can cause digestive discomfort. Chewing gum increases mastication. Chewing gum is considered to be a useful stress-coping mechanism. It may also reduce feelings of stress-induced digestion symptoms.
Concerns about chewing gum
Promotes bloating
Gums can contain sugar alcohols like xylitol or erythritol. These are classified as FODMAPs. Gum chewing can cause diarrhea, bloating, and digestive distress. This is especially true for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Headaches may be caused by
Chewing gum can trigger headaches in those who are prone.
Can lead to intestinal blockages
The risk of intestinal blockage is higher for children who swallow large quantities of gum, particularly when it sticks to leftover food and forms a bezoar (an undigested mass trapped in the intestines). It is rare for this to happen in children.
Ingredient concerns
Some gums have ingredients that are not healthy, such as preservatives, like BHT, softeners and Vinyl Acetate. Choose a brand of gum with simple ingredients and xylitol to prevent cavities. Avoid added sugars.
Sugars added to food promote tooth decay
The sugar content of chewing gums increases the risk for cavities by increasing the amount of food substrate that bacteria that promote cavity formation like to consume in the mouth. The single biggest risk factor for developing cavities is high sugar intake. This includes chewing gum and the diet as a whole.
Resources
- NIH. Effect of Chewing Xylitol Containing and Herbal Chewing Gums on Salivary Mutans Streptococcus Count among School Children.
- NIH. Salivary β-glucosidase as a direct factor influencing the occurrence of halitosis.
- NIH. Potential benefits of chewing gum for the delivery of oral therapeutics and its possible role in oral healthcare.
- NIH. Is gum chewing useful for ileus after elective colorectal surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
- NIH. Randomized clinical trial of chewing gum after laparoscopic colorectal resection.
- NIH. Chewing gum for enhancing early recovery of bowel function after caesarean section.
- NIH. Mastication as a Stress-Coping Behavior.
