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Is chewing gum good or bad?
Is Chewing Gum good or bad? After meals, we often indulge, using brands which also claim to clean the teeth. I generally spit it out after five minutes when it becomes tasteless. If I were to chew for longer, will my stomach get confused about mixed signals when there is no food?
Since you are chewing your gum after you have already eaten (which will have triggered the production of saliva and digestive juices), and spitting it out after five minutes you are not likely to be endangering the digestive process in any way, but if you wanted a more holistic and definitely cheaper solution to cleaning the teeth, freshening the breath and encouraging healthy digestion after meals, you could always adopt the traditional Ayurvedic (Indian) habit of chewing on fennel seeds which you can buy in any supermarket or delicatessen.
Traditionally, fennel seeds are used to promoted better digestion and for anyone suffering from some of the more common digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) this can be an excellent habit to adopt, not least because fennel also acts as an antispasmodic.
If, however, you find you miss your gum, then try switching from the 'sugar-free' commercial brands which, if you look closely enough at the ingredients, often include artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and 'flavourings' which, in reality can mean anything, to Rio Trading's more natural, herbal and genuinely sugar-free Buzz Gum. Since it contains the energy-boosting rainforest herb, guarana, this will not only help clean your teeth but also give you a lift to counter the sluggish slump you can feel after eating a large meal. Buzz gum costs £9.99 for 120 x 500mg chiclets. Mail order from Rio Trading on 01273 570987.