Why does chewing gum reduce stress?
Why does chewing gum reduce stress? The neural mechanisms underlying the stress reducing effects of chewing gum involve the prefrontal cortex which then changes the HPA axis and ANS activity [25, 26]. The majority of research on mental health and chewing gum has been carried out with non-clinical samples. Does chewing gum help reduce anxiety? A study out of Swinburne University found that people who chew gum while multitasking under stress had lower cortisol levels, reduced levels of stress and anxiety, and increased levels of alertness and performance. Another found that chewing gum can improve a negative mood, and increase...