Chewing gum, as an indispensable companion in our daily life, can be seen in class, work or leisure. However, have you ever wondered why you can't swallow gum? Over time, this seemingly simple question sparked my curiosity. So, I embarked on a journey of discovery to uncover the taboos behind chewing gum. In this process of tracing back to the roots, I will take you on a journey through time and space to delve deeper into and unravel the taboos about chewing gum swallowing. From ancient times to the present, is there really a context behind this taboo, or is it just people's imagination?
Dangers of swallowing gum: It can cause digestive problems and intestinal obstruction
Swallowing gum can cause digestive problems. Sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners added to chewing gum may cause digestive issues such as stomach upset, bloating, and diarrhea. Especially for people who are already prone to gastrointestinal upset, such as stomach ulcers or indigestion, swallowing gum may further worsen their symptoms.
Swallowing gum can also cause intestinal obstruction. When the gum is swallowed, it reaches the stomach and enters the intestines. However, the stickiness of the gum may cause it to stick to the intestinal wall, which can block the intestines. Especially when a person swallows a lot of gum or is accustomed to swallowing hard gum, the risk of intestinal obstruction increases.
In addition to the direct effects mentioned above, swallowing gum may also have a negative impact on eating habits. People often choose to swallow gum as a "low-calorie" snack alternative to satisfy their sweet tooth. However, chewing gum regularly can make our mouth feel fresh and mislead us into thinking we've already eaten, thus affecting our normal dietary needs. The result may be that we are not getting enough nutrients and are prone to problems such as blood sugar fluctuations and bulimia.
In order to protect our digestive system and gut health, we should be wary of the dangers of swallowing gum and take measures accordingly. First, we can try to reduce the frequency and amount of chewing gum we swallow and gradually quit the habit. Second, choose chewing gum that contains natural ingredients and avoid products with added sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. In addition, we also need to pay attention to a balanced diet, consume enough nutrients, and maintain good lifestyle habits.
Effect of the ingredients in chewing gum on the digestive system: increases stomach acid and digestive burden
One of the common ingredients in chewing gum is sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol, among others. These sugar alcohols take more time to be digested and absorbed, so they stay in the stomach longer. This stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, increasing the concentration of stomach acid. High concentrations of stomach acid can lead to problems such as stomach upset or acid reflux. Therefore, chewing gum will increase the secretion of stomach acid, which is not suitable for people with sensitive stomachs.
Chewing gum also increases the burden on the digestive system. When we chew gum, the saliva production in our mouth increases, which is to help digest the starch. However, saliva does not stay in the stomach for long, so the process of digesting starch mainly takes place in the mouth. However, if we chew gum for a long time, the production of saliva will continue to increase, but there is no food in the stomach to digest. As a result, the digestive system becomes overworked, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort and digestive disorders.
So, how can we protect our digestive system? First, we can reduce the number and time of chewing gum. Avoiding chewing gum for long periods of time can reduce the secretion of stomach acid and the burden of digestion. Second, choose chewing gum that contains natural ingredients or low-sugar ingredients. Chewing gum with natural ingredients and low-sugar ingredients has relatively little effect on the digestive system. In addition, we can also drink water in moderation to dilute stomach acid and facilitate the digestion process.
How long the gum remains in the stomach: may interfere with normal gastrointestinal motility
We need to understand the composition of chewing gum. Chewing gum usually contains sweeteners, thickeners, preservatives, and softeners, among other things. Among them, thickeners and softeners are designed to give chewing gum a specific chewing sensation and prolong chewing time. However, these ingredients may also cause the gum to remain in the stomach for a longer period of time.
When you chew gum, the saliva mixes with the gum to form a sticky substance. This substance can easily enter the stomach by swallowing when it is in the throat. However, the thickeners and softeners in chewing gum will make the gum stay in the stomach for a longer time. This is because they are able to resist the digestion of stomach acid and maintain a certain stickiness, which prolongs the residence time of the gum in the stomach.
