Some experts argue that this is the most toxic substance in the supermarkets today. Most everyone has tried it and may even have an addiction to it.
And since its commercial sale debut in 1848 by John Curtis in the state of Maine, its popularity has exploded, and with that, the way the chewing gum was manufactured.
The ancient Greeks and Mayans chewed resin and sap gums made from trees, which were very natural. Cut to modern day flavors which are made from synthetic materials that are not so great for the mouth, digestive system, and body.
✪ aspartame
✪ BHT (to maintain freshness and increase shelf life)
✪ titanium dioxide
✪ calcium casein peptone-calcium phosphate
✪ plastics
✪ elastics and fillers (which are part of the gum base)
✪ other preservatives and artificial colors/flavors.
Let's learn a few reasons why some may say chewing gum, even the ones "4 out of 5 dentists recommend chewing to prevent cavities," is not so healthy for us.
♦ Gum chewing is inflammatory for the body.
♦ Stimulates weight gain. Gum chewing stimulates saliva production and takes away from metabolic functioning (when not actually eating real food).
♦ May cause abdominal pains, cramps, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome because of the extra swallowed air.
♦ May suppress the immune suppression and cause yeast development in the body,(leading to cavities and allergies).
♦ The latex and polymers that are in gum made with synthetic ingredients cause digestive problems.
♦ Aspartame and other sugar-free, synthetic toxic substances have been documented to cause cancer, neurological disorders, birth defects, tinnitus, diabetes, and prove poisonous to the body.
♦ Gum made with high fructose corn syrup prove to be a direct link to obesity, tooth decay, cancer, and diabetes.
♦ Gum preservatives(BHT) and coloring agents have been linked to tumors and cancer-causing.
♦ People with TMJ or other pre-existing jaw conditions may aggravate muscles, tendons, and cartilage surrounding mouth area.
♦ May create more headaches because of instigating chronic tightness in two of the muscles around the temples.
♦ Does not rid bad breath, and chewing gum with sugar will only breed the bacteria in the mouth (which is one of the reasons for halitosis).
♦ May promote tooth decay.
Many people who chew gum habitually find themselves trying to relieve stress, anxiety or tension orally. Find another way that is not oral to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, exercising, journaling, or crafting and brush after every meal. The habit will stop and your mouth will feel fresh and clean.
If you must chew gum, chew a natural colored (not synthetically dyed) and flavored gum sweetened with xylitol. You can find these in your local health food stores.
Chew for about 5 minutes directly after a meal (this will ensure that all the loose food particles are removed from the teeth crevices and the stomach digestive enzymes and juices continue to secrete (sometimes people eat too fast and the body has not had time to fully release digestive juices).
