In the last several years, several small studies seem to indicate that chewing gum can help reduce stress and improve short- and long-term memory.
Is it the sugar or the chewing?
One study out of the University of Northumbria on 75 healthy volunteers found the improvement was present even when the gum was sugar-free.
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Filed under: Accelerated learning, Brain, Brain Busters, Brain Food, Brain Power, Improve Concentration, Improve Memory, Smartkit All Posts
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i think this is because tricks the brain into thinking you are eating and releases dopamine and serotonin, and a lack of serotonin can hinder your memory. So having more improves it.
Good to know! I chew gum all the time, and every person I knew but one told me it was a bad habit for reasons unknown. The one who didn’t was my little brother who stuck with me through my gum-chewing-madness so long as I provided him with chocolate bars.
I think that it’s also bc the tongue crosses the body’s midline while chewing and that activiates both sides of the brain.
No, it is because of the increased blood flow (hence oxygen) to the head (hence to the brain)
Any brain research on your response, Stefan?
If chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, it is mainly because of the increased activity of the brain cells that control tongue movement.
Tapping toes would also lead to increased blood flow for the same reason.
Blood flow to the tongue is mainly via the external carotid artery, which doesn’t really supply brain tissue. In fact, it may “steal” and divert blood from brain tissue…
…and crossing the body’s midline?