Dr. Kranthi R Vardhan - Weekly Newsletter - Issue #44

In our fast-paced lives, chewing gum has become a popular pick-me-up for many people looking to fight bad breath, stress, and boredom.

But have you ever stopped to think about the negative effects chewing gum can have on your health?

From artificial sweeteners to chemical additives, chewing gum may seem harmless, but it can actually do more harm than good.

Ayurveda Says

We often reach for a piece of gum to freshen our breath, relieve stress, or keep us occupied during long meetings.

While chewing gum may seem like a harmless way to pass the time, it can actually have a number of negative effects on your health.

Here are just a few of the ways that chewing gum could be hurting you:

Digestive problems

Chewing gum stimulates the production of digestive juices, which can lead to acid reflux, bloating, and other digestive problems. Additionally, swallowing air while chewing gum can cause discomfort and bloating.

Tooth decay

The sugar in chewing gum can stick to your teeth and feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Some gums also contain artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to dental erosion and other oral health problems.

Artificial ingredients

Many gums contain artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners that have been linked to a range of health problems, from headaches to weight gain.

Addiction

The repetitive motion of chewing gum can be addictive, leading to a cycle of constant chewing that can interfere with daily activities and lead to jaw pain and headaches.

Alternatives

So, what can you do instead of reaching for a piece of gum?

Consider healthier alternatives, such as:

• Chew a short neem twig.

• Try fennel seeds or flax seeds.

• Practice oil pulling for oral hygiene.

• Turn to sugar-free mints.

• Chew cloves.

You may also want to limit your consumption of sugar and other sweeteners, which can contribute to the negative effects of chewing gum.

Wrapping It Up

Chewing gum is a good practice if done rarely.

Regularly, you might need healthy alternatives.

Ensure that your maintain dental and gum health while indulging in this activity!

I hope you enjoyed reading this issue. If you found it useful, feel free to forward it to your friends, family, colleagues, or anyone you feel might benefit from it. If you want to read the previous issues, here’s the archive.

Have a great weekend!

- Dr. Kranthi R Vardhan