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10 Surprising Benefits of Chewing Gum for Your Mind & Body
Everybody enjoys chewing gums; they would pop one while driving, relaxing, after a meal or simply to enjoy their oral fixation with something sweet. While you might already know that chewing gum is good for the teeth and keeping the mouth fresh, they also have a number of other surprising health benefits. Continue reading for all the pros of chewing gum that you need to be aware of.
What Are The Advantages of Chewing Gum?
Like all things, when done excessively, chewing gum can have negative effects such as jaw strain or migraines in some people. However, positive effects of chewing gum can be reaped with moderate use every day. Here are some of the advantages of chewing gum:
1. Prevents Cavities and Improves Oral Health
This is probably the one fact about chewing gum that most people know; it’s good for your teeth. Sugar-free gum is known in particular to be effective in preventing tooth decay with its effects being similar to mouthwash and toothpaste that contain fluoride. Chewing on a sugarless gum just for 20 minutes after a meal can keep teeth decay and gingivitis at bay. Basically, it works by increasing secretion of saliva in the mouth and removing food particles and acids on the teeth, which would otherwise lead to tooth decay. Saliva further helps keep the enamel strong by supplying it with calcium and phosphate to strength it. This means the teeth have greater resistance to decay and cavities. To give an extra boost to prevent teeth decay, choose gums with xylitol that come with extra minerals to strengthen the teeth. (1)
2. Eases Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a complicated problem where the stomach acids move up the oesophagus (food pipe) and chest congestion while damaging it simultaneously, which gives rise to the familiar burning sensation in the throat or chest. Surprisingly, chewing gum is a good way to ease acid reflux by clearing up the food pipe and neutralising the acids to give some relief. One study shows that chewing gum clears up the oesophagus by increasing the swallowing reflex and neutralising the acids as the gum makes the saliva more alkaline. This means the acid reflux is reduced to give you a soothing relief while reducing inflammation.
3. Improves Digestion
While chewing gum has no direct influence on the digestive process, chewing gum before a meal actually improves digestion. This happens because the chewing action stimulates the mouth to produce saliva and the stomach to produce digestive acids effectively preparing the system for a meal. Therefore not only will it ease in swallowing food but also improves digestion by getting the stomach ready. Chewing gum after a meal not only helps keep the mouth healthy but also helps in avoiding indigestion by further stimulating the digestive process.
4. Fights Nausea
People who are prone to morning or motion sickness can get great relief by chewing on a piece of gum, especially the herbal types that have ginger in them to aid in salivary production and digestion. Surprisingly, a recent study even shows that chewing gum can be just as effective as prescription drugs for nausea. It’s also worthwhile to note that chewing gums are frequently prescribed after a major bowel surgery by surgeons to help stimulate the digestive system. More studies back up this practice as an effective intervention thanks to its lack of side effects and low cost.
5. Helps manage weight by improving eating habits
Chewing gum is a good way to keep your cravings at bay when you are trying to lose weight. Popping a sugar-free gum when you feel cravings for a sugary snack is a good way to immediately reward yourself without all the additional calories and tricking your brain according to studies. This is also an excellent way for you to stop yourself from mindless nibbles of high-calorie snacks while watching TV or relaxing. Therefore if you’re looking to ward off your food cravings, grab a stick of gum instead of a sugary treat to cut out all the unnecessary calories.
6. Improves Memory and Cognitive Performance
If you’re engaged in a brain-intensive task, you could do better by chewing gum for brain. One study shows that chomping on gum while the subjects were involved in a range of tests improved memory and cognitive function, helping them do better than the control group who didn’t chew gum. It is believed that the increased heart rate and blood flow to the brain is responsible for the boost observed. Medical tests showed increased brain activity in the hippocampus, which is an area responsible for concentration and reaction times due to increased oxygen supply to the brain.
7. Lowers Stress and Anxiety
If you’ve ever been nervous or anxious, you will notice that you shake your legs or bite your nails for comfort, chewing gum in stressful situations works more or less the same. Chewing on a piece of gum is just as good a way to release your nervous energy and a better substitute for your instinctive nervousness habits. One study from 2011 showed that participants found that those who chewed gum twice a day for two weeks reported significantly lowered anxiety levels than non-chewers. They also found lower fatigue levels and higher moods in gun-chewers. It is thought that chewing gum has a calming effect because of the reduction in stress hormone cortisol it brings to the people.
