
Why do we chew things when anxious or concentrating?
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Studies have shown that chewing gum may help out your brain, from helping you avoid distraction to reducing stress responses.
Asked by: Anonymous
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Chewing gives the mouth something to do, which may help tune out distractions. It might also mimic suckling at the breast, thus provoking a soothing response. A 2008 study at the University of Melbourne found that chewing gum lowered levels of the stress hormone cortisol during stressful activities.
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