// 845.371.2222 One thing most people don’t realize is that chewing gum can actually be a hidden source of microplastic exposure. I came across a study presented at the American Chemical Society’s spring meeting that found both synthetic and natural gums release microplastics into our saliva while we chew. According to the study, each piece of gum released an average of 96 to 104 microplastic particles with some releasing as many as 637 particles per gram. Most of that exposure happened within the first eight minutes of chewing. The types of microplastics found included polyolefins, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and polystyrene, materials that are known to accumulate in the body and have been linked to inflammation, DNA damage, and even organ dysfunction. Microplastics have already been detected in human lungs, blood, the placenta, and even the brain. While gum isn’t the largest source of microplastics compared to other everyday items like plastic tea bags, it’s still something I take seriously. I always recommend limiting gum consumption when possible, making sure it’s properly disposed of, and being mindful of your overall plastic exposure. It’s a small change that can have a big impact, both on your health and on the environment. 4Microplastic Exposure When Gum Can Be A Good Thing In Moderation Not all gum is created equal. When enjoyed in moderation, some cleaner, healthier varieties may actually offer a few surprising health benefits, such as: Chewing gum might actually give your brain a little boost, at least in the short term. Some research suggests it can help improve focus, alertness, and even memory during certain tasks. One study involved 133 participants and looked at how chewing gum affected cognitive performance and mood in both quiet and noisy, stress-inducing environments. The results were pretty interesting, those who chewed gum reported feeling more alert and had a more positive mood overall. They also showed quicker reaction times, especially as the tasks became more demanding. The study found that chewing gum improved both selective and sustained attention, meaning people were better at focusing on specific things and staying focused over time. Physiologically, gum chewers had slightly higher heart rates and elevated cortisol levels, both linked to increased alertness. So while gum isn’t a magic focus pill, it may offer a small mental edge, especially during stressful or mentally demanding situations. When it comes to oral health, chewing the right kind of gum can actually be a good thing. It can help reduce plaque buildup and stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth and protect against tooth decay. Plus, chewing gum is a simple way to freshen your breath and prevent dry mouth, both of which are small but important wins for overall oral health. I’m all about balance, and having a piece here and there probably won’t cause harm, but regularly chewing gum that’s loaded with sugar and questionable additives is something I would try to avoid. I always encourage reading labels and choosing more natural options when possible, it’s a simple shift that can really support your long-term health. If you’re looking for more personalized support or want to dive deeper into your functional health journey, I’d love to connect with you! You can follow me on Instagram @behealthystayhealthy for regular wellness tips, or feel free to reach out to me directly at Behealthystayhealthy96@gmail.com. Thanks so much for reading, I hope this article gave you some valuable insights to help you along your health journey! 177
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