Chewing Gum and Concentration - Does it help sharpen the mind?

Therese Natalia Elefano Santos 

Photo by Gabriel Dalton on Unsplash

We fight to maintain it in a world full of distractions. Can a stick of gum be the solution? The unexpected boost we need?

Human attention span has been declining slowly, from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in recent years. This poses a problem especially for students. With constant digital interruptions and academic pressure, students are finding it harder than ever to stay focused long enough to absorb and retain information, which has become a real obstacle for academic success. However, some recent studies suggest that chewing gum may enhance attention, alertness, and learning. Is chewing gum the solution to the problem?

Chewing gum is often seen as either a “loathsome habit” or just a breath fresher. Some even say it boosts focus. Surprisingly, the act of chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, delivering more oxygen to brain regions responsible for attention. In March 2000, Japanese researchers showed that brain activity in the hippocampus, an area important for memory and learning, increases while people chew, though unclear as to why. 

In the context of concentration, attention is the first step in memory. Without sufficient focus on a particular task, new information cannot be properly processed and stored. This makes it difficult to recall later. A person’s existing memories guide attention through highlighting relevant aspects in an environment. Little to no attention deprives the brain of being able to recall facts or details.

Although many studies have shown some improvement in attention and cognition through gum chewing, much of the topic is still filled with speculation. Alternatively, chewing gum might reduce “stress hormones” (e.g. cortisol), leading to reduced stress and improved mental functions and performances.

Due to the mixed theories and findings surrounding the science behind the effects of gum chewing on the brain, there has been a rise in controversial opinions from doctors and scientists alike. Some studies exhibit benefits such as increased alertness and improved reaction time, while others show no or even detrimental effects on memory. Many believe  the effects appear to be task-dependent and time-dependent, and in many cases, vary between individuals. A lot of theories remain speculative. Even experts believe we don’t have the full picture.  “The findings are intriguing, although it is clear that questions remain to be addressed,” says Kim Graham of the Medical Research Council’s Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge, UK. 

While chewing gum is no miracle enhancer, science suggests that it can offer a small boost of attention. As far as simple habits go, it is the simplest and easiest to try. Even if the emerging evidence is unclear, it is certainly deducible that chewing gum does something. One thing is for sure: something as ordinary as a stick of gum may hold more power over the mind than once imagined.

You need to sleep! 

“Tired minds don't plan well. Sleep first, plan later.” - Walter Reisch

Sleep. We love it and need it, but we rarely get enough of it. Busy schedules, technology, schooling and other things get in the way. Getting enough sleep can play an important role in your weight, emotional wellbeing, blood pressure, diabetes, mental and physical performance, and more.