OREANDA-NEWS. A study by specialists from the United States found that chewing gum after undergoing heart surgery helps to restore the functioning of the intestines. The researchers shared their findings at the conference on intensive care and intraoperative management of the American Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Researchers from Crozer-Chester Hospital analyzed the health status of 837 patients who underwent open-heart surgery or replacement of the aortic or mitral valves. Out of the total number of patients, 341 patients were offered to chew gum after surgery, the remaining group of patients acted as a control group during the study.

It turned out that only two patients who were offered chewing gum therapy developed postoperative intestinal obstruction — one of the most common complications after heart surgery, which can lead to colic and constipation. There were 17 such people in the control group.

Scientists are sure that the “imaginary feeding” caused by the product is an effective and inexpensive procedure that improves the well-being of patients and, as a result, their recovery, experts emphasize.