The Cognitive Benefits Of Chewing Gum

Re:The Cognitive Benefits Of Chewing Gum by chadgeidel on Tuesday November 29, 2011 @03:37PM (#3292065)

I've found that chewing gum keeps me more alert when driving late at night. Obviously I don't plan trips around this habit, but it works great in a pinch since I require significant amounts of caffeine for the same effect.

Edit: Additionally it helps mild upset stomach. Beware! Anecdotal evidence! I read somewhere that saliva "counteracts" the acid in your stomach. Can't find the evidence now.

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Re:The Cognitive Benefits Of Chewing Gum by electromagnetic on Tuesday November 29, 2011 @03:57PM (#3292140)

Any non-acidic liquid will help reduce acid-related upset stomach. Water works, but I'd assume the constant increase in gum probably has a longer effect than the temporary effect you get from a sip of water.

I've never heard of saliva doing anything more than diluting your stomach acid, but I've never really tried to find if it does or doesn't. So I'll leave that for another commenter.

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Re:The Cognitive Benefits Of Chewing Gum by chadgeidel on Tuesday November 29, 2011 @04:10PM (#3292184)

I seem to remember reading that saliva is slightly basic (pH > 7.0) A quick Googling reinforces this. Not that it means anything. I am not a doctor or a medical professional.

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Re:The Cognitive Benefits Of Chewing Gum by refurb on Tuesday November 29, 2011 @05:27PM (#3292552)

More anecdotal evidence!!

I've actually noticed the increased alertness as well.

I've also noticed the stomach-settling effect, but less so in terms of stomach acidity, but more in terms of digestion after a big meal.

I've also noticed chewing gum can curb my appetite, but if I'm really hungry it makes it worse (probably from swallowing air).

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Re:The Cognitive Benefits Of Chewing Gum by dandelany on Wednesday November 30, 2011 @12:11AM (#3293830)

Health food stores and some pharmacies sell ginger-flavored gum, which is an anti-nauseant and tastes great to boot :)

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