8. Increases Alertness
Many people cannot function at their best unless they have six to eight hours of sleep, and it’s often the case that they miss that all-important sleep. Instead of chugging coffee and popping caffeine pills, you can get plenty of alertness by chewing a stick of gum. Studies show that chewing gum and the associated jaw movement combats sleepiness during the day by increasing brain activity. The constant stimulation of the nerves linked to the arousal increases blood flow to the brain, making you more alert. Mint flavoured gums are extra effective in helping you keep fresh and alert throughout.
9. Eases Ear Blockages
Many people find it uncomfortable to fly in as the pressurised cabin can block the ears or cause irritation and pain. A good way to relieve this is with a pack of gum. Instead of pinching your nose and trying to blow your ears clear, chewing a stick of gum will naturally help the air pressure in the ear equalize with the outside pressure. It is also an effective remedy to drain water that gets clogged in the ears after a shower or a swim. Chewing motion helps clear the sinus cavities and push the liquids further out, clearing the ear.
10. Prevents Dry Mouth and Freshens Breath
One of the reasons your mouth stinks is due to the lack of salivary flow and the growth of excess bacteria that follows. Chewing gum stimulates your salivary glands and keeps your mouth fresh all day while killing the nasty bacteria. A sugar-free mint flavours gum is all you need is a fresh feel in your mouth throughout the day.
FAQs
Here we answer some FAQs about chewing gum:
1. How Long should I Chew Gum to Get Chiseled Jawline?
Although there are no studies to show conclusively that chewing gum improves your jawline, the basic principle behind chewing gum benefits for face is similar to how exercising improves the shape of the body to make it look appealing. Chewing gum regularly exercises the jaw muscle Masseter that controls chewing motion. One or two hours a day of chewing gum is on the acceptable side; if you over do it, it can lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
2. How Many Pieces of Gum Should I Chew in a Day to Get the Maximum Benefits?
You can chew a minimum of three pieces of gum a day, one after every meal for the best results for your teeth. Another gum or two during the day should be fine for the rest of the health benefits. If you reach number such as fifteen of twenty chewing gums a day, that’s the danger zone.
This brings us to the question is chewing gum good for health? The answer is mostly yes; when you chew gum in moderation. When you begin to notice the positive effects, it’s best to stick to that and not try to over-do it.
Also Read: Best Ways to Remove Chewing Gum from Clothes Read more
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9 Beautiful Rail Journeys Across India You Should Experience at Least Once
We all have pleasant memories from our childhood of travelling in trains. Fighting with siblings for the window seat, asking our parents to buy bhel or cutlets sold by vendors in trains, looking out of the window and admiring the mountains and lush green fields – these memories are still fresh in our minds and make us nostalgic! But not all kids of this generation get to experience these wonderful things, mainly because of domestic flights increasing in number and becoming more accessible than they used to be. If you want your kids to witness the real, scenic beauty of India, making them travel by trains is a great option. Also, if you want to make train journeys memorable for your kids, choose rail routes that offer breathtaking views. The train routes that we are going to tell you about are simply unmissable!
9 Rail Routes in India That are Worth Journeying on
Rail journeys are fascinating. A long train ride gives you the gift of time. You get to read your favourite books, listen to your favourite songs, embrace the beauty of nature, and enjoy the antics of your kids. If you love to travel by trains and want to make your kids fall in love with train journeys too, here are 9 routes you should plan while travelling on holiday!
1. Kalka to Shimla
This route finds the first place in our list because we know your kids will love it. Travelling through this narrow gauge railway track on a toy train (yes, you read that right!) is bound to leave your kids mesmerised. The Kalka to Shimla railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this upslope track, there are 102 tunnels, and you would be passing through 20 picturesque stations. You will also pass through forests of oak, pine, and deodar trees. As this route is upslope, the toy train moves at a slow pace, but hey, you and your kids will have all the time in the world to admire the beauty of North India!
2. Ratnagiri to Mangalore
A train ride from Ratnagiri to Mangalore via Madgaon and Honnavar will make you and your kids appreciate the true beauty of nature on this single-line track. Lush green forests, deep tunnels, streams, the Western Ghats, coastal regions of the Arabian Sea - your kids will get to witness it all on the Konkan Railway track.
3. Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling
The Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling railway route is another UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name ‘Mountain Railways of India’. Loops are a special feature of this railway track and a toy train from Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling will take you through the Batasia loop, the most popular loop on this route. From this loop, you will get a spectacular view of Darjeeling town and the magnificent Kanchenjunga Mountain. On this unforgettable train journey, look out for the enchanting tea estates, small forests of maple, cherry, chestnut, and pear, and of course, the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. The toy train on this route is run by the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. We are sure you must have noticed this railway track and the toy train in popular Bollywood movies Barfi! and Parineeta!
