Chewing Gum: Experiences and Effects?

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This topic discusses the experiences and effects of chewing gum for individuals with an ostomy.
Miss Worrier

I've heard another no-no is chewing gum!? Has anyone tried chewing gum and what does it do!?

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Past Member

Oh gosh, I never heard this. I'm all ears to hear what others have to say.

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Miss Worrier
Reply to Anonymous

Says it causes gas!?!?

Miss Worrier
Reply to Anonymous

I have not chewed any gum in 9 weeks - since my surgery!?!

HenryM

Well, I plead guilty to chewing gum all the time.  It's my way of avoiding snacking on sweets.  I've not noticed any effect on my ostomy, gas or otherwise.

 
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ron in mich

Hi Miss Worrier, yes that's what happens to me when I chew gum. I get gassy and I have more output because it makes my stoma more active. When I had my original surgery, one of the nurses suggested I chew some gum to wake up my system. I guess when they handle your innards, the natural motion stops. So, chewing gum and swallowing activates it again.

Miss Worrier
Reply to HenryM

Thank you!!

AlexT
Reply to ron in mich

I was told the same thing and the hospital actually gave me gum when I came out of surgery.

TerryLT

I guess it makes sense that chewing gum would activate your digestive system, as it does make you produce more saliva. Chew away, I say!

Terry

P.S. Maybe the warning was in case you accidentally swallowed it?

Axl

I use chewing gum almost every day, don't notice any difference ...

Morning glory

I am a gum chewer. It helps keep my mouth from being so dry.

Miss Worrier
Reply to Morning glory

And it doesn't bother you!??

lovely

A lot of things cause gas besides certain foods. These things also cause gas.

You may not realize it, but fairly mundane activities cause you to swallow air, which increases the amount of gas you have. These include:

1. Chewing gum,
2. Sucking on hard candies,
3. Smoking,
4. Chewing with your mouth open,
5. Drinking through a straw, and
6. Eating your food too quickly.

Here are some foods that cause gas.

What you eat plays a big role in the amount of gas you could experience. Eat limited amounts of gas-inducing foods like

• Cabbage,
• Onions,
• Beans,
• Fish,
• Dairy products,
• Garlic, and
• Brussels sprouts.

Morning glory
Reply to Miss Worrier

No, it doesn't bother me at all.

Casper9

I used to chew gum all the time, but it definitely caused gas and made my stomach very noisy. Now, if I want to freshen my mouth, I have a mint. No more gas and no more noise.

Miss Worrier
Reply to Morning glory

I finally chewed gum today! It didn't bother me!! Thank you.

Past Member

I've chewed gum and it's never been a problem, maybe if you swallow it.

Past Member

I've chewed gum and it's never been a problem, maybe if you swallow it.

Trigger
Reply to Anonymous

I chew PUR gum as I have a dry tongue but always chew with my mouth closed!

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