Chewing Gum and the Brain: Neuroimaging Review Shows Modest Focus, Alertness and Stress Effects
A 2025 University of Szczecin neuroimaging review led by James Chmiel finds chewing gum consistently alters brain activity, supporting brief boosts in attention, alertness and mild stress relief—particularly with flavored gum—though effects are modest and often short‑lived.
- What: A systematic neuroimaging review of studies measuring brain activity while people chewed gum.
- Scope: 32 human studies from 1980–March 2025 using fMRI, fNIRS and EEG.
- Main finding: Chewing gum reliably changes motor and sensory brain circuits and, in many studies, affects attention, alertness and stress regulation — but effects are modest and often short‑lived.
- Practical note: Flavored, sugar‑free gum may give short-term alertness or mild stress relief in everyday situations but is not a substitute for sleep, study strategies or clinical care.
What the review examined
The paper, titled “The Neural Correlates of Chewing Gum – A Neuroimaging Review of Its Effects on Brain Activity”, searched major databases for studies from 1980 through March 2025 and included 32 human studies that recorded brain signals while people chewed gum. This is a narrative, systematic review synthesizing fMRI, fNIRS and EEG findings rather than reporting a single new experiment.
Authors: James Chmiel and Agnieszka Malinowska at the University of Szczecin led the review.
Which brain areas chewing activates
Across fMRI and fNIRS studies, chewing consistently activates the sensorimotor chewing network: bilateral primary motor cortex (jaw control), primary somatosensory cortex (oral touch), supplementary motor area (movement planning), insula (taste and interoception) and cerebellum (timing/coordination), plus thalamic relays. Several studies also reported involvement of higher‑order regions tied to attention and emotion regulation, including the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. The authors summarize that gum chewing “reliably engages broad sensorimotor circuits while also influencing regions tied to attention, stress regulation, and possibly memory.”
EEG results: short-term alertness and “relaxed concentration”
EEG studies showed brief increases in alpha and beta power during chewing, especially with flavored gum. In simple terms:
- Alpha activity is often linked to a relaxed, wakeful state.
- Beta activity is tied to alertness and focused attention.
Researchers and media described this pattern as “relaxed concentration” — feeling more awake without tension — but these brain‑wave shifts were transient and typically faded after chewing stopped.
Behavioral performance — the missing puzzle piece
Despite measurable neural changes, the review stresses a lack of a clear causal link between those brain signals and reliable improvements in memory, test scores or other real‑world outcomes. Some non‑imaging behavioral work shows small gains in vigilance or sustained attention on boring tasks, but imaging findings do not guarantee improved everyday performance.
Stress and emotional control
fNIRS studies measured increased oxygenated blood flow in the prefrontal cortex during chewing — stronger with flavored gum and under mild stress. In lab contexts with mild stressors (e.g., brief public speaking or timed tasks), participants who chewed gum often reported lower anxiety than controls. The review, however, cautions that effects are not strong enough to treat clinical anxiety or acute medical stress.
How flavor and situation matter
Taste and context modulate effects: flavored gum produced stronger brain and EEG responses than flavorless gum, suggesting taste and reward circuits add to the motor act of chewing. The attention and stress networks were more likely to be recruited when participants experienced mild stress or when the gum was flavored. The authors call for more research to separate motor, flavor, reward and stress contributions.
Memory and learning: not a reliable boost
Claims that gum improves memory are not well supported. Across several studies, chewing did not consistently enhance recall of word lists or stories. If benefits exist, they are likelier linked to short‑term alertness rather than durable learning gains.
Duration and limits
- Effects are usually short‑lived and fade after chewing stops.
- Effects are generally small to moderate and variable by person and task.
- There is no clear causal link from neural changes to lasting performance gains.
Some experts also propose a fidgeting explanation: chewing may satisfy an urge to move, keeping arousal at a level that favors attention for some individuals.
Practical tips and safety
If you want to experiment with gum for focus or mild stress relief:
- Try flavored, sugar‑free gum for short tasks or long, repetitive duties.
- Use gum as a low‑risk, short‑term strategy — not a substitute for sleep, breaks, or clinical care.
- Dental/jaw notes: sugar‑free gum can protect teeth via increased saliva, but excessive chewing may strain the jaw or affect dental work.
Coverage and context in the press
Mainstream outlets highlighted the review’s core points: chewing gum changes motor and higher‑order brain regions and can support mild alertness and stress relief under limited conditions. Example coverage includes a Fox News summary, an AOL summary, and classroom guidance noted by TeacherToolkit.
Implications for Fresno, California
For students and teachers: Local schools may consider that gum can help some students stay alert during long lectures or calm mild nerves before presentations, but it will not reliably boost exam performance; cleanliness and policy remain relevant considerations.
For commuters and workers: Flavored, sugar‑free gum could offer short‑term vigilance during long drives or repetitive shifts, but it should not replace rest, breaks or safety measures.
For public‑facing and healthcare workers: Chewing may ease mild daily stress before meetings or presentations but is not an anxiety treatment for high‑stress medical procedures; workplace supports are essential.
Sources and further reading
- University of Szczecin review: “The Neural Correlates of Chewing Gum – A Neuroimaging Review of Its Effects on Brain Activity,” Brain Sciences, 18 June 2025
- Fox News summary of the review
- AOL summary
- Classroom and education discussion (TeacherToolkit)
- Additional reporting and context
If desired, a short checklist for Fresno students and workers on when chewing gum is most likely to help and when it’s unlikely to help can be provided on request.