4. Ernakulam to Trivandrum
A train trip from Ernakulam to Trivandrum, which usually takes about 5 hours, is one of the easiest ways to experience the true beauty of Kerala. Take your kids on this 5-hour train ride and let them see the placid backwaters, paddy fields, and coconut trees that Kerala is so well-known for.
5. Jammu to Udhampur
Kashmir railway routes are simply majestic and whatever we say in their praise would never be enough. A train journey on this railway track will offer you the most breathtaking views that nature has to offer. On this route of the Kashmir railways, you will pass through more than 20 tunnels and 100 bridges. Also, don’t forget to look out for the Himalayan Rivers and the exquisite Shivalik Mountain ranges. Your kids won’t leave the window seat on this route!
6. Mettupalayam to Ooty
From Mettupalayam to Ooty, you will have to take a toy train (yes, we know you are happy that your kids would love this journey too!) which will take you through tunnels and steep grades. If you and your kids love nature, on this route, you will be able to see the Nilgiri Mountains covered with thick pine, oak, and eucalyptus trees.
7. Tamil Nadu to Rameswaram
The train ride from Chennai to Rameswaram over Pamban Bridge is apt for adventure lovers. Pamban Bridge, a railway bridge, connects Rameswaram to the mainland. A train ride on this second-longest sea bridge in India can be super-exciting for you and your kids because as far as your eyes will be able to see, you will notice beautiful turquoise blue water as you go over the Palk Strait. A train ride on this route will be the experience of a lifetime for you if you love travelling by trains.
8. Jodhpur to Jaisalmer
Travelling from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer in a train, you probably won’t come across the green valleys or snowy mountains that are characteristic of earlier-mentioned routes, because this route through Rajasthan will present you with a whole new view. Rest assured, however, your kids won’t get bored at all! After all, they will get to see the yellow soil, grazing camels, dunes, and xerophyte vegetation of the desert while travelling from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer in a train – a unique and surreal experience indeed! Taking this desert safari in a train with your kids will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life!
9. Hubli to Madgaon
A train trip from Hubli to Madgaon will take you through the curves of the Western Ghats and your kids won’t be able to take their eyes off the astonishing Dudhsagar Falls when your train passes through the route facing them. When you get closer, you’ll actually be able to hear the gushing sound of the water. However, the best time to travel on this route, especially if you want to see the Dudhsagar Falls in its full force, would be after the monsoons.
It is often said that the journey is more important than reaching the destination. All these routes mentioned above will let you enjoy the various picturesque landscapes of India, so plan these train journeys and witness nature in all its splendid beauty with your kids!
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Best Destinations for Family Vacation in North East India
Popular Summer Holiday Destinations in India Read more
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The Happiness Mantra for New Mommies to AVOID Postpartum Depression.
As soon as you announce your "happy baby news" to your friends and family, one thing that you just cant stop coming your way are the endless advice and suggestions about what should and shouldn’t be done by an expecting mother. No doubt this is important, but what no one advice about is infact more significant. And that dear mommy is your postpartum care- physical as well as mental.
Its such an irony of life that the biggest happiness in a mother’s life is also sometimes unknowingly associated with feelings of sadness, guilt, frustration, mental disturbance and fatigue, confusion and above all disappointment with herself, in short, POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION ! Is this a kind of sickness to be ashamed of ? The answer is a big fat NO ! This is nowadays very common in new mothers and with small simple steps of self care, it can be overcome to make this beautiful journey of motherhood- a memorable one. The mantra or the tips for the same are very general but are very effective.
A great start is like half of the victory achieved. Try and manage to wakeup in time so that you can freshen up and have a hot cup of your favourite morning beverage before the baby wakes up.
Eat healthy- Feed Healthy. Fix your meal timings and make sure you eat fresh, healthy and hot food. Give yourself the fruity treats in between the meals as a refreshment.
Messy surroundings can help negative energy grow at a higher pace. So try to keep your place as tidy as possible, you can take help of your family or can hire a house help for the same. Also use bright coloured bedding and curtains and allow ample light in your rooms every time, this helps retain the positive energy.
The Music therapy works like magic. Tune in to your favourite music channel or playlist while breastfeeding so that those long feeding sessions become less exhausting.
