Chewing Gum Helps the Guts
Wednesday, May 21st, 2008
How’s this for observant? Harriet Wright, a nurse at Dorset County Hospital in Great Britain, noticed that patients who chewed gum following bowel surgery recovered faster. She was given permission to perform a six month study as part of her thesis work.
She found that patients who chewed gum three times a day recover 1-1/2 days faster than the non-chewing-gum patients, and they were able to tolerate oral fluids and solid foods quicker. A patient normally required a week to recover from the surgery and return home. Patients are now able to return home 4-5 days after surgery.
And, the gum has no side effects. Pass the Juicy Fruit.
