It is widespread that the frequent use of chewing gum stimulates excessive production of gastric juice - this, in turn, leads to gastritis and other digestive problems. We decided to check if such fear is justified.
The dangers of the regular use of chewing gum with reference to the assessment of doctors write Russian -speaking media from different countries, sites pharmacy networks, hospitals and dental clinic. Sometimes in such articles specifiedthat chewing chewing gum is harmful for more than three minutes or that the main harm is caused by gastric juice that is not released at the same time, but artificial sweeteners (in particular, xylitol and aspartam) that corrode the walls of the stomach. Some specialists Markthat the described harness of chewing gum can apply primarily when using it on an empty stomach or that it is dangerous for the most part for people who already have There are problems with digestive organs. Others categorically deny Direct connection of gastritis or ulcers and regular chewing gum.
Gastritis called Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the wall of the stomach. It can be caused by infections (in particular, the Helicobacter pylori bacterium), the use of alcohol or some medicines, stress, smoking, mechanical damage to the mucous membrane or pathological autoimmune processes. A significant part of the gastritis proceeds asymptomatic. Symptomatic cases are characterized by pain in the upper abdomen, reflux, a feeling of crowding in the stomach after eating, the occurrence of heartburn or increased acidity, loss of appetite, nausea. The exact number of people suffering from gastritis is difficult to determine due to different methods of diagnosis and reporting in different countries, but scientists Give estimates from 40% to almost 80% of the population of the planet.
Gastric juice is produced mainly while eating. However, its production does not begin when food enters the stomach, but earlier, when a person begins to chew food, feels its smell or even thinks about it. This is called the cephalic phase of digestion, it is at this time that up to 30% of the total gastric juice is produced, which allows the body to prepare for the intake of food in the stomach. Back in 1988, gastroenterologist Colin Helman from the University of Alabama provedWhat chewing gum for 15 minutes contributes to the production of gastric juice in volume, only slightly different from the amount that would appear when eating a cheesburger without such stimulation.
No mechanism for removing excess gastric juice in the body is provided, and in the absence of food it is indeed Starts irritate the mucous membrane on the walls of the stomach. Therefore, regular chewing chewing gum on an empty stomach or instead of food, especially if this is not the only predisposing factor, and the truth can lead to problems with the functioning of the stomach.
Some flavors, such as sweet or peppermint, as well as stabilizers in the composition of chewing gum reduce The tone of the lower esophageal sphincter - the segment of the esophagus on its connection to the stomach. This Curses To the reflux of the contents of the stomach in the esophagus, and in rare cases - in larynx or light. If a reflux disease is not treated, it can lead to other problems with the gastrointestinal tract-inflammation, narrowing of the esophagus and even its cancer. Artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitis and xylitol, can call Similar problems.
During chewing, not only ground food, but also air from the environment enters the gastrointestinal tract. If you chew gum for a long time, then exists The danger of excessive air swallowing. Once in the stomach in an excessive volume, it can cause bloating and lead to the development or worsening of the symptoms of reflux disease.
However, in general, the use of chewing gum is not so dangerous, and sometimes even useful. The process of chewing Promotes saliva, which Contains Natural alkali - bicarbonates. Once in the stomach, they react with gastric juice and neutralize increased acidity. This, in turn, Maybe To soften the symptoms in people suffering from reflux disease. However, for this, chewing gum should be used immediately after eating.
Thus, chewing gum on an empty stomach or instead of eating is really uncomfortable. Reacting to chewing movements, as well as the taste of chewing gum, the digestive system is prepared for meals and begins to produce gastric juice. If the food does not come in the end, the gastric juice begins to irritate the mucous membrane. A single replacement of food, of course, will not cause gastritis, but such a habit, especially with other factors, can lead to inflammation. Also, chewing chewing gum can help reduce the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and cast the contents of the stomach into the esophagus, and the individual components of the elastic band - to aggravate this problem. However, due to the increased production of saliva during chewing, chewing gum can be useful - especially after eating for those who already suffer from reflux.
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