From Your Oral Health, Gut, to Liver: Here’s Why You Should Try Mastic Gum

What is mastic gum?

 
It is a resin from the Mastic or Pistacia lentiscus tree found in the Mediterranean region. It has been widely used throughout civilizations for its medicinal properties.
 
We have been using the power of this amazing resin successfully for the last 13 years for our clients.
 

What does mastic gum look like?

 
You get them in small granules or even in supplement form. Opt for the supplement form only under the guidance of an expert or if prescribed by your doctor. Otherwise, you can choose the little granules.
 
It is effective in cases of:

• H.pylori
• Depleting mucosal linings in the gut especially when people have a peptic ulcer or a stomach ulcer
• Those with poor digestion
• For those who could enjoy lots of foods but after a while realize they aren’t tolerant of them anymore and face acidity, bloating, discomfort, and IBS-like symptoms.

 
Did you know there is one commonality in each of these cases? Those going through it lose the integrity of the mucosal lining in the gut. And this is where mastic gum can play a powerful role.
 

Mastic gum for H.pylori

 
What is H.pylori? Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. It is a common cause of peptic ulcers or stomach ulcers and can lead to various gastrointestinal problems if left untreated.
 
It can happen when you have low stomach acid or you have bacteria that create low stomach acid in excess. Its symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, frequent burping, and unexplained weight loss.
 
When you have low stomach acid, you cannot break down protein into amino acids or absorb nutrients from the food that you eat. Today, H.pylori bacteria is also considered a carcinogen and can increase your risk of certain cancers in the body.
 
It is why the moment you’re detected with an H. Pylori infection, you need to go to your doctor who will then put you on a 7, 14, or 21-day course of antibiotics. Take these diligently because you’re better off without the bacteria than with it.
 
Alongside your antibiotics, you can use mastic gum. It has antibacterial properties that can be effective against H. pylori. It will be prescribed to you in the form of a supplement, especially if you’re on an antibiotic. But if not, you can have it in the granule form and chew on it.
 
Remember, mastic gum cannot and should not replace your ongoing medication or treatment for H.pylori. Keep your doctor in the loop before adding it to your recovery plan.
 
Once you have finished the antibiotic course, I suggest you continue with mastic gum for at least a month. Because in some cases people who may have taken too many antibiotics become antibiotic-resistant. And they think the antibiotic has killed the H.pylori bacteria when it hasn’t.
 
Look out for the symptoms. Get a stool test or a breath test done to see if you have H.pylori.
 

Mastic gum to strengthen your mucosal lining

 
The reason I chew mastic gum and recommend it is for its digestive benefits and because it can help strengthen and build the mucosal lining in your intestine.
 

What destroys your mucosal lining?

 
Excess stomach acid. How do we get too much stomach acid?
 
Some, among many other reasons, could be:

• Overeating
• Snacking/grazing all the time
• Binging on processed and junk foods
• A poor and sedentary lifestyle
• Side-effects of certain medications

How to have mastic gum?

You get them in little yellow granules. You can take 2 of these granules. Keep chewing on them until they join and form a stick of gum. Keep chewing for about 20 to 30 minutes and then spit it out. Do not swallow it. You can do this once or twice a day.
 
If you travel to Greece and Cyprus, you will find mastic gum in their ice creams, yogurts, and other foods, because of its amazing digestive benefits. Just like we in India, chew on ajwain (carom seeds), jeera (cumin seeds), and saunf (fennel seeds), they do so with mastic gum.
 

Mastic gum for oral health

 
Mastic gum is highly antibacterial and antimicrobial. It can also help you with excess plaque buildup in your mouth, cavities, bad breath, germs, gum issues, and so on. It is not a replacement for medicine or dental treatment. But it can help build your oral microbiome.
 
Used in chewing gum form, it can stimulate saliva production, which is beneficial for oral hygiene.
 
Please note: If you just got your cavity filled or you have had a dental procedure, do not chew on mastic gum.
 

Mastic gum for digestive issues

 
If you struggle with acid reflux, chewing mastic gum will help you. It may not solve your problem, but it can alleviate it slightly. It’s great for those with indigestion and can relieve symptoms such as heartburn, stomach pain, and bloating. It may also work for those struggling with food intolerances due to the loss of integrity of their mucosal lining.
 

Mastic gum for your liver

 
It’s great for your liver because it is considered to possess hepatoprotective properties. It’s not a replacement for your medication, but sometimes if your SGOT or your SGPT levels, liver enzymes go up, chewing on mastic gum can also lower them. While you do this, don’t forget to address the root cause of what is causing a spike in these levels.
 
If you’re drinking alcohol and you have deranged liver enzymes, mastic gum will not help. Stopping or minimizing alcohol is going to help you with that. But I’m talking about jaundice patients with dengue, patients who have gone through a lot of steroids and heavy medication which in turn is creating higher liver enzymes.
 

Mastic gum for inflammation

 
Mastic gum contains antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. It has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in various conditions, including arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
 

Regular gums vs mastic gum

 
Unlike commercial gums with hidden sugars, colors, and artificial ingredients, mastic gum is natural and flavorless. Yes, some brands around the world are now making mastic gum into cubes you can chew and they have spearmint and other flavours added to them but I like to keep things simple.
 

Final word

 
While mastic gum offers numerous health benefits, it is essential to consult with your doctor before adding it to your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications. Though generally safe, mastic gum may cause side effects in rare cases, such as headaches, upset stomach, dizziness, or allergies. Don’t use mastic gum if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
 
Moderation is key. Don’t overdo it. To minimize side effects, start with a small amount under professional guidance. Source mastic gum from a brand you trust.
 
Learn about the gifts that nature gives us and use them the right way.
 

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