Eating chewing gum can easily secrete stomach acid, so people with stomach problems should be careful

Many young people, especially those who like to eat strong-tasting food, carry chewing gum in their pockets to keep their breath fresh and relax. Although chewing gum can relieve stress, refresh the mind, and clean teeth. But everyone should try to avoid chewing gum for a long time on an empty stomach, especially those with stomach diseases. Why is this?

When people chew, a large amount of saliva is secreted in the mouth and digestive juices in the stomach. This also happens when chewing gum, because it is a natural physiological reaction. Saliva can help clean the mouth, but increased gastric acid secretion, especially when on an empty stomach, can cause symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, and acid reflux. People who have the habit of chewing gum on an empty stomach for a long time are prone to diseases such as gastritis or even gastric ulcers.

In addition, the ingredients in chewing gum, especially xylitol chewing gum, have a cold property and are not easily broken down by the enzymes in the stomach. After entering the intestines, the absorption rate is very low and it is easy to accumulate in the intestinal wall. Excessive intake will cause irritation and damage to the stomach and intestines, and can easily cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, intestinal rumbling, diarrhea and other diseases.

Experts suggest that chewing gum occasionally has certain benefits. However, the chewing time should not exceed ten minutes each time. At the same time, you should try to avoid chewing for a long time on an empty stomach to avoid producing too much stomach acid and causing damage to the stomach.

Many people born in the 1980s may have often heard adults say when they were young that chewing gum will stick to the intestines. In fact, this knowledge is a "taken-for-granted" misunderstanding of some people. Although the gum component of chewing gum is difficult to digest, it will eventually be excreted through the digestive tract. Moreover, the walls of the human digestive tract are very smooth, so it is impossible for chewing gum to stick to any part of the body.