Is it true that eating gum can prevent stomach acid?

Have acid reflux? Even though you have avoided the things that make this condition recur, sometimes stomach acid still rises and ultimately disrupts your day's activities. He said, really, chewing gum can prevent stomach acid from rising. Is this true?

Apparently, chewing gum can prevent stomach acid

Increased stomach acid or also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), can cause a burning and burning sensation starting from the stomach, then up to the middle of the chest to the throat. Sometimes it can even cause a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

To prevent acid reflux, a study in the Journal of Dental Research suggests chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after eating.

This finding is reinforced by the research of Rebecca Moazzez, from Kings College in London, England, which states that after eating high-fat foods and then eating chewing gum for 30 minutes, it can reduce the chance of stomach acid rising into the esophagus.

The reason is, chewing gum is alleged to increase saliva production, which will make you swallow more frequently and help neutralize the pH of the very acidic stomach.

What types of gum can prevent stomach acid from rising?

There are various types of chewing gum that are sold in the market, but it turns out that not all types of chewing gum have the same benefits if eaten to prevent stomach acid from rising. The preferred type of chewing gum is low-sugar bicarbonate gum, which you can find at a pharmacy.

Bicarbonate works by neutralizing the acid rising into the esophagus. When you chew gum that contains bicarbonate, it will not only increase your saliva production, but will also increase the bicarbonate level in saliva. When the bicarbonate then enters the esophagus, it will prevent stomach acid from rising.

What types of chewing gum should acid reflux sufferers avoid?

As explained earlier, not all types of gum can be chewed to prevent acid reflux. Even though it is a favorite product of many people, peppermint gum is not recommended for consumption by people with acid reflux.

Reporting from the Healthline page, peppermint can actually open the lower esophageal sphincter (muscle circle) which will cause stomach acid to rise into the esophagus, triggering symptoms of acid reflux.

Are there other treatment options to treat acid reflux?

Researchers who concluded that chewing gum after eating, is just adjunct therapy to treat stomach acid reflux. In addition to this method, doctors usually will also advise you to stop smoking.

The consumption of drugs is also believed to help treat acid reflux, for example drugs such as antacids, H-2 receptor blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). You can get these types of drugs over the counter or by prescription.

Well, if you are planning to apply eating chewing gum after eating to prevent stomach acid from rising, there are a few things you should keep in mind, namely:

• Choose sugar-free gum
• Choose bicarbonate of gum whenever possible
• Avoid peppermint gum

However, it is best if your symptoms do not improve, you should immediately consult further with your doctor for advice and the best health care.

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