Chewing gum for better digestion

Chewing gum is one of those things where timing is everything for it to be beneficial. If you chew gum between meals the excess build up of stomach acid may cause heart burn and stomach discomfort, however having chewing gum straight after a meal may help with digestion.

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Digestion is a process where food is being broken down in the stomach in order for it to be absorbed through the intestine and eventually enter the bloodstream. The way food is broken down in the stomach is by means of hydrochloric acid, potassium chloride and sodium chloride, which together form what is known as gastric acid.

Amongst other steps, chewing stimulates the secretion of gastric acid as well as digestive enzymes, as the body interprets the action as an anticipation of eating. Therefore chewing gum after a meal may prolong the release of both gastric acid and digestive enzymes which can improve digestion.