Soccer fans may have noticed that many pro players often chew gum during games.
You might be curious why, given concerns about breathing. The reason is simple: players chew gum to keep their mouths hydrated, stay focused, and support dental health.
In soccer, where split-second decisions and maximum physical performance can make the difference between victory and defeat, players often adopt various rituals and habits to improve their focus and maintain peak concentration on the field.
One such common practice is the act of chewing gum during matches.
This seemingly innocuous habit has become a staple for many soccer players, raising questions about its potential benefits and the psychological factors that drive its widespread adoption.
Chewing Gum Reduces Fear and Nervousness
Feeling those pre-game nervousness or just caught up in the buzz of game-day excitement? Ever wish there was a quick and safe way to shake off those nerves while still staying at the top of your game?
Well, according to experts, chew gum might be the answer.
It’s not just a random claim – studies suggest that chewing gum can actually decrease stress levels and is associated with “significantly better alertness and reduced state anxiety, than not chewing gum at all”
While the exact reason for this isn’t completely clear, some suggest that the increased blood flow to the brain triggered by the chewing action, along with those cheerful oxygen molecules, might hold the key.
So, if you’re a coach or player feeling a bit on edge, taking a piece of gum could not only help calm your nerves and reduce stress and anxiety but also boost your concentration levels.
Here’s the cool part: one study even says that chewing gum has been observed to improve performance in situations requiring prolonged concentration.
Ever noticed coaches chomping down on gum during the game? It might be more common than you think.
Thinking of adopting this handy habit to ease stress?
Consider whether your stress has been a long-term companion (chronic) or is something more recent (acute). Apparently, the “acuity” of stress could influence whether chewing gum will truly be beneficial or not.
A study suggested that positive relaxing effects from chewing gum were noticeable only during the first two weeks.
However, at the 4-week mark, there were no significant differences between groups. One can’t help but wonder – what if the study continued for a few more months? It’s definitely an intriguing thought.
Chewing Gum Improves Concentration And Response Time
Ever thought chewing gum could impact your brain? Studies have actually found a connection between chewing and brain function.
When we chew, the receptors in our mouth that sense taste and jaw movements start firing, sending electrical signals to the brain. These signals kick the brain into action, putting it in a more alert state, and improving focus and concentration.
The increased brain activity also means more energy for mental processes, leading to a boost in blood flow to the brain. This heightened demand for blood makes the heart beat faster to supply what’s needed.
In a nutshell, chewing activates the receptors in our gums, sending info to the brain. The added perk of an increased heart rate ensures muscles get more blood.
So, does this mean the harder you chew, the better the focus? Yes, but to a point.
Chewing harder gum does improve attention more than softer gum. And if you’re wondering about flavor, chewing flavored gum is better for cognitive functioning because it activates more receptors in the mouth than flavorless gum.
This explains why many pro soccer players and basketball players are often seen chewing gum.
It’s not just a habit – they believe it makes them think faster and speeds up their actions and reflexes.
Chewing Gum Keeps Your Mouth Moist
In the midst of a game or event, players are in constant motion, covering around 6-7 miles per match. With no regular water breaks, dehydration sets in due to the exhaustive running, leading to a dry mouth.
Chew gum comes into play as a simple solution.
When you chew gum, your mouth responds by producing saliva – a natural bodily reaction.
Saliva, comprising 99% water, not only aids in breaking down food with its enzymes but also serves to keep the mouth moist, preventing dryness induced by intense physical activity.
This, in turn, helps players manage their thirst levels on the field. You’ve likely experienced a similar sensation during a rigorous game or workout.
Going for sugar-free gum, as recommended by Healthline, will help keep your mouth healthy.
Why Do Players Chew Gum?
Soccer players often choose to chew gum for two major reasons: stress reduction and maintaining hydration levels during a match.
Amidst the intense competition, players often face high stress, particularly in hostile stadium atmospheres.
Chewing gum comes as a potential strategy to alleviate this stress, allowing players to stay focused and deliver peak performance by minimizing distractions.
Also, gum-chewing serves as a preventive measure against developing a dry mouth during the game.
