People frequently try a variety of strategies to improve their focus and concentration, ranging from meditation to dietary modifications. However, chewing gum proves to be an unexpected ally in this effort. Beyond its reputation as a mere confectionary delight, chewing gum has been shown to have cognitive benefits such as increased attention and concentration. The seemingly simple act of chewing initiates a series of physiological responses that can improve mental sharpness and productivity. It serves as a mental wake-up call. So, the next time you need to concentrate better, popping in a piece of gum might just do the job!
In this investigation, we look at the surprising ways that chewing gum can sharpen focus and boost concentration, providing insights into its potential as a cognitive enhancer.
More About the Research
According to National Library of Medicine, chewing gum is believed to help you concentrate better by making you feel less stressed and worried. It can also make your memory better for a short time. A study was conducted to determine how chewing gum affects stress, worry, sadness, self-centeredness, and test performance. The study included 100 students chosen at random. After 7 and 19 days of chewing gum, the students felt less sad, worried, and stressed compared to before. The students who chewed gum for a long time had better scores in tests than the others. So, it’s a good idea for students to chew gum before tests to feel less stressed and do better. But if students have a hard time paying attention, they shouldn’t chew gum for a long time.
The Effects of Chewing Gum
There is currently no clear consensus on whether chewing gum can truly help with feelings of anxiety and stress. The guidelines for dealing with anxiety and stress also make no mention of chewing gum. So, National Library of Medicine looked at a number of studies from various sources, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase. These studies aimed to determine whether chewing gum could alleviate anxiety and stress. To analyze the findings of these studies, they used a specialized computer program known as Review Manager 5.3.
They looked at 8 different studies involving over 400 adults who were at least 18 years old. What they found was that compared to not chewing gum, chewing gum seemed to slightly reduce feelings of anxiety. But when it came to stress, the results weren’t as clear. Some studies showed a reduction in stress, but others didn’t.
Overall, based on what they found, chewing gum seems like a cheap and safe way to feel a bit less anxious. But they aim to do more studies to be totally sure about it.
Unknown Facts and Myths About Chewing Gum
- Bubblegum Was an Accident: Walter Diemer accidentally invented bubblegum in 1928. He was attempting to create a better shoe sole, but ended up with gum that was ideal for blowing bubbles!
- Gum Helps Nerves (Maybe): Chewing gum may make you feel less nervous before a test or flight. Chewing increases blood flow to your brain and prevents you from worrying too much.
- Gum Has Other Uses: Believe it or not, in World War II, soldiers used gum to fix things like wires and small leaks in equipment.
- Iran Loves Gum: Iran has the highest gum consumption per person in the world. We’re not sure why, but it could be a habit or to help with dry mouth.
- Gum Improves Memory: Chewing gum can temporarily improve your memory and attention. It is because chewing increases blood flow to your brain.
- Ancient Gum Wasn’t Minty: Back in the old days, people chewed gum made from tree sap or beeswax. It wasn’t for fresh breath but for cleaning or feeling better.
- Old Time Gum: People have chewed gum for thousands of years. Around 6000 BC, ancient people used birch bark tar as gum, and the Greeks chewed mastic gum for health reasons.
- National Chewing Gum Day: September 30 is all about gum! You can celebrate by eating your favorite flavor or learning more about its history.
- Gum Comes in Crazy Flavors. The most common flavor is mint, but there are many other options, including bacon, chili, and even durian (which smells awful!). There is something for everyone!
- Not Plastic, But Un-digestible: Some gum has artificial stuff, but it’s not plastic. It’s made so you can chew it but not eat it.
- No Sugar: Sugar-free gum does not contain sugar. It contains sweeteners such as aspartame or xylitol, which can cause stomach issues if consumed in excess.
Myths:
- Gum Does Not Stay in Your Tummy for Years: Some people believe that swallowed gum remains in your stomach for an extended period of time, but this is a myth. It passes through your system in a few days. However, swallowing a lot of sugar-free gum may cause a tummy ache.
- Gum’s Not Plastic: Even though gum has some man-made stuff in it, it’s not plastic. You can’t digest it, but it’s not harmful to the environment like plastic.
- Not Brain Damage: Chewing gum won’t make you less smart or hurt your brain.
- Ears Safe: Chewing gum won’t hurt your ears or make you deaf.
- Can be distracting: Gum may help some people focus, but it can also be a distraction depending on what you’re doing.
- Not A Brain Booster: Chewing gum may provide a temporary cognitive boost, but it will not make you permanently smarter.
- Not Always Natural: Some gums use natural ingredients, such as chicle, but many use synthetic ingredients for flavor and texture.
- Not Completely Banned: Chewing gum is not completely prohibited in Singapore. You can’t sell it to everyone, but you can keep it for medical reasons.
- No Free Gum for Life: Winning a bubblegum blowing contest won’t get you free gum for life. Prizes change depending on the contest.
