Yes, chewing gum can cause gas because you tend to swallow more air as you chew. This trapped air can lead to burping or a bloated feeling. Many gums also contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol, which aren’t fully digested and can create more gas in your colon. If you notice bloating or stomach discomfort, your gum habit could be the reason. Stick around to learn how to prevent these issues.
Ever wonder if chewing gum could be causing your gassy discomfort? You might chew gum to freshen your breath or curb cravings, but later feel bloated or pass more gas. It’s easy to overlook this habit as a possible reason, but there’s a real link between chewing gum and gas.
When you chew gum, you end up swallowing more often than usual. With each chew and swallow, you take in small amounts of air—a process called aerophagia. Over time, this extra air can build up in your digestive tract and needs to be released, often as burps or gas.
The gum itself isn’t usually the main problem, since your body can’t fully digest the gum base. However, many gums contain sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol, which can also contribute to gas. These sugar substitutes aren’t completely absorbed in your small intestine. When they reach your colon, bacteria ferment them, producing gas as a byproduct. If you’re sensitive, this can make bloating or flatulence worse.
Swallowing air remains the biggest factor. The more vigorously you chew, the more air you swallow without realizing it. For some, this can cause noticeable bloating or discomfort. If you have a sensitive stomach or conditions like IBS, you may be even more affected by extra gas from chewing gum.
To see if gum is the cause, try avoiding it for a week or two and monitor your symptoms. You may find your stomach feels less bloated and you have less gas.
If you don’t want to stop chewing gum, choose options without sugar alcohols and chew slowly to reduce swallowed air and ease digestion.
Conclusion
If you’re curious whether chewing gum can cause gas, the answer is yes. Chewing gum often leads to swallowing extra air, which may result in bloating or gas. Additionally, many sugar-free gums contain sweeteners that can trigger gas for some people. If you notice discomfort after chewing gum, consider reducing how much you use or trying a different kind. Your stomach may feel better as a result.