Read good to feel good. If you are a reading person, keep your favourite novel handy so that whenever possible you can sneak in to read a couple of pages. Basic idea here is to restrain your mind from wandering randomly towards negative thoughts.
The evening dose is the most important. Step out of the house, preferably for a walk in a garden or a drive to a calm place nearby, for atleast 15 minutes or more in the evening with or without the baby. This makes you feel confident and uplift your energy level after a hectic day.
Patience is the key. Dont stress yourself and the baby to get in a fixed schedule, it will take time for both of you to adjust with each other. Observe your baby and try to understand his/her cues and requirements, this will help you to understand what and when your baby actually wants and will lessen your confusion.
Keep your baby busy. There is nothing more painful for a new mom to see her baby cry (even after a full tummy and a good sleep). Invest in colourful, slow moving toys with soft music to keep your baby entertained.
Your comfort will solve half of your problems. Invest in nursing inner wears and clothes, this actually makes the breastfeeding comfortable and quick, not just for the mother but for the baby too. If needed you can also buy a feeding pillow.
Caring by Sharing. Breastfeeding is a very exhausting process. Feeding of expressed milk to the baby by some other family member (preferably father of the baby) once in a while can give a refreshing break to the mother. (Make sure to take all the needed precautions before pumping or expressing breast milk, specially in the initial 6 weeks when your breastmilk supply establishes as per the baby’s demand and also learn about all the care regarding handling and storing of expressed milk.)
Tame those peaking hormones. Motherly emotions makes you over protective and possessive towards your baby. Trust and allow other family members to look after the baby from time to time. This not only develops their bond with the baby but will give you more time for self care.
Real experiences are the best lessons. Talk to other mothers in your family and friend circle about their postpartum experiences and the problems they faced and its solutions. You will be surprised to know the various issues one can face in this time, but such experiences will help you prepare for any difficulty you may face with your baby.
New father- new duties. Sharing and talking about these feelings and problems, specially with your husband is equally important. The strength induced by your partner’s pep talk can sometimes create wonders. Knowing someone is always by your side gives an everlasting strength to boost your morale.
Practice makes the mom perfect ! You are brand new to breastfeeding and you as well as baby will take time to learn it like a pro. Make yourself aware and trained before the delivery, about correct ways of breastfeeding (as in correct latch and feeding positions). Take help of vedios available on internet. In case of serious issues, visit a lactation consultant immediately. Do not hesitate to use medical aids advised if any by the LC.
Never hesitate to seek help. Problems with breastmilk supply, latching issues with the baby, sleeplessness, not able to pacify or calm your crying baby, minor health issues with mother or the baby, weight gain, panic attacks, anxiety attacks, lack of support and help from family, feeling of extreme sadness or anger, extreme lowering of self confidence, etc triggers postpartum depression. Always remember that giving birth and taking care of a new tiny human is an extremely complex and exhausting process, so if you feel any of the above mentioned symptoms, taking help from a professional at the right time is the best solution. Do not hesitate to accept the problem and look forward to taking advised measures.
When in doubt, always remember the moment when you first saw that positive pregnancy test. Revisit the happiness and reason you and your partner decided to bring this tiny bundle of joy into your lives. When in pain, always remember that this phase is temporary (so don’t miss out on happy moments while you still can live those) and its gonna get better with time (so always stay hopeful and try harder to help yourself).
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4 Tips to Choose the Right Swimsuit for Your Baby
In the excitement of choosing a baby swimsuit that has cute and adorable written all over it, parents often tend to miss out on essential details of comfort and safety. A baby is entitled to style as well as comfort, so what looks good should also feel good.
Getting your baby used to water is good for their mental and physical well-being. It also gives you the opportunity to don your baby in cute swimwear designed just for them. There’s no shortage of designs when it comes to swimsuits for babies. What’s important to note is that they are babies after all and swimming costumes should be chosen keeping their comfort and safety in mind. To help you with your search, here are some helpful suggestions when you go swimsuit shopping for your tiny tot.
Tips to Choose a Swimsuit for Your Baby
1. The Right Fit
An important part of choosing a good swimsuit for babies is the fit. Often swimsuits can get too tight for comfort if they are small and especially if your baby is on the chubby side. It can cause them discomfort and can even give them a rash if the elastic sits too tightly on their skin. A swimsuit too big can hinder your child's movement in the water. Regular straps are also preferable over halter style or tie up straps for girls that can dig into the skin causing further discomfort. Longer shorts for boys that hang just above the knee tend to be more comfortable than swimming trunks.
