Why do we chew things when anxious or concentrating?

Studies have shown that chewing gum may help out your brain, from helping you avoid distraction to reducing stress responses.


Asked by: Anonymous

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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