Prolonged retention of gum in the stomach may interfere with normal gastrointestinal motility. Normally, the gastrointestinal tract needs regular peristalsis to push food into the digestive tract and to help gastric juices and enzymes digest food. However, the stickiness of chewing gum may hinder the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the normal flow and digestion of food. For a long time, this may cause some problems in the gastrointestinal tract, such as bloating, acid reflux, etc.
The sweetener in chewing gum is broken down into sugar molecules in the stomach, which increases stomach acid secretion and can cause symptoms such as acid reflux or heartburn. Long-term excessive consumption of chewing gum may lead to problems such as mouth ulcers, excessive stomach acid, etc.
So, while chewing gum can reduce stress and increase oral activity to some extent, excessive chewing and frequent chewing gum may have negative effects on the gastrointestinal tract. In order to protect gastrointestinal health, we should chew gum in moderation and pay attention to the composition and brand choice of chewing gum.
Adverse effects of chewing gum for long periods of time: Fatigue and discomfort of oral and maxillofacial muscles
Chewing gum can cause mouth fatigue. When chewing gum, our mouth needs constant movement, especially the tongue and jaw muscles. Prolonged chewing can overuse these muscles, leading to fatigue and discomfort. When the oral muscles are tired, we may experience dry mouth, dry oropharynx, and even uncomfortable symptoms such as mouth ulcers.
Chewing gum for long periods of time can also cause fatigue in the maxillofacial muscles. The chewing action of chewing gum requires constant use of the jaw muscles, especially the masseter and temporal muscles. Chewing for long periods of time puts these muscles in a state of tension, leading to muscle fatigue and discomfort. Once the maxillofacial muscles are fatigued, we may experience problems such as jaw stiffness, facial pain, and even temporomandibular joint disorder.
Chewing gum also produces a lot of saliva. Although saliva plays an important role in maintaining oral health, such as removing bacteria and food debris from the mouth, chewing gum for long periods of time can lead to excessive saliva production. Not only can too much saliva make the mouth feel uncomfortable, but it can also lead to salivary gland fatigue, which in turn can affect digestion.
There are also some other adverse effects associated with chewing gum for long periods of time. The first is dental problems. When chewing gum, the teeth need to be constantly biting, and the stickiness of the gum will put more pressure on the teeth, and chewing for a long time may cause tooth wear and even gum inflammation. The second is digestive issues. Chewing gum for long periods of time can cause food to enter the stomach directly, bypassing the pre-treatment process in the mouth and esophagus, which may affect digestion and absorption.
How to use chewing gum correctly: follow the principles of moderation, chewing time and chewing pattern
We need to control the amount of chewing gum we use. While chewing gum is a small snack, excessive use can bring its own set of problems. Chewing gum too much can increase the burden on the chewing muscles, leading to muscle strain and even diseases such as temporomandibular joint disorders. In addition, chewing gum high in sugar can increase the risk of tooth erosion and cause dental health problems. Therefore, when using chewing gum, it is necessary to grasp the principle of appropriate amount, and chew 1-2 pieces each time to meet the needs.
Chewing time is also a point to pay attention to when using chewing gum. Many people chew gum and keep changing it to a new one in the hope of keeping their breath fresh for a long time. However, in reality, chewing for too long can have an impact on your oral health. Because chewing for too long will cause the mouth to secrete more saliva, resulting in an abnormal increase in gastric acid secretion, which can lead to stomach problems and other problems. Therefore, when using chewing gum, chewing for 15-20 minutes each time is sufficient, too long not only has no additional benefit, but can cause damage to your health.
Chewing is also an important part of chewing gum. The correct chewing method can effectively promote blood circulation in the mouth and protect the health of teeth and chewing muscles. In general, chewing gum should be chewed slowly to allow the teeth to fully participate in the chewing process. In addition, you should pay attention to the left and right sides when chewing, and do not concentrate in just one place. In this way, the muscles of all parts of the mouth can be exercised in a balanced manner, and the problem of muscle imbalance can be avoided.
Only by working together can we ensure the safe use of chewing gum and protect everyone's health. Let's ditch chewing gum and pursue a healthy lifestyle. What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you ever swallowed gum? Please share your views and personal experiences with us in the comments section!
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