FitSugar

Chewing Gum Fights Stress?

FitSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0800

My favorite candy, chewing gum, not only fights heartburn, but it looks like it may also help conquer stress. Chomping on a piece of gum, and may I add that the gum should definitely be sugar-free, was found to decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 17 percent. In recent laboratory tests, chewing gum also increased alertness and improved performance. It sounds like a winning combination but might be a bit more complicated than unwrapping a stick of gum.

While working your jaw, chewing gum may increase the flow of blood to your brain helping you think more clearly, but it can also tire out the muscles of the jaw and lead to overuse injuries of the joint, like TMJ. For full disclosure, I should mention that the study on gum for stress release was funded by gum maker Wrigley, who is "committed to advancing and sharing scientific research that explores the benefits of chewing gum." While I thoroughly enjoy chewing gum, I think I will also stick to my free and injury-free stress reduction technique, breathing. How about you?

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Do You Chew Gum While You Exercise?

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

I just introduced my girls to the joys of sugar-free gum, and boy, do they love it. Their excitement is infectious and I have started noticing how many people chew gum at the gym. Having had the dangers of chewing gum while running drilled into my head at various sports practices in my youth, I just can't fathom chewing gum on a treadmill. Plus I breathe through my mouth and can just imagine the gum flying across the room. How about you . . .

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Chew Gum to Curb Snacking

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:30:00 -0700

I know we were all a bit put off by the shameless gum plug last week on The Biggest Loser, but it turns out that chewing gum is not such a bad idea to curb snacking.

Recent research found that chewing gum before an afternoon snack helped reduce hunger, diminish cravings and promote fullness among individuals who limit their overall calorie intake. Further more, chewing gum reduced caloric intake from snacks by 25 calories.

Fit's Tip: I don't want your dentist coming after me, so try and stick to sugar free gum.

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Are Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Products Safe?

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:30:00 -0700

It seems like just about every product having to do with your mouth shouts the word "whitening" all over it. Gums, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and whitening kits are available to make your pearly whites even whiter. Who doesn't want gleaming white teeth, right? The question is, how safe are these products?

When used as directed, these products are safe and cause minimal side effects. Although, common complaints do include tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Since teeth whiteners are not drugs, you should know that the FDA does NOT monitor them. Some products have the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance, which means that they have met ADA guidelines for safety and effectiveness. Only a few whitening products contain this seal, and manufacturers have to voluntarily seek acceptance.

However, only whitening toothpastes, mouthwashes and gum can receive this approval. You won't find whitening kits on their list since the ADA strongly feels that professional consultation is important to ensuring safe and effective use.

Just because a whitening product doesn't have the ADA Seal, doesn't mean it's necessarily unsafe. What things should you look for when buying an over the counter whitening kit? To find out read more

Look for kits that allow you to customize or mold the mouthpiece. These are better than the ones that come with a standard mouthpiece or strip, since the chemicals can irritate your gums.
Get recommendations from your dentist to see which kit brands work better than others.
Follow the directions on the package. If it says to keep it on your teeth for 30 minutes, don't leave it on for an hour.
If your gums change color, or you experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, stop using the product immediately.

Fit's Tips: If you are really serious about whitening your teeth and are also concerned about your safety, you should get it done professionally by your dentist. For around $300-400, they'll take impressions of your teeth and make a tray that fits your mouth perfectly, so the chemicals end up on your teeth and not on your gums. You can still whiten your teeth at home, which is great, but it'll be more effective than the store-bought kits.

Also, to keep your pearly whites as white as you can, read this: Stained Teeth? Coffee Is Not the Only Culprit. It will tell you which foods you should avoid.

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Got Heartburn? Try Chewing Gum

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 08:45:00 -0700

I dealt with my fair share of heartburn during both my pregnancies and I wish I had been hip to this chewing gum remedy. In 2005, researchers found that the saliva stimulated by chewing seemed to neutralize the digestive stomach acid that had leaked into the esophagus. Not only did it neutralize the acid, it seemed to help force fluids back into the stomach where they belong. Chewing gum, sugarless of course, for 30 minutes did the trick and can provide relief for up to 3 hours.

If you do suffer from heartburn on a regular basis, I would seriously think of trying this "folk" remedy since recent studies reveal that long term use of acid blockers, including Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac, may increase the risk of mental decline in later life.

