I wonder who came up with the hypothesis? Chewing gum post-op may reduce ileus:
A US team found chewing gum seemed to speed up the return of normal bowel function, and therefore help shorten hospital stays.
They believe gum may stimulate the same nerves as eating, promoting the release of hormones that activate the gastrointestinal tract.
The study, by Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, California, is published in the journal Archives of Surgery.
