{"id":7580,"date":"2023-09-21T19:25:18","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T12:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7580"},"modified":"2023-09-21T19:25:18","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T12:25:18","slug":"chewing-gum-helps-with-anxiety-according-to-md","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7580","title":{"rendered":"Chewing Gum Helps With Anxiety, According to MD"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">W<\/span>hile gum has typically been marketed as a way to stave away bad breath, <a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/doctors\/raafat-girgis-356756\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/doctors\/raafat-girgis-356756\">Raafat W. Girgis<\/a>, MD, a triple board-certified psychiatrist at the <a href=\"https:\/\/momentofclarity.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/momentofclarity.com\/\">Rehab Center Moment of Clarity<\/a>, says gum can do so much more than mask the aftertaste of the tuna salad sandwich you had for lunch. In fact, according to Dr. Girgis, chewing gum can actually help decrease activation of your fight-or-flight nervous system and reduce anxiety. <em>Insert &#8220;mind blown&#8221; pun.\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n<p>In truth, this isn\u2019t the first time we\u2019re hearing about the correlation between what we eat (or chew) and its impact on our neurological system. We recently chatted with board-certified psychiatrist and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/does-adhd-get-worse-with-age\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/does-adhd-get-worse-with-age\/\">ADHD<\/a> clinical specialist, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drhamdanimd.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.drhamdanimd.com\/\">Sasha Hamdani, MD<\/a>, who revealed that spicy, crunchy, sour foods (what she calls \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/sensory-snack\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/sensory-snack\/\">sensory snacks<\/a>\u201d) can activate brain receptors and boost concentration. Is gum no different? It&#8217;s a little sticky.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<hr\/>\n<p>Ahead, we delve into the science-backed reasons why chewing gum can help reduce tension and anxiety in some individuals.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How chewing gum can help gnaw away at anxiety and stress<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>According to Dr. Girgis, a study on the <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19425900\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19425900\/\">impact of chewing gum on stress levels<\/a> showed that mastication\u2014chewing\u2014increases the blood oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex (often deemed the \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499919\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK499919\/\">personality center<\/a>\u201d because it&#8217;s where we process moment-to-moment input from our surroundings, compare that input to past experiences, and then react to them) and the hippocampus (area of the brain largely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3548359\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3548359\/\">responsible for learning and memory and managing stress hormones<\/a>).<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cTaking the focus off anything that would activate our fight-or-flight nervous system is a good thing. By chewing gum, your attention is more on the physical and less on the mental aspects of what you may be experiencing.&#8221;<br \/>\u2014Raafat W. Girgis, MD, triple board-certified psychiatrist<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>So, what does this mean in terms of stress and anxiety? For starters, research shows that exposure to chronic stress can impair <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2907136\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2907136\/\">prefrontal cognitive abilities<\/a> and affect the structure of dendrites, which are responsible for <a href=\"https:\/\/news.mit.edu\/2018\/dendrites-explain-brains-computing-power-1018\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/news.mit.edu\/2018\/dendrites-explain-brains-computing-power-1018\">receiving and carrying signals in brain neurons<\/a>. But <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4561403\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4561403\/\">information and memory processing<\/a> are just a few of the ways that stress can impact the hippocampus. Still, studies demonstrate that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4259215\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4259215\/\">increased cerebral blood flow<\/a>\u2014one of the benefits of (gum) chewing\u2014can boost cognitive activity.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/chewing-gum-help-with-anxiety\/\" current-title=\"Chewing Gum Is One of the Easiest Ways To Reduce Stress, Says a Psychiatrist\u2014And It Works Almost Instantly\" current-image=\"chewing-gum-help-with-anxiety-woman-blowing-bubble.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-03-21\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/chewing-gum-help-with-anxiety\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/chewing-gum-help-with-anxiety\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/chewing-gum-help-with-anxiety\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>As such, Dr. Girgis notes that chewing gum can be an effective self-soothing method because it can promote stress reduction. \u201cThere are many neural circuits connecting our masticatory organs to the brain, and chewing gum will stimulate the function of these areas,\u201d Dr. Girgis says. Hence why gum chewing can help redirect attention, especially when stress or anxiety levels begin to peak. \u201cTaking the focus off anything that would activate our fight-or-flight nervous system is a good thing. By chewing gum, your attention is more on the physical and less on the mental aspects of what you may be experiencing.