Chewing gum might not seem like it has that many uses, but the more the body has been studied, the more the scientific community has learned about the hidden benefits of chewing sugarless gum. We've told you plenty about what we have added to make NeuroGum helpful to improving focus, but some of the benefits of chewing gum in general are another large part of why NeuroGum can help replace or augment your current caffeine habit.
1. Wakes You Up
Though as PubMed points out, the mechanism for increased alertness while chewing gum is unclear, it has been shown to decrease daytime sleepiness, even when subjects are placed in a dark room where the brain naturally tells the body it's a good time for a nap. For fighting off midday tiredness, chewing gum in general can be an effective tool if you can't afford the nap break.
2. Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Nervous habits can be symptoms of stress, and they're sometimes even a good way of relieving a bit of it. For some people, chewing your fingernails may be that habit. Why it makes you feel better is another topic, but replacing those habits with chewing gum can help reduce cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) in a way that doesn't leave you with slobbery jagged fingernails.
3. Better Eating Habits
If you're a snacker you know that all those little extra treats during the day can lead to poor dietary choices and weight gain in the long haul. Chewing gum is a low calorie "snack" that can help stave off cravings as well as help with the oral fixation that can make you feel hungrier than you are.
4. Better Memory and Concentration
Improvement in mental performance while chewing gum has been studied several times, showing increases in cognitive function, including concentration, memory, and reaction times. Theory has it that chewing helps add blood flow to the brain, raising oxygen levels and helping it do what it does best.
5. Protects Teeth
Chewing sugarless gum has been shown to reduce gingivitis and cavities, and increase tooth enamel by improving your saliva flow and decreasing acidity in your mouth. Don't take our word for it though, the American Dental Association recommends chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after each meal.
6. Relief From Ear Pain
Whether you're a frequent flyer or a high altitude hiker, you know that feeling like your head's about to implode while experiencing drastic changes in air pressure. For this, chewing gum is the oldest trick in the book, and a saving grace for parents whose children can't quite figure out how to relieve that pressure otherwise.
7. Fights Nausea and Heartburn
Another less common use of chewing gum that I can attest works like a charm, nausea and heartburn can both mess with the way your throat and mouth handle the saliva you produce. Chewing gum can reset that flow, reducing rising stomach acid and removing that sick feeling lump in your throat.
