The Impact of Chewing Gum on Human Brain
- Haeri Shin
- Jun 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Chewing gum has received much attention for its potential impact on the human brain. Recent studies have begun to reveal this seemingly simple activity’s cognitive and neurological effects. Instead of merely being a pastime, chewing gum could enhance brain and cognitive functioning.
Effects of Chewing Gum
One effect of chewing gum on the brain is its influence on areas such as memory. A research found that participants who chewed gum during test of memory recall scored higher than those who did not. This study suggests that the act of chewing may enhance memory by increasing the delivery of glucose and oxygen to the brain, thus providing more energy for cognitive tasks. The action of chewing induces an increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF), which refers to the blood supply to the brain in a given time period. The increase in CBF ensures that more oxygen is delivered to the brain.
Chewing gum also stimulates the release of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. This is done due to the cephalic phase of digestion which is the early phase of digestion triggered by the sight, smell, or thought of food, preparing the body to digest and absorb nutrients. When insulin is released through the cephalic phase, insulin levels increase, and this increased insulin allows greater glucose uptake by brain cells. This greater supply of glucose and oxygen enables brain cells to operate more effectively since brain cells, or neurons, are better equipped to sustain the electrical activity necessary for processing information including memory when there is a sufficient amount of glucose and oxygen.
Another study showed that the act of chewing appears to modulate neural activity in the hippocampus, a brain region integral to memory and learning. The heightened CBF delivers more oxygen and nutrients to brain tissues, enhancing neural plasticity which is crucial for memory formation.
Benefits of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum has been shown to improve attention and alertness. A study published in the journal “Appetite” found that participants who chewed gum experienced higher levels of alertness and quicker reaction times compared to those who did not chew gum. This effect is caused by the repetitive motion of chewing, which increases the heart rate and blood flow to the brain. The repetitive motion of chewing stimulates the trigeminal nerve, one of the largest nerves in the brain, which leads to increased activity in the brainstem. This increased activity subsequently raises the heart rate. This process is known as trigeminal cardioacceleration. Similar to the mechanism mentioned in the previous paragraph, The increased heart rate boosts blood circulation and ensures a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, particularly to the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is a brain region critical for executive functions such as attention, so when this particular region of the brain receives more oxygen and nutrients, attention and alertness are improved.
Moreover, chewing gum has also been linked to improved processing speed, the pace at which individuals perceive and react to information. Multiple studies indicate that the activity of chewing can activate the sensorimotor regions of the brain, leading to faster cognitive processing. The sensorimotor regions, which include areas such as the primary mortar cortex and the somatosensory cortex, play a crucial role in planning and executing movements. The activation of sensorimotor regions likely facilitates quicker information processing and decision-making by enhancing neural connectivity and communication. Again the repetitive nature of chewing stimulates this neural circuits, promoting a state of readiness in human brain. This increased neural activity can lead to faster synaptic transmissions, where signals are sent more swiftly and efficiently between neurons. Faster synaptic transmission means that the brain can process sensory information, such as visual or auditory stimuli, at a quicker rate and enable more rapid responses. Therefore when sensorimotor regions are activated by the act of chewing, they engage in broader neural networks that contribute to cognitive functions.
In conclusion, the benefits of chewing gum on brain function are supported by scientific evidence across various cognitive domains.
These findings suggest that incorporating chewing gum into daily routines may provide a way to enhance cognitive performance. There are ongoing research and studies that explore additional effects of chewing gum, aiming to reveal its full potential in optimizing brain function.
Resources
Comments