Can You Eat Gum When Sick?

Can you eat gum when sick?

In this article we are going to answer: can you eat gum when sick, what does chewing gum contain, what happens if I eat or swallow my gum, what are the effects of gum when sick and what are your best options for gum.

Yes, if you eat or chew gum when you are sick saliva production increases and may help you to feel better with nausea and abdominal discomfort. Gum reduces the amount of acid in your esophagus which can help reduce heartburn and reflux.

What happens if I eat chewing gum?

The body can’t digest gum. If you eat or swallow gum it will pass your digestive system, intact, and will come out in your stool about 40 hours later.

If you swallow large quantities of gum, they block your digestive system.

What are the effects of chewing gum on abdominal discomfort and nausea?

There are several studies on the area but nothing is clear yet. Ginger or peppermint gum can soothe an upset stomach. Mint and ginger are natural remedies that have been used for a long time.

Also, chewing gum promotes more saliva in your mouth that helps balance acids in your esophagus, easing symptoms of acid reflux. It can help with Gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngopharyngeal reflux.

What are the benefits of eating or chewing gum?

Reduce Hunger

Minimally affects insulin

Oral health

Reduce nausea

Reduce heartburn

Burning calories

Lessen depression

Fight drowsiness

Reduce Hunger

It has been proven that chewing gum reduces hunger and reduces the intake of food in your next meal. Also, it has been proven that chewing gum for 30 minutes while fasting stabilizes a hormone that controls hunger.

Minimally affects insulin

Some studies prove that chewing gum when fasting doesn’t affect insulin.

Oral Health

According to Sage, it has been proven that xylitol lowers the incidence of bacteria that lead to tooth decay.

Control food cravings

By chewing gum, you can control those food cravings. The simple act of chewing gum may help your body to reduce food cravings and lead to weight loss.

Reduce nausea

If you eat chewing gum that contains stevia, it may help to reduce nausea or abdominal discomfort. Stevia has been linked to reducing nausea.

Reduce heartburn

When you chew gum, your saliva production increases and helps to reduce heartburn.

Burning calories

Your body burns 11 calories per hour that you chew gum.

Lessen depression

Studies showed that chewing gum twice a day reduced anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

Fight Drowsiness

Mint flavor gum can help fight drowsiness.

How does eating gum affect your health?

The main concern with eating or chewing gum is that if you are using gum that contains sugar it may lead to tooth decay. Sucrose promotes an environment for bacteria to grow in your mouth. This can affect your teeth and oral health in the long run.

What are my best options for gum?

I recommend that you choose sugar-free options. Look for sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, stevia, or aspartame in the ingredients. Aspartame and sodium cyclamate are controversial to health. They have been linked to different heart problems.

Choose a brand that is sealed with approval from the American Dental Association. Brands approved are sugar-free options and have less risk of interfering with your dental health.

Some brands you can find are

Extra

Trident

Airways

Center Fresh

What does chewing gum contain?

They may vary from brand to brand. Chewing gum usually contains

Gum base

It may include any of the following synthetic substances:

Butadiene-styrene rubber

Isobutylene-isoprene copolymer

Paraffin

Petroleum wax

Petroleum wax synthetic

Polyethylene

Polyisobutylene polyvinyl acetate

Sweeteners

Sugar

dextrose

glucose/corn syrup

erythritol

isomalt

xylitol

maltitol

mannitol

sorbitol

lactitol

Softeners

Glycerine

Flavorings

Peppermint

Spearmint

Lemon or any fruit alternatives

Polyol Coating

It is the outer shell created due to water-absorbent powder to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life.

Here is an example of the nutrition value of a typical sugar-free gum vs normal gum

1 stick	Sugar-free	Norma gum
Calories	2 calories	6 calories
Fat	0 grams	0 g
Saturated fat	0 grams	0 g
Trans Fats	0 g	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 g
Sodium	0 mg	0 g
Carbohydrates	1 g	1.9 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0 g
Sugar	0 g	0.9 g
Protein	0 g

Other FAQs about Chewing Gums that you may be interested in.

Can you eat gum when pregnant?

Can you eat gum when fasting?

can gum expire

Conclusion

This article answered the questions: can you eat gum when sick, what does chewing gum contain, what happens if I eat or swallow my gum, what are the effects of gum when sick, and what are your best options for gum.