Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. Some estimates suggest that ADHD affects around 9.4% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide. While medication is often prescribed as first-line treatment, some people are exploring alternative or complementary therapies like chewing gum. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence behind using gum as a tool to manage ADHD symptoms.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning it arises due to differences in brain development and neurotransmitter functioning. There are three main presentations of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive presentation: Marked by difficulty focusing, getting easily distracted, disorganization, forgetfulness.
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation: Characterized by excessive motor activity, constant fidgeting, excessive talking, impulsiveness.
- Combined presentation: Exhibiting symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
ADHD typically onset in childhood between the ages of 3-6 years old. However, many adults can also be diagnosed with ADHD if they exhibit impairing symptoms. Some key symptoms of ADHD include:
- Difficulty paying attention and staying focused
- Being easily distracted by unimportant things
- Difficulty listening when spoken to directly
- Fidgeting and squirming
- Excessive talking
- Being unable to patiently wait for things
- Difficulty organizing tasks or activities
- Being forgetful about daily tasks
ADHD is thought to involve imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Genetics also play a strong role. While ADHD cannot be cured, various treatments are available to manage symptoms.
ADHD Treatment Options
Common treatments for ADHD include:
- Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall)
- Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera), clonidine or guanfacine
- Behavioral therapies like behavioral parent training, classroom behavior management and cognitive behavioral therapy for coping skills
- Lifestyle changes like sleep hygiene, regular exercise and appropriate nutrition
- Complementary approaches like meditation, biofeedback, neurofeedback and dietary supplements
Stimulant medications are usually the first line treatment for ADHD. They work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain to improve attention, focus and impulse control. While effective for many, concerns like side effects or a desire for more “natural” approaches has sparked interest in complementary therapies like chewing gum.
The Potential Role of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum has been proposed as a potential tool for managing ADHD symptoms in some people. But how could simply chewing gum help with a neurological disorder like ADHD? Let’s look at some of the proposed benefits:
- Chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which may enhance alertness, attention and focus.
- The act of chewing provides sensory stimulation, which may satisfy fidgeting needs.
- Chewing gum causes the release of insulin, which can enhance cognition.
- The flavor and act of chewing provides distraction from irrelevant stimuli.
- It provides an outlet for nervous energy and tension.
Along with these direct effects on symptoms, chewing gum is also easily accessible and has a quick onset of action. This makes it convenient as a coping strategy when ADHD symptoms flare or immediate concentration is needed.
Some experts suggest letting your child chew gum during activities that require sustained focus like classroom lectures, homework, studying or testing situations. The keys are to only use chewing gum selectively for focusing, and to discontinue use if it becomes distracting or disruptive in any way.
Studies on Gum and Focus
While the idea of using chewing gum for ADHD is logical given its effects, what does the research evidence actually say? Let’s review some of the scientific studies to date on gum and focus:
Study #1
This 2015 study examined the effects of chewing gum on attention and mood in 98 undergraduate students. Participants completed computerized attention testing before and after chewing gum for 15 minutes.
The students chewed either mint gum, fruit-flavored gum or no gum. Results showed that chewing mint-flavored gum significantly improved aspects of attention like alertness, cognitive processing speed and visual-spatial memory.
Study #2
In another study, a series of 3 experiments looked at gum chewing on attention in college students. In the first experiment, volunteers chewed gum while completing an attention task.
Performance was worse while chewing than not chewing. In the second experiment, subjects chewed gum before testing instead of during. Reaction time significantly improved after chewing gum previously compared to not chewing gum.
The third experiment found that chewing gum before testing improved sustained attention during the testing period.
Study #3
This study examined chewing gum effects in 108 primary school children. The children were divided into gum chewing and no gum groups before taking an attention test. The results showed significantly higher attention and memory in the gum group compared to no gum.
Interestingly, older children and boys showed the largest improvements from gum. The researchers concluded gum may act as a cognitive enhancer in children.
Potential Downsides of Gum Chewing
While these studies show promise, chewing gum is not a silver bullet solution for everyone with ADHD. Some potential downsides include:
- The effects of gum on focus are temporary and require repeated chewing.
- Some people may choke or ingest too much gummy residue.
- Frequent chewing can cause jaw pain or headaches.
- Gum chewing can be disruptive in quiet settings like classrooms or libraries.
- Some children may try to chew gum during unsafe situations.
- If it sticks to clothing or belongings, gum can make a mess.
Overall, the benefits seem to outweigh the potential risks for most people. But chewing gum should be considered an adjunctive strategy, not a wholesale replacement for other evidence-based ADHD interventions.
Which Gum is Best?
Not all chewing gum is created equal when it comes to effects on focus and attention. Some characteristics to look for include:
- Sugar-free – Avoid gum with added sugars which may worsen focus.
- Mint-flavored – Peppermint oil provides added sensory stimulation.
- Firm texture – A firm gum encourages more vigorous chewing.
- Natural or minimally processed – Avoid excess synthetic ingredients.
- Individually wrapped – Allows for portable access as needed.
Some chewing gums designed specifically for focus and concentration include Neurogum, Medikid Focus and Duck-Duck-Go Gum. You can also make your own mint gum using xylitol, mint oil and natural gum base.
Bottom Line
The bottom line based on current evidence is that chewing gum:
- May provide a temporary boost in alertness, attention and concentration
- Should be used selectively before or during tasks requiring sustained focus
- Works best when combined with other ADHD treatments
- May improve focus more in children than adults
- Should be sugar-free and mint-flavored for optimal effects
More rigorous clinical studies are still needed to prove gum chewing has significant effects on ADHD symptoms. But chewing gum is relatively safe and affordable, making it reasonable to try on occasion along with other therapies if it helps you or your child focus better.
Just be cautious about overusing gum or relying on it solely to manage ADHD – medication and behavioral techniques should remain central in any ADHD treatment plan. Check with your doctor before changing use of any ADHD medication or treatment based on trying gum chewing.
| Pros of chewing gum for ADHD | Cons of chewing gum for ADHD |
|---|---|
|
|
Key Takeaways on Gum and ADHD
- Chewing gum has been proposed to help manage ADHD symptoms like poor focus.
- Some studies show it may provide a temporary boost in attention and concentration.
- It shouldn’t replace traditional ADHD treatments, but may help some people as an adjunct.
- Use sugar-free, minty gum and chew before (not during) tasks requiring focus.
- Check with your doctor before changing any treatment approach for ADHD.