Why Do Basketball Players Chew Gum?

Basketball players chew gum for many reasons. Some reasons are to help with anxiety, focus, and stay hydrated. Chewing gum also helps keep basketball players’ mouths from getting dry. Basketball players need to stay hydrated because they need to be able to run up and down the court quickly.

Benefits Of Chewing Gum For Basketball Players:

Burn Calories

 

When you chew gum, your body has to work harder to break down the gum. This process uses energy, which means your body has to burn more calories. Chewing gum is a great way to boost your metabolism and help your body burn more calories throughout the day.

Increase Your Memory

Chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain, which helps keep you alert and focused. Chewing gum also helps reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better memory recall.

Keep you Calm

When the game is on the line and the pressure is high, some basketball players turn to gum to help keep them calm. Chewing gum has been shown to have a calming effect on the body and mind, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

Fight Sleepiness

Chewing is a bit of a workout for your jaw muscles. This can help to increase blood flow and keep your mind alert. Some gums’ taste and smell can also help keep you awake. Peppermint and spearmint are two common flavors that have been shown to improve alertness. So next time you feel sleepy, try reaching for a piece of gum instead of another cup of coffee!

Boost Brain Activity

The act of chewing increases blood flow to the brain, which helps to improve cognitive function. Chewing gum also encourages the production of saliva, which has been shown to have a protective effect on the brain.

Prevents Dry Mouth

You constantly run back and forth across the court when you play basketball. This can cause you to become dehydrated, leading to dry mouth. Chewing gum can help prevent this by stimulating saliva and keeping your mouth moist.

Reduces Nerves And Anxiety

Chewing gum helps to release endorphins in the brain, which have a naturally relaxing and soothing effect. Additionally, chewing helps distract you from anxious thoughts and worries, letting you focus on the task.

Reduce Nausea

Gum can help reduce nausea by stimulating your saliva production. When you have more saliva in your mouth, it helps to neutralize the stomach acid that is making you feel sick. Chewing also helps to distract you from the feeling of nausea and can help to relax your stomach muscles.

Is It Good To Chew Gum While Playing Basketball?

Gum chewing gum may not be a bad idea when playing basketball. Many professional and collegiate players can be seen chomping away on the sidelines, and there may be some benefits to this seemingly odd habit.

Gum chewing can help keep players alert and focused during long games. The act of chewing helps increase blood flow to the brain, which in turn can improve cognitive function. Gum chewing can also help keep players from dehydrating by stimulating saliva production.

Cons Of Chewing Gum During Basketball Games:

Some potential drawbacks to chewing gum while playing basketball should also be considered.

Chewing gum can be a distraction from the game itself. Players may focus more on chewing the gum than on the task at hand, which can lead to missed shots or turnovers. Chewing gum can cause players to lose fluid through increased saliva production, leading to cramping and fatigue.

Is Chewing Gum Still Allowed In The Nba?

According to NBA rules, players can chew gum during games if they do not excessively spit it out onto the court. Some players chew gum to help them stay focused, while others do it simply because they enjoy the taste.

Which Kind Of Gum Do Basketball Players Chew?

Some athletes prefer a minty freshness to help them focus on the game, while others go for a fruity flavor to keep their energy up.

Famous Nba Players That Loves To Chew Gum:

Many famous NBA players can be seen chomping away on a wad of gum during games.

Michael Jordan

Jordan is especially famous for his gum-chewing habits. He is often seen with a stick of gum in his mouth, and he has even been known to blow bubbles with it during games.

Kobe Bryant

Bryant is also a big fan of gum, and he often chews it during games as well. Unlike Jordan, however, Bryant is not afraid to publicly show his affection for gum.

Conclusion:

There are many benefits for basketball players who chew gum while playing. Chewing gum can help improve focus and hand-eye coordination, as well as provide a way to relieve stress. With all of these positive effects, it is no wonder that so many players choose to chew gum while on the court.