Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Adam Spurgeon on 11/10/2010 13:30:03

Title: Does chewing gum trigger stomach acid production?
Post by: Adam Spurgeon on 11/10/2010 13:30:03

Adam Spurgeon  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
When you chew gum does your body think there's food coming and add extra  acid to your stomach?

From Adam Spurgeon
Age:9
Country:New Zealand

What do you think?

Title: Does chewing gum trigger stomach acid production?
Post by: Don_1 on 12/10/2010 13:56:37

Chewing is part of the cephalic phase of digestion. This stage can be triggered by sight, smell, chewing and even anticipation. Signals are sent from or via the brain to the stomach to prepare for the arrival of food. This does cause an increase in the production of gastric fluids.

Chewing gum also gives you the errrmmmm, how can I put this to a 9 year old without being crude?

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-fart005.gif&hash=08606e3695d2833f120f5b461a7d4181) (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php) A tad on the windy side. Blow off.