Saturday, December 09, 2006

*Tip of the Week* Chew Gum

Chewing gum or even chewing on a toothpick thirty minutes after a meal has been found to help relieve heartburn in some patients, because chewing produces extra saliva, which neutralizes acid. However, chewing gum that contains oil of peppermint can relax the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus, leading to acid reflux. Chewing gum doesn't help all GI upsets, however. People who experience gas or bloating should avoid chewing gum because it can result in swallowed air, which adds to the amount of gas in the digestive tract.

"Freedom from Digestive Distress" by Gary Gitnick, MD, 2000

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