Chewing gum may do more than just freshen breath for the millions of Americans who experience chronic heartburn. New evidence shows it can also reduce acid reflux.A small study found that smacking on a piece of gum for a half-hour lowered the amount of acid in the esophagus after eating a high fat meal.
The researchers say gum chewing stimulates the flow of saliva—which is less acidic than fluids that are churned up in the stomach during digestion. Saliva soothes heartburn by neutralizing acid in the esophagus.
More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and about 25 million adults suffer daily from indigestion.
Studies have shown that certain foods and beverages trigger heartburn by relaxing the valve between the stomach and esophagus. When this valve does not close tightly, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus creating a burning sensation in the chest.
Doctors from Kings College in London recently presented their findings on gum chewing and heartburn at Digestive Disease Week, an annual international gathering of gastroenterologists.
In the study, 21 people were followed for two days. The researchers measured the amount of acid in their esophagus after eating a meal that was 60 percent fat, specifically designed to churn up indigestion.
On the first day half of the group was given a stick of gum to chew for 30 minutes after finishing their food. The other half did not chew gum. Then a special probe was used to measure the amount of acid in the esophagus for about two hours after the meal.
On the second day the groups were switched, allowing the other participants to chew gum after eating a similar high fat meal. All participants were probed again to measure acid in the esophagus.
They were also asked to keep a record of any heartburn they experienced during the study period. They pushed an electronic “event button” whenever they experienced indigestion.
When the researchers looked at the difference in the amount of acid reflux for each participant from day one to day two, they found that chewing gum after a meal resulted in less heartburn. That’s because pH levels in the esophagus were more acidic for an average of nine minutes without gum, but only 4.7 minutes while chewing gum.
Patients also recorded fewer episodes of heartburn and discomfort during the gum chewing sessions.
While the results of this small study are promising, the researchers said they do need to conduct a larger study before any official recommendations about gum chewing can be made. So for now, heartburn sufferers should stick with their prescription medications or over-the-counter antacids.
But that shouldn’t burst any bubbles; experts say there is really no harm in chewing gum after a meal. So if you find your favorite stick of gum relieves heartburn, go ahead and chew.
