Motion sickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals about movement from the eyes, the inner ear’s vestibular system, and the body’s other sensory nerves. This sensory mismatch often leads to unpleasant symptoms like dizziness, cold sweats, and nausea. Chewing gum can be a simple, effective, non-pharmacological method to help manage mild to moderate motion sickness.
The Act of Chewing: Stabilizing Sensory Conflict
The physical act of chewing offers a form of distraction that helps the brain manage the confusing signals it is receiving. When the inner ear senses motion but the eyes see a stationary environment, the rhythmic, focused input from chewing provides the brain with a new, constant sensory anchor. This repetitive jaw movement and the resulting stimulation of the trigeminal nerve can help to override the conflicting information from the vestibular and visual systems. Chewing is interpreted by the brain as a focused, intentional activity, which can divert attention away from the discomfort of the motion conflict.
Research suggests this gustatory-motor stimulation can significantly reduce symptoms of visually induced motion sickness. The mechanical action of chewing also stimulates increased saliva production and swallowing. This increased swallowing helps settle the stomach by neutralizing excess acid and regulating the digestive system, providing relief from associated nausea. The gentle, consistent rhythm provides a subtle counter-signal that helps the central nervous system regain a sense of equilibrium.
Enhanced Relief from Specific Flavors
Beyond the mechanical benefits of the jaw movement, the ingredients found in certain gum flavors can provide an additive layer of relief. Ginger is a well-established natural anti-nausea agent, containing active compounds like gingerols and shogaols. These compounds work biologically to block serotonin receptors in the gut and brain that trigger the nausea reflex. Ginger also helps accelerate gastric emptying, reducing the stomach discomfort often associated with motion sickness.
Similarly, peppermint and its active component, menthol, offer relief by acting as a gastric relaxant. Menthol helps soothe the digestive tract by relaxing the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines, reducing spasms that worsen queasiness. The aromatic qualities of these flavors also contribute to the calming effect by engaging the olfactory system. Opting for a gum containing these natural ingredients, especially ginger, enhances the anti-nausea effects beyond the simple act of chewing.
Practical Use and Comparison to Medical Remedies
For the best results, chewing gum should be used proactively, ideally before or at the very first sign of motion sickness symptoms. Starting a piece 20 to 30 minutes before travel begins allows the sensory and chemical benefits to take effect. Sugar-free gums are recommended to avoid unnecessary sugar intake, and those with strong mint or ginger flavors are especially beneficial. Chewing gum is considered a mild, non-pharmacological intervention, best suited for mild to moderate motion sickness.
Its effectiveness lies in sensory distraction and mild stomach soothing, which is often sufficient for short trips or low-intensity motion. However, it is not a replacement for strong pharmacological options in severe cases. Medical remedies, such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or scopolamine patches, work by directly targeting the central nervous system or the inner ear’s balance mechanisms.
Dimenhydrinate, an antihistamine, is taken orally and can cause side effects like drowsiness. Scopolamine patches are prescription-only and work over a longer duration by being absorbed through the skin behind the ear. For severe or chronic motion sickness or long journeys, these medical interventions offer a stronger and more reliable level of prevention. While regular chewing gum is a convenient, low-risk tool for mild discomfort, it serves as a supplement, not a substitute, for medication designed to manage severe motion sickness.