QUESTION
Hi Amanda,
I really love chewing gum. The problem is, I’ve heard that it’s not healthy. Can you let me know if I should avoid it or not?
Love,
Elmer!
ANSWER
Hi Elmer,
I know popping gum with your friends is fun and cool. You think it’s a style statement and harmless! But I think you’ll find this article eye-opening. Here are some facts about chewing gum that might change your mind:
It’s no secret that chewing gum is a favorite snack for millions of people. People enjoy it for its sweetness, flavour, and use it as a substitute for food cravings. Many people avoided chewing gum because it contained a lot of sugar. In response to increasing awareness about the consumption of sweetened products, companies are now offering sugar-free gum made with artificial sweeteners to health-conscious consumers.
6 reasons to avoid chewing gum:
- Chewing gums most commonly contain aspartame, an artificial sweetener that breaks down into wood alcohol and formaldehyde in the body. Both substances are carcinogenic, and the body cannot eliminate them normally. Weight gain, cancer, and birth defects are all linked to these chemicals.
- Titanium Dioxide is an ingredient found in some tooth-whitening gums. It is this that gives the gum its glossy white appearance. Many disorders are linked to it, including auto-immune disorders, Crohn’s disease, asthma, and cancer.
- Consumption of gums is associated with gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, indigestion, and diarrhea. People who chew gum often have irritable bowel syndrome, as chewing gum can cause them to swallow air and change their bowel habits.
- The dentist strongly advises against gums, as they can cause tooth decay and release mercury from dental fillings into the body.
- A recent study has found that chewing gum can lead to headaches and migraines. It is thought that gums put undue pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which causes headaches. In addition to pain and lack of mobility in the jaw, chewing gum lovers can also develop temporomandibular joint disorder, which can make it difficult to chew food.
There is a lot of chemicals in chewing gum bases, so we just chew it for flavor and throw it out. However, the compounds do get stuck in our mouths and get into our bodies. Gums add no nutrition and make it hard for someone to chew and eat normally. It has far-reaching side effects, so it’s not a good idea to keep it.
Love,
Amanda!
