Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries. It is a measurement expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Whether a simple habit like chewing gum can impact this measure requires a close look at the gum’s composition and the mechanics of chewing.
The Direct Answer and Context
The immediate answer to whether chewing gum raises blood pressure is that for the average person chewing standard gum, it generally does not. Some studies suggest the rhythmic action of chewing may offer a modest, temporary reduction in blood pressure, possibly by promoting relaxation. The concern about blood pressure elevation is limited to two specific scenarios: the consumption of gum containing certain powerful ingredients, or the physical toll of a constant, chronic chewing habit. This distinction separates the chemical influence of ingested substances from the physiological stress caused by mechanical overuse of the jaw.
How Specific Ingredients Affect Blood Pressure
Licorice and Glycyrrhizin
The most well-documented ingredient capable of raising blood pressure is natural licorice, which contains the compound glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin acts by inhibiting an enzyme that inactivates the stress hormone cortisol in the kidneys. By blocking this enzyme, glycyrrhizin allows cortisol to accumulate and bind to mineralocorticoid receptors, mimicking the action of aldosterone and creating pseudo-hyperaldosteronism. This signals the kidneys to retain sodium and water, increasing blood volume and directly raising blood pressure. This effect requires consistent, high consumption; research indicates that a daily intake of 75 milligrams of glycyrrhizin for a few weeks can cause a significant rise in systolic pressure.
Stimulants
Certain specialty gums may also contain stimulants designed for energy or focus, such as high levels of caffeine or nicotine substitutes. Nicotine, in particular, is a known vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes blood vessels to narrow. This narrowing increases resistance to blood flow, which in turn leads to a measurable elevation in blood pressure and an increased strain on the cardiovascular system.
The Impact of Chronic Chewing on the Body
The persistent, mechanical action of chewing gum can introduce a separate set of physical stressors that may influence blood pressure over time. Chronic, excessive chewing places considerable and repetitive strain on the muscles of mastication and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This overuse can lead to muscle fatigue and tension in the jaw, neck, and head, symptoms often associated with temporomandibular disorders. The constant low-level pain and tension from an overused jaw can act as a persistent physical stressor on the body.
This type of sustained physical discomfort and clenching can trigger or maintain a low-grade activation of the sympathetic nervous system, the body’s “fight or flight” response. Continuous activation of this pathway, rather than a brief, acute response, contributes to the sustained release of hormones like cortisol. Cortisol plays a complex role in regulating blood pressure, and chronically elevated levels are associated with long-term hypertension. This mechanism is primarily a concern for individuals who chew gum almost constantly or those already predisposed to stress-induced hypertension or TMJ issues.