Pediatricians argue for allowing children to chew gum, they suggest.
Heads Up: Chewing Gum Can Lead to Troublesome Consequences
Whether you're trying to freshen your breath, or just pass time, chewing gum might seem harmless. However, there are potential risks associated with this popular snack, as discussed by medical professionals Ari Lamet and Kerry Fairstein in an interview with Fox News.
Lamet, a gastroenterologist, cautions that while most people might find gum benign, swallowing it can result in intestinal obstruction, particularly for individuals who've had surgery on their digestive tract or have a history of blockages, or those who frequently swallow gum. Fairstein further emphasizes that swallowing gum can cause discomfort and bloating in the intestines due to excess air intake.
The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Gum
However, one lesser-known issue associated with chewing gum is its potential to release microplastics. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles found that one piece of gum can discharge hundreds, sometimes thousands, of microscopic plastic particles into saliva.
In a study testing 10 popular gum brands, researchers found that both synthetic and natural gums contained roughly the same amount of microplastics. Some of these microplastics are harmful and can lead to inflammation, cellular damage, and systemic health risks once ingested or inhaled. The majority of particles are released within the first 2 minutes of chewing.
Why Microplastics Pose a Problem
Microplastics not only originate from chewing gum but can be found in various consumer products, leading to widespread exposure. As microplastics can contain toxic chemicals, they may cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage in our bodies.
These tiny plastic particles have been found in human saliva, bloodstream, organs, and even the placenta, indicating possible systemic health risks that impact immune function and hormonal balance. While long-term health effects are still being studied, their potential is serious due to their widespread accumulation and toxic potential.
Food for Thought
Apart from the microplastics issue, it's essential to consider other factors that come into play when chewing gum. For individuals with mercury amalgam fillings, chewing gum may increase mercury release into the mouth and bloodstream, raising additional health concerns. Sugar-free gum can offer some oral health benefits but microplastic exposure still requires caution.
In conclusion, while chewing gum may seem harmless, it can cause intestinal obstruction in certain situations, and frequent swallowing can lead to discomfort and bloating. More importantly, the hidden danger of microplastics poses potential health risks including inflammation, cellular damage, and systemic health issues due to their chemical carrier properties and widespread distribution in the body. Different brands may vary, but avoiding conventional gums with synthetic polymer bases might be a smart choice for reducing microplastic exposure.
- The researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles discovered that one piece of gum can release hundreds to thousands of microscopic plastic particles, which can lead to inflammation, cellular damage, and systemic health risks once ingested or inhaled.
- Chewing gum may pose additional health concerns for individuals with mercury amalgam fillings, as chewing gum may increase mercury release into the mouth and bloodstream.
- Microplastics, found not only in chewing gum but also in various consumer products, have been detected in human saliva, bloodstream, organs, and even the placenta, suggesting potential systemic health risks that impact immune function and hormonal balance.