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Tips for an effective gum-chewing session<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In terms of the best gum flavor or brand to choose, Dr. Girgis says anything goes. Big Red, Juicy Fruit, Hubba Bubba, you name it. \u201cFlavor is a personal choice; however there are discussions and research that will offer suggestions. [Although], it\u2019s really up to the individual and what\u2019s most pleasing to them,\u201d he says. Now, when it comes to how long you should be chewing gum, the psychiatrist says that the sweet spot is around 20 minutes or so. \u201cIt\u2019s said that in the first 15 to 20 minutes you\u2019ll notice a difference, while other studies have found benefits during <em>only<\/em> the first 15 to 20 minutes of chewing gum,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to keep in mind that chewing gum over a long period can diminish its flavor and chewiness. As such, Dr. Girgis recommends swapping in a new piece every half hour, as needed. Meanwhile, he notes that chewing gum <em>before<\/em> engaging in an activity that\u2019s known to stress you out, can also help calm your nerves ahead of time. The good news? Chewing gum is something that can be done discreetly anywhere at any time (at least for the most part!).<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What can you do if you <\/strong><strong><em>can\u2019t<\/em><\/strong><strong> chew gum?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If you find yourself in a position where you can\u2019t or simply don\u2019t want to chew gum, Dr. Girgis recommends finding other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/physical-ways-relieve-stress\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/physical-ways-relieve-stress\/\">techniques for managing stress<\/a>. In the case that chewing <em>isn\u2019t<\/em> involved, he says using a rubber band on the wrist can help do the trick. According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@motivationaldoc\/video\/7214462071189065002\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@motivationaldoc\/video\/7214462071189065002\">recent video<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/motivationaldoc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/motivationaldoc.com\/\">Alan Mandell<\/a>, DC, better known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@motivationaldoc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@motivationaldoc\">@motivationaldoc<\/a> on TikTok, gently tugging on the rubber band and letting it lightly snap on your wrist can help redirect symptoms of a panic attack and train the brain to subconsciously start avoiding the stimulus\u2014although it\u2019s very important to note that this should never be used as a method of self harm.<\/p>\n<p><em>Discover common and accessible herbs for reducing stress and anxiety, according to an herbalist:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Common and Accessible Herbs for Stress and Anxiety | Plant-Based | Well+Good\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o9AEPKn4MMI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-citations mt-[40px] mb-[30px]\" data-module-init=\"main-2020\/post-citations\" data-module-immediate=\"true\">\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mb-[24px]\"\/>\n<div class=\"post-citations-content flex flex-col gap-[24px]\">\n<p>Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.<\/p>\n<div>\n<ol class=\"!ml-[18px] !mt-0\">\n<li>\n              Zibell, Steven, and Elaine Madansky. \u201cImpact of gum chewing on stress levels: online self-perception research study.\u201d\u00a0<i>Current medical research and opinion<\/i>\u00a0vol. 25,6 (2009): 1491-500. doi:10.1185\/03007990902959283            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Anand, Kuljeet Singh, and Vikas Dhikav. \u201cHippocampus in health and disease: An overview.\u201d\u00a0<i>Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology<\/i>\u00a0vol. 15,4 (2012): 239-46. doi:10.4103\/0972-2327.104323            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Arnsten, Amy F T. \u201cStress signalling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex structure and function.\u201d\u00a0<i>Nature reviews. Neuroscience<\/i>\u00a0vol. 10,6 (2009): 410-22. doi:10.1038\/nrn2648            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Kim, Eun Joo et al. \u201cStress effects on the hippocampus: a critical review.\u201d\u00a0<i>Learning &amp; memory (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.)<\/i>\u00a0vol. 22,9 411-6. 18 Aug. 2015, doi:10.1101\/lm.037291.114            <\/li>\n<li>\n              Zlatar, Zvinka Z et al. \u201cIncreased hippocampal blood flow in sedentary older adults at genetic risk for Alzheimer\u2019s disease.\u201d\u00a0<i>Journal of Alzheimer\u2019s disease : JAD<\/i>\u00a0vol. 41,3 (2014): 809-17. doi:10.3233\/JAD-132252            <\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<hr class=\"!border-seafoam-dark mt-[24px]\"\/>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While gum has typically been marketed as a way to stave away bad breath, Raafat W. Girgis, MD, a triple board-certified psychiatrist at the Rehab Center Moment of Clarity, says gum can do so much more than mask the aftertaste of the tuna salad sandwich you had for lunch. In fact, according to Dr. Girgis, &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7581,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7580","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7580","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7580"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7580\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7581"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7580"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7580"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7580"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}