CHEW ON SOME GOOD NEWS, BY GUM

It’s one of life’s big questions: is chewing gum good or bad for you? Sure, various studies have confirmed popping a gum can help protect teeth and eliminate bad breath, reduce stress and boost memory, and can even aid in weight loss. It’s also, basically, kilojoule-free, which makes it even more enticing.

But over the years, health experts have warned gum can lead to jaw problems, lead to indigestion and headaches, increase your appetite and, if you’re not opting for the 100 per cent sugar-free variety, it can actually have the reverse effect and cause more damage to your teeth.

So, to chew or not to chew? Well, according to Dr Sam Hay, it’s actually good news for gum lovers.

“There’s no real evidence that chewing gum is bad for you at all,” he says.

Dr Hay notes that the only people who should steer clear from gum are those who suffer from bloating, burping or excess gas.

“Aerophagia is the fancy medical term for swallowing air, and it’s a major cause of excess gas for many,” Dr Hay says.

“Every time we swallow, a few bubbles of gas make it to our stomach, but if you gulp your food or chew gum then you’ll swallow excessive bubbles of gas, and you might just blow up like a balloon.”

Additionally, those with jaw problems should also cut back on the gum.

“If you have jaw problems, the constant chewing might be making that worse,” Dr Hay adds.

Apart from that, “it’s very safe” and in fact, its benefits go beyond just freshening your breath.

“It just might help to make that work day pass faster,” Dr Hay says.

“Research has shown chewing gum improves alertness and productivity leading to enhanced work performance.”