The act of chewing stimulates salivation, ensuring that the player’s mouth doesn’t become uncomfortably dry and contributing to an overall more comfortable playing experience.
This practice is not uncommon among football players, with notable figures such as Ozil, and Felix Passlacka amongst others.
Why Do Coaches/Managers Chew Gum?
Soccer coaches often turn to chewing gum as a stress-relief strategy while closely monitoring their team’s performance,, particularly during important games.
The role of a coach or manager in football is inherently stressful, involving a delicate balance of meeting the expectations of fans, players, and the club itself.
The high-pressure nature of the job is exemplified by the potential consequences, such as being dismissed if expectations are not met.
Chewing gum, known for its stress-reducing properties, serves as a plausible coping mechanism for managers during matches.
Moreover, chewing gum may serve as a calming agent for managers, especially in the midst of intense games like derbies.
The act of chewing gum could help alleviate nervousness and maintain a sense of composure during critical moments on the field.
Sir Alex Ferguson, and Carlo Ancelotti one of the most renowned soccer managers, stand out as a prominent example of this practice.
His ritual of chewing gum while managing a football match exemplifies how this seemingly simple habit can be deeply ingrained in the routines.
Are There Any Disadvantages To Chewing Gum?
Chewing gum, often favored for its perceived benefits, comes with potential disadvantages.
Excessive gum chewing can lead to jaw discomfort and fatigue, contributing to TMJ issues and headaches.
Digestive problems may arise from swallowing air during gum chewing, while dental concerns include cavities from sugared gum and potential tooth decay.
Also, the artificial sweeteners found in sugar-free gum may pose issues for some individuals.
Besides, there’s a risk of choking, especially if gum is chewed absentmindedly or too quickly.
To enjoy the advantages of gum, such as improved concentration and oral hydration, it’s important to exercise moderation and consider individual health factors.
Seeking advice from healthcare professionals or dentists can help tailor gum consumption to personal needs while minimizing potential drawbacks.
Is It Safe To Chew Gum During A Football Game?
According to the Laws of the Game by IFAB, there are no specific rules prohibiting players from chewing gum during a match.
However, some clubs may impose restrictions due to concerns about potential damage to the artificial turf in the stadium.
While IFAB hasn’t explicitly addressed the allowance or prohibition of gum-chewing during football matches, certain clubs, like Maidstone United or Sutton United, have implemented bans.
The reason behind these bans is often tied to the use of 3G pitches, which are artificial turfs.
Chewing gum, if spat onto the pitch, can cause harm to the surface. Therefore, these clubs go to restrict gum-chewing to preserve the integrity of their soccer pitches.
Final Thought
Players and coaches turn to chewing gum for a competitive edge.
In high-stakes scenarios, even the slightest advantages can make a major impact, although it’s important not to exaggerate the science behind it. Chewing gum won’t magically double your focus; rather, it provides a boost.
A word of caution if you’re chewing gum during any sporting activities, especially in soccer.
The risk of being tackled to the ground increases the chance of accidentally swallowing the gum, posing a potential choking hazard. To minimize this risk, it’s advisable to stick to chewing just one piece.
Safety first.
FAQs
Is the Type of Chewing Gum Important?
Choosing flavored gum over the standard gum base might do more than just add some taste to your chewing routine – it could actually elevate your brain function to a “high arousal state.”
The magic happens when you chew flavored gum.
Inhaling and smelling the flavors activate different sensors and parts of the brain, ramping up overall brain activity. This boost might have a positive impact on your performance or mood.
So, the next time you’re at the store picking out gum, lean towards the sugar-free options.
It’s not just about reducing cavities, as research suggests that “sugar-free chewing gum has a caries-reducing effect.” Taking care of your teeth might not only keep your smile intact but also save you a few dollars at the dentist’s office.
Do I have to chew lots of gum before it works?
The effectiveness of chewing gum does not necessarily depend on the quantity consumed; rather, it often relates more to the act of chewing itself.
Chewing gum, particularly in moderation, can yield benefits.
It’s not entirely clear-cut.
I recommend experimenting with various chewing gums when you’re feeling stressed and observing how you personally feel, because, in the end, that’s what truly matters.
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