Chewing Gum Speeds Recovery After Colon Surgery
(New York, Reuters Health, 7/26/02)

Dr. Takayuki Asao of Gunma University School of Medicine in Maebashi, Japan and colleagues report that chewing gum can normalize intestinal activity and accelerate recovery for patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The researchers studied patients who had diseased portions of their colon surgically removed. Following surgery, 10 patients chewed gum 3 times daily; while 9 did not chew gum. The gum-chewers passed gas sooner and had their first postoperative bowel movement earlier. The scientists speculate that this "sham feeding" stimulates digestive reflexes and triggers production of digestive juices.