The Forgotten Art Of Chewing with mastic gum
Soft food is setting you up to fail. It’s not only nutrient deficient but also subpar for jaw development, with knock-on effects on facial structure and breathing.
You may have heard of mouth taping to prevent mouth breathing at night, but why has mouth breathing skyrocketed over the past 20–30 years? What has changed?
Our facial and upper respiratory tract development has been impacted by:
Soft, mushy foods dominating modern diets
Less time spent breastfeeding
Chewing softer gum compared to what our ancestors used
Jaw development is often overlooked in the health space, but research suggests there’s a crucial window for growth in childhood. The transformations that people of all ages have experienced through chewing alone are remarkable.
By incorporating chewing into daily routines, we can enhance facial structure, nasal breathing, oral health, digestion, and metabolism. Even chewing tough gum can boost metabolism by 15%, making it a powerful yet simple health tool.
Let's dive in. (6-minute read)
What is Mastic Gum?
Mastic gum is a resin extracted from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), native to the Greek island of Chios. Often referred to as the "Tears of Chios," this natural substance hardens into small, tear-shaped droplets after being collected from the tree’s bark.
Used for centuries in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures for its medicinal properties, mastic gum is now gaining recognition for its numerous health benefits, particularly for digestion, oral health, and metabolic function. My favourite brand for mastic gum to chew is HERE.
Health Benefits of Mastic Gum
Health Benefits of Mastic Gum
Studies in human subjects support the various benefits of mastic gum, including:
Combats harmful bacteria and naturally freshens breath
Supports digestive health and gastrointestinal healing
Reduces plaque buildup and improves oral hygiene
Enhances gut microbiome balance
Boosts immune function with antimicrobial properties
Promotes clearer airways and better breathing patterns
Shapes and tones facial muscles through consistent chewing
Gut Health and Mastic Gum
A well-balanced gut microbiome is essential for digestion, immunity, and overall health. Mastic gum contains natural antimicrobial compounds that help balance gut bacteria, reduce inflammation, and support the mucosal lining of the stomach.
By stimulating saliva production and digestive enzymes, mastic gum enhances digestion and prevents common gut issues such as bloating and acid reflux. Some studies suggest that chewing mastic gum regularly may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastritis.
Mastic gum for H.Pylori
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium linked to ulcers, acid reflux, and gastritis. Many people resort to antibiotics, but mastic gum has been found to combat H. pylori naturally.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that mastic gum can inhibit the growth of H. pylori and support gastrointestinal healing, making it an effective alternative to pharmaceutical treatments.
Oral health and Mastic Gum
Oral health extends beyond just brushing and flossing. The strength and structure of the jaw, as well as proper nasal breathing, play a crucial role in overall health. Mewing
Mastic gum:
Strengthens the jaw muscles and improves alignment
Reduces plaque, gum inflammation, and bad breath
Supports saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth
Helps widen nasal passages, promoting nasal breathing over mouth breathing
Consistent chewing encourages the natural expansion of the upper palate, which can enhance airway function, leading to better sleep and reduced snoring or sleep apnea risk.
How to use Mastic gum
Mastic gum can be incorporated into daily routines as follows:
Chew for 1–3 hours per day to strengthen jaw muscles and support digestion
Replace synthetic chewing gum with mastic gum for a more natural, nutrient-rich option
Use as a natural breath freshener instead of artificial mint gums or mouthwash
Chew post-meal to stimulate digestion and prevent acid reflux
Transformations from Mastic Gum
There are remarkable cases of people transforming their facial structure and breathing patterns through consistent chewing. Orthotropic practitioners, such as Dr. Mike Mew, have documented changes in jaw width, nasal cavity expansion, and improved posture through jaw exercises, including mastic gum chewing.
Anecdotal evidence suggests improvements in:
Facial symmetry and definition
Nasal breathing capacity
Oral posture and bite alignment
Reduced symptoms of TMJ disorders
More research and case studies are emerging, showing the long-term effects of chewing for structural health. Chew mastic gum for a superior and plastic free natural alternative.
Side Effects of Mastic Gum
While mastic gum is generally safe, some people may experience:
Mild gastrointestinal discomfort when consumed in excess
Temporary jaw fatigue from prolonged chewing
Possible allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to tree resins
As with any supplement, moderation is key. Start with shorter chewing sessions and gradually increase duration to avoid jaw strain.
Mastic Gum Supplement
For those who prefer not to chew, mastic gum is available in supplement form. Mastic gum capsules can provide digestive and antibacterial benefits without the need for extended chewing.
When choosing a mastic gum supplement, look for:
100% pure Chios mastic gum
No artificial fillers or additives
Third-party lab testing for quality assurance
That said, mastic gum in chewing gum format has a magnitude of potential health benefits. We need more chewing not less and a pill falls into the category.
Healthiest chewing gum?
Unlike commercial chewing gums that contain synthetic additives, plastic compounds, and artificial sweeteners, mastic gum is a pure, natural alternative. It provides genuine health benefits beyond just freshening breath.
Switching from traditional gum to mastic gum eliminates exposure to:
Petrochemicals are found in plastic-based gums
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame
Chemical preservatives that can disrupt gut health
Mastic gum stands out as the healthiest chewing gum option available today. Check the image above that highlights different types and ways of chewing gum. For me Greco Gum is the best chewing gum in the world. You can save 10% or even more oiff your first order.
Conclusion
Where most food is soft and overly processed, chewing tough, fibrous foods (or mastic gum) can have profound health benefits.
By incorporating mastic gum into your routine, you can:
Strengthen your jaw and enhance facial structure
Improve digestion and gut health
Support better breathing and oral hygiene - say goodbye mouthtape.
Boost metabolism for fat loss
For those looking to experience the benefits firsthand, GRECO GUM offers one of the best sources of high-quality mastic gum. Use code LIVEVITAE for 10% off your first purchase.
To learn more, check out:
Dr. Mike Mew’s Ultimate Mewing Guide (30-minute video)
Clinical studies on mastic gum and its health benefits
Jaws - a great book about this subject.
Start chewing smarter today!
