Xylitol has been making itself known , so you may have heard a lot about it lately. Xylitol is most often found in candies and chewing gum as a substitution for sugar. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sourced from corn or birch trees. It has a texture and sweetness both comparable to sugar, but with less ill effects. Xylitol is non-fermentable, meaning our oral bacteria can’t use it to produce cavity causing acids. It also prohibits bacteria from adhering to cellular tissue, which prevents oral bacteria from thriving.
Xylitol contains about 40% less calories than regular sugar and has little to no effect on insulin and blood sugar levels. This can make it a great substitution for those with diabetes. Xylitol is also often found in many dry mouth products, such as candies and chewing gum. You can reference our previous post for a list of those products here. If you’re a habitual gum chewer, you may want to consider trying a gum with Xylitol. It’s a great sugar free option without the side effects of many artificial sweeteners and it’s great for your teeth! Spry is a great option with many flavor choices!
There are a few special considerations to consider when using Xylitol. Our bodies actually make up to 15 grams of Xylitol a day. Although it is safe, everybody is different and too much can have a laxative effect. Xylitol is nontoxic for human consumption, but it is not safe for dogs so remember to keep any Xylitol containing products out of your pets reach! If you have any questions about Xylitol or are looking for product recommendations, ask us at your next visit!
References:
Life Extension Magazinehttps://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/2/sweet-as-sugar-health-benefits-of-stevia-and-xylitol/page-01