Does chewing gum calm anxiety?

Asked by: Prof. Hermann Rogahn III  |  Last update: March 2, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (34 votes)

Chewing gum can be an inexpensive and effective way to help relieve anxiety and boost attention. Results across eight research trials that included more than 400 adults found chewing gum more often, compared to never chewing gum, resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety.

Does chewing gum help with driving anxiety?

Chewing gum can be a safe distraction while driving. Smelling scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus – whatever you find calming can help reduce tension and stress while driving as well.

What can I chew on for anxiety?

Chewing gum significantly increases self-rated levels of alertness, decreases self-rated levels of anxiety and stress, reduces salivary cortisol levels, and enhances overall task performance. The effects were the same regardless of the gum flavor.

What flavor of gum is best for anxiety?

The results of this study suggest that natural hydro-distilled neroli-flavored chewing gum can reduce anxiety in university students.

How to reduce stress and anxiety?

What you can do to address stress
  1. Be active. ...
  2. Take control. ...
  3. Connect with people. ...
  4. Have some "me time" ...
  5. Challenge yourself. ...
  6. Avoid unhealthy habits. ...
  7. Help other people. ...
  8. Work smarter, not harder.

Chewing Gum Helps With Anxiety?! (AMAZING!)

33 related questions found

How did I heal my anxiety without drugs?

Anxiety Treatment Without Medication: 7 Holistic Ways to Cope
  1. Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check. ...
  2. Avoid Stimulants. ...
  3. Get Enough Sleep. ...
  4. Just Breathe. ...
  5. Practice Mindfulness. ...
  6. Exercise. ...
  7. Do What You Enjoy.

Why does chewing gum calm my anxiety?

Salivary levels of the stress hormone cortisol were also lower in gum chewers than non-gum chewers, which provided objective and physiological evidence of the stress reducing effect of chewing gum. They also found that gum chewing was associated with better overall performance on cognitive tasks.

What candy helps with anxiety?

One of the primary ways sour candy can help during a panic attack is through immediate sensory distraction. The intense flavor of sour candy can jolt the senses, redirecting the brain's focus away from the overwhelming feelings of panic.

Does chewing gum stop overthinking?

Chewing gum can be an inexpensive and effective way to help relieve anxiety and boost attention. Results across eight research trials that included more than 400 adults found chewing gum more often, compared to never chewing gum, resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety.

What to chew instead of gum?

"For those seeking alternatives to gum, breath mints or water infused with fresh fruits can serve as healthy substitutes."

Why is chewing so calming?

Portions of the brain that react to stress are positively suppressed through chewing, resulting in a sense of calm and increased mental clarity. Chewing also relieves muscle tension and energy loss.

Is there an edible for anxiety?

Marijuana edibles are a way for adults to cope with anxiety or chronic illnesses, such as arthritis, cancer pain, fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. Before incorporating them into your health routine, it's important to understand how these marijuana-infused gummies or candies are processed in the body.

How do I drive away anxiety?

Things you can try to help with anxiety, fear and panic
  1. try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor. ...
  2. use calming breathing exercises.
  3. exercise – activities such as running, walking, swimming and yoga can help you relax.

Does chewing gum help OCD?

The chewing gums consumed ranged from 1.1/day to 10/day. 15 (88.2%) patients showed improvement in OCD symptoms, with a decrease in YBOCS score after the intervention. Out of the 15 participants, 10 (66.7%) participants had decreased compulsion scores, but no reduction in obsession scores was seen.

Is there a difference between anxiety and panic attacks?

Unlike anxiety, which often has clear triggers, panic attacks occur suddenly and unexpectedly and typically only last for a few minutes. Those who experience panic attacks have reported lightheadedness, chest pain, hot flashes, chills, and stomach discomfort.

Does sour food calm anxiety?

It works because the taste of something intensely sour diverts attention away from the panic attack, Dr. Singh says. As the taste buds get engaged by this overpowering flavor, this sensory experience disrupts feelings of anxiety, he explains.

Why do mints help anxiety?

There are evidence that inhaling essential oil may trigger the secretion of endorphin and attenuate pain and anxiety in return. Peppermint with the scientific name Mentha piperita is one of the essences used for aromatherapy. Mentha piperita is an aromatic herb with analgesic and tranquilizing effects.

Does lemon help with anxiety?

Lemon oil can put you in a better mood, soothing anxiety and lifting the spirits. A small study on mice found that mice who inhaled lemon oil vapor showed a decrease in symptoms of stress. Lemon oil has antimicrobial properties.

How to stress relief?

If your stress is getting out of control and you need quick relief, try one of these tips.
  1. Get active. Almost any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. ...
  2. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  3. Avoid unhealthy habits. ...
  4. Meditate. ...
  5. Laugh more. ...
  6. Connect with others. ...
  7. Assert yourself. ...
  8. Try yoga.

Does FÜM help with anxiety?

**Promotes Relaxation:** Many users find that Füm helps them relax and unwind. Essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus have calming properties that can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace. 4.

What is the best natural anxiety remedy?

Natural remedies for anxiety and stress
  • Relaxation exercises. ...
  • Journaling. ...
  • Time management strategies. ...
  • Aromatherapy. ...
  • Cannabidiol oil. ...
  • Herbal teas. ...
  • Herbal supplements. Like herbal teas, many herbal supplements claim to reduce anxiety. ...
  • Time with animals. Pets offer companionship, love, and support.

How did I finally beat my anxiety?

Share how you're feeling with a trustworthy friend, partner, or relative. Talk to your doctor. Go to an online support group and talk with others about what you're going through. When you acknowledge your anxious feelings, you take an important step toward feeling better.

What are the 4 C's of anxiety?

More specifically we expect positive association between caring and anxiety and a negative association between the other four Cs (competence, confidence, character, and connection) and anxiety.