INTERACTIONS BETWEEN MASTICATION AND STRESS

The main neuroendocrine response to stress is via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that contribute to the release of glucocorticoid hormone and ACTH. The activation of the HPA axis is a physiological reaction related to stress adaptation but repeated or prolonged HPA axis hyperactivity induces various physiological and psychological disorders. Mastication attenuates stress-induced disorders, cognitive and psychological impairment via suppression of stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and autonomic nervous system. Chewing induces the increase of the histamine level in the hippocampus that contribute to the recovery of stress-attenuated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and the stimulation of the neural centers on long-term. The measuring of stress markers in saliva (alpha-amylasesympathetic nervous system marker, salivary cortisol – endocrine marker, immunoglobulin A-immune system marker) facilitates the assessment of the role of mastication in the stress level attenuation