Is Gum Chewing Bad for Ostomates?

I've heard gum chewing is bad for ostomates. Is this true, and why is it?

I chewed some yesterday; I haven't had a problem.

I think that chewing gum can give you more gas. But if it were me, I'd go ahead and chew gum if I wanted. Life is short.

Yes, as you chew gum, you swallow a lot of air, and you get gas in your bag.

Regards, IGGIE

In short, chew, don't swallow, plan for gas. Chomp chomp, spit, boom!

Chewing gum also causes the urge to eat, I was told.

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

Did you leave it on the bedpost overnight?

Beds still come with posts? 🤔 Just stick it under the frame.

2 answers yes & no...what's wrong for one person is right for another, the only way you will ever know what's right for yourself is to try it....when you think about it, we all swallow air 24/7, even more so when we're exercising, during bedroom activities, and while sleeping.

Stick it under the frame? Too many dust bunnies in my house.

And you think....this is bad?😆.. Bunnies gotta eat too. Ya know?

Here we feed the bunnies dandelions, not chewing gum.

I don't think gum comes in dandelion flavor, but Michigan? Always full of surprises.

I chew gum every day.  Blow bubbles.  Drive my wife crazy.  If it produces more air in my bag, I couldn't care less.  

You know, I'm actually fascinated that people can chew gum and walk at the same time.😁 But blowing bubbles is a talent, one I never mastered. 😆🤦 Kudos to you, Henry! 👍

HenryM.

Thank you for using correct grammar in your last clause, "I couldn't care less."

For us grammarians, it's nice to see that.

When you breathe, the air goes into your lungs; when you swallow, as with chewing gum, it goes into your bag. Boooom.

All day, every day, sugar-free, good for teeth.

That's what I thought. I chew gum during that hour after work when I'm taking care of our horses to help with thirst. Of course, I drink extra water at this time, as well, as this chore is really hot during the summer months. I also chew gum on my drive to work. Those are the only times I chew gum with no side effects. Just wondering if there was going to be anything happening down the road due to gum chewing.

I chew gum when I go out as I don't like eating or drinking when I'm not at home. Never had a problem as I don't chew it every day. Sugarless gum can cause diarrhea if you use it a lot.

They had me chew gum right after my ileostomy surgery. Sorry, I don't know why—maybe to get things flowing? Knock on wood, I have been able to eat whatever I want, just not past 6 o'clock in the evening!

I was supposed to chew gum after my colostomy surgery to help get the colon, etc., moving again. As it happened, my colon never stopped, and I woke up with output in my bag, so I didn't need the gum.

I swallowed my gum a day after my surgery! I thought I'd be a goner! The nurse said: "OMG?! You didn't?!" No, she said don't worry!! I thought my stoma would have gum stuck in it!! You know, like your mom said it'll make your stomach stick together if you swallow your gum!

🤣🤣🤣

Chewing gum tricks the stomach into thinking it will be eating; it stimulates the stomach to secrete acid and the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes that aren't required.

But gum does that to everyone who chews it.

Spot on. I heard of this. Good point. And hey! Welcome to the FBC. 🖐

Thank you. I know about the biology side of it; I've told people in the past about the hydrochloric acid secretion relative to gum chewing. Chewing gum continuously for anyone has the potential to produce stomach ulcers due to unnecessary acid secretion.