Chewing gum on the other hand will keep you young! In spirit at least.

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BubbleYum, Heartburn's Worst Enemy

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 04:00:00 -0800

Alternative remedies are on the rise but not just for the major aches and pains, for something as simple as heartburn, which happens when stomach acids splash back into the esophagus and burn it. Check out this alternative remedy from CNN.com for dealing with heartburn:

...chewing gum after a meal helps fight heartburn. Chewing gum increases saliva, which helps wash the acid back down to the stomach, the researchers say. The type of gum doesn't matter, but the latest research used sugar-free -- and it's easier on your teeth. Chew for at least 30 minutes after eating.

Fit's Tip: If you're going to try it, go sugar free. It's much better for your pearly whites and doesn't add any calories.

What is the deal with: Chewing Gum

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 02:00:00 -0800

I love gum. I always have. I had a gum ball machine in my bedroom until I went to college. There's been some questions recently if gum is a good idea if you are watching your caloric intake. Well the answer is a mixed bag.

The good news is a piece of sugarless gum is a great alternative when you are craving a high caloric snack. It will satisfy your sweet tooth and occupy your brain until it moves onto the next subject.

The bad news is chewing gum does stimulate gastric juices of the stomach, priming it for digestion. Which in turn can make you hungry.

Fit's Tip:If you're craving a piece of Devil's Food cake after a nice meal, chew some gum instead.

Vending Machine Killed the Health Food Nut

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 11:30:00 -0800

Lots of people have a hard time staying on their diet at work due to one main culprit: The vending machine. Duh, duh, dom...

It's hard to believe that one machine can wreak so much havoc on your diet (and your wallet), but it can and it does.

If you find yourself heading to the vending machine during the day, read more

The vending machine can be full of lots of unhealthy treats that are hard to ignore. Here are some tips in combating the vending machine:

Keep healthy snacks in your desk.
Drinks lots of fluids (water is a great choice) to keep your stomach from running on empty -- the fluids will decrease your need to snack.
Chew on gum. A stick of some super strong mint gum not only keeps your mouth occupied, but often the mint flavor is so strong that you won't have the taste for anything else.
Avoid the vending machine and or candy jar when you can -- I always say you won't miss what you don't see. I never crave Snickers bars unless I see someone eating one or talking about one (for example, now I want a Snickers...).
If your office does not have a vending machine but has a supply of treats in the back free for the taking, ask whoever does the ordering to have some healthy treats too.

Fit's Tip: Desperate times call for desperate measures and if you feel comfortable enough you can also ask that the vending machine be removed or at the very least filled with healthy snacks.

You Asked: How Long Does it Take to Digest Chewing Gum?

FitSugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

My mom told me, and I bet yours did too, that it takes SEVEN years to digest gum. As a parent, I see the need to occasionally make up fantastical facts, especially if they involve making choking hazards appear less attractive. But there is absolutely no truth to this old wives tale. Sorry, mom, but I caught you in a lie (and only days before Mother's Day).

Although gum is indigestible (which is probably the origin of the 7 year myth), it passes through the human body and is eliminated in the same manner as any other swallowed substance. The sugars in the gum are absorbed by the body in 1 to 2 hours, and the wad of gum leaves the body fairly unchanged, but on a normal schedule.

Interesting factoids: Chewing the resin of trees is an ancient human habit, and the first commercially produced gum, here in the US, was made from spruce resin in 1846, in the fair state of Maine.

Label Able: Gum Acacia

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:30:00 -0700

I recently reviewed Morningstar Farms Chik Patties, and when reading the way-too-long list of ingredients I came upon gum acacia. Great. Another ingredient that sounds weird and unhealthy.

So what is it? If you're curious read more.

Well lo and behold, gum acacia is a natural gum or sap taken from the acacia tree. It's added to foods to act as a stabilizer, emulsifier (binds ingredients together that ordinary don't mix well), or thickener, and it's totally edible. You may also see it called gum arabic. Besides veggie chicken patties, you'll also find it in sodas (like Coca-Cola), hard chewy candies like gumdrops, marshmallows, and chewing gum. Pharmaceutical companies use it to keep medicines from separating into their different ingredients. It's used in shoe polish, the lickable adhesive on stamps and cigarette papers, and newspaper ink to prevent smudging. Well at least now we know it's made from a plant, and not something we need to worry about.