Candy Aisle Favorite IMPROVES Heart Surgery Recovery!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 3, 2021
If you’ve ever had surgery, you know there is a LOT to think about.
You’re given a pages-long list of things your doctor wants you to take, and things you should avoid.
Not to mention you have to decide who’s driving you to the hospital and who is helping you afterward… plus, dealing with the actual COST of the procedure!
On and on it goes!
But there’s another thing you want to make sure you don’t forget…
Thankfully, it’s simple!
A new study has revealed that this candy aisle favorite can ensure a safer recovery from heart surgery.
And you’ll want to make sure it’s there when you wake up!
Before you pack your bag for surgery, make sure you stop by the candy aisle and pick up a pack of gum.
I know it sounds bizarre, but hear me out.
A group of researchers, presenting their study at the 18th Annual Perioperative and Critical Care Conference, found that chewing gum after open-heart surgery greatly reduced a complication called postoperative ileus.
Postoperative ileus happens after many surgeries, including heart surgery. It occurs when the muscles of the digestive tract shut down after surgery or serious trauma.
Experts believe the body shuts down the digestive tract to “take a break” and focus all of its extra energy on healing.
The problem with a postoperative ileus is that any food you eat just sits there and isn’t digested. And this undigested food can lead to painful blockages of the digestive tract.
But in this recent study, researchers found that gum could make a difference.
They divided 800 patients into two groups: 341 of the patients chewed sugarless gum after surgery, while 496 chose not to.
And only TWO of the patients who chewed gum had a postoperative ileus, while there were seventeen cases of postoperative ileus in the non-gum group.
The researchers believe that the gum stimulates digestion without providing any food, which “primes” the digestive tract to start working again.
The next time you are due for surgery, ask your doctor if it is okay to bring gum. You both may be pleasantly surprised by the results!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First
Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...
Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”
Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...