2. The Right Material
Good quality material is important in a baby swimsuit. If your child has sensitive skin, soft material is the best for him or her. Soft, skin-friendly material not only is comfortable but also prevents your child's skin from breaking out in a rash. Swimsuits made of spandex and Lycra are a preferred option for continuous water-filled activities as they have the added advantage of drying fast too.
3. Baby Swimsuit for UV Protection
All children who hit the water are at a risk from sun exposure. Their sensitive skin is more vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. While two-piece swimsuits for girls and short trunks for boys may look cute and stylish, they don't offer them much protection from the sun. Choose a swimsuit that is designed to offer as much UV protection so that your child is protected. Bathing suits that offer more coverage help minimize the penetration of UV rays on your child’s delicate skin.
4. Diaper Friendly Swimsuits
If your baby is still in his diapers, you might want to get a swimsuit that allows you the ease and convenience of changing their diapers whenever the need arises. This could avoid a whole lot of unwanted incidents in the pool.
Every mother wants to see their baby look their best even in a swimsuit. With so many different cuts and styles making the rounds, it can be quite hard to resist something that looks hip and trendy. Whatever be your choice, ensure your baby’s bathing suit is in keeping with their specific shape and size, comfort level and safety. Read more
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Home remedy for the mark of pregnancy : Melasma or Chloasma
Dark brown patches on cheeks, bridge ofnose , chin , foreheadduring pregnancy or after pregnancy due to harmonal imbalance or deficiency is called melasma.
I too had the mask of pregnancy on my nose and cheeks like many mothers around the corner of this world.I was little tensed about them but my well wishers were making me more worried about them.
Different people were giving different suggestions to deal with it. Few were asking me to eat healthy like dry fruits , non veg and milk , few were naming different steroid creams, even few were suggesting for chemical peel off .
Ignoring all , I thought of consulting a dermatologist. So, I visited the most renowned dermatologist in my city ,waited there for 2 hours, leaving my 3 months old baby at home and even paid Rs 2000 consultation fees . Doc advised me to get
my thyroid and D3 checked and gave me some styroid free cream since I was breastfeeding .My reports were normal and even after applying that cream for 3 months, and spending ten thousand rupees not even an inch of dark patchesdecreased.
One of my husband’s relative came to ask our wellbeing and advised me take some turmeric sticks , dry them and grind them into fine powder. Then every night before sleeping , mix a pinch of turmeric powder to coconut oil, keep mixing it for 2-3 minutes
with finger, then apply this to full face. Leave this paste on face for 15 minutes,wipe it with wet wipe or wet cloth and not to wash the face till morning. She asked me to do this for a month.
I listened to her and as usual ignored thesuggestion since my skin was oily and applying oil means inviting pimples. But my husband insisted me to try this remedy telling that it might work because the old aunt’s father -in -law was a famous
hakeem.Since it was a lockdown due to covid and I had no other option then to try this . I applying this paste almostevery day.
You all will be surprised to know that my melesma totally vanished and even my skin glowedmore after 2 months of applying this paste. This paste has done wonders for me , hope it works for you also. Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. I m preganant in 5 month in twin baby. Last lmp is 22/12/2023. my expected due date
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. 29.9.24. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 m old child
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts How to increase quantity of milk production?
Sunita Mahato
Mom of 3 children
5 hours ago
A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
regular pumping increase milk use Babyhug electric breast pump...
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
5 hours ago
Q. hi doctor from two days i am eating milk cream with sugar and i want to burn it in my stomach I am 5 month pregnant plzz help ??
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. at present weight no exercise is other than moderate walking. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. I am in my 8th month of pregnancy (last week), and for some reason I am continously facing lot of fatigue. I am feeling deprived of energy and I don't have any energy to do anything. resting isn't Helping in any way and taking small walks isn't too. what can be the possible reason and how to overcome this.
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. yes that can be both physical and psychological problems during pregnancy ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. hi,
pls advice , after hcg tigger injection can we do intercourse to conceive and till when we can do ...trying to conceive
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
2 hours ago
A. Hello dear! We understand your eagerness and concern. It is advisable to check with your consulting doctor regarding this matter. Clarify your concerns and follow your doctor’s advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
27 mins ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old by mistake he swallowed a earpod but he is normal is eat drink plz suggest??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
24 mins ago
A. It’s fine it should come out into the poop of your child within 24 to 48 hours a lot of mishaps happened with kids these days but these things since they are not edible they do not get digested which is why they come out into the motion
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#grandphoto # my baby ❤️❤️
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