Lake Edge United Church of Christ

For Our Souls and Minds: “Flattery is like chewing gum. Enjoy it, but don’t swallow it.” – Hank Ketcham

For Our Bodies:

Did you know that archeologists have discovered the remains of chewing gum (made from tree resin and honey)
dating back to the Stone Age? It still had teeth marks in it. We humans like to chew; it’s such a lovely, mindless pastime!
Although, admittedly, there are some people who dislike the habit. Take for example my biology teacher in high school. He
said it made people look like cows. “What’s so bad about cows?” I often wondered.

Believe it or not, chewing sugarless gum is good for us. It improves oral health, helps with weight management, and aids in
stress relief. The American Dental Association has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to several sugar-free gums. Gum chewing has actually been shown to reduce the incidence of tooth decay by up to 40%. Chewing also stimulates the flow of saliva (relieving dry mouth), neutralizes plaque after eating carbohydrates, clears plaque from the mouth, helps re-mineralize enamel, freshens our breath, and whitens teeth by reducing and preventing stains.

But what does chewing sugarless gum have to do with weight loss? Two studies in the UK found that chewing gum lessened hunger and reduced cravings. And think about it – when our mouths are working on chewing gum, they’re simply too busy to consume cookies, candy, or other treats, right? Feeling tense? Chewing gum will significantly increase the blood flow to your brain and trigger your brain’s relaxation response to sensory stimuli. People who chew gum on a regular basis are calmer and more relaxed than their non-chewing friends. Maybe that’s because gum chewers find it difficult to be serious while blowing bubbles or smartly snapping their gum. Yet another study (with 75 participants) suggested that chewing gum improves memory, although not attention span. And the act of chewing makes people more alert.

Bottom line? Still more studies are needed to determine more of the varied subtle benefits of gum chewing. See what the American Dietetic Association says on the subject.

Meanwhile be playful, chew! It’s fun. Just remember what your mother told you years ago - don’t swallow it! (Professional
disclaimer: I must be honest here and tell you that even though your playground buddies claimed that swallowed gum would sit in your intestines or stomach for seven years – it’s just not true. Sorry, my friends, but that old tale is just another exciting, yet silly, urban legend.)