Have you ever wanted to enjoy the sweet taste of gum without any of the sugar? You’re not alone! Sugar free gum is a popular choice for many who want to enjoy the flavor without any of the calories or guilt. But did you know there may be side effects associated with sugar free gum? In this blog post, we cover some of the potential risks and benefits so that you can make an informed decision about your gum-chewing habits.
1. Introduction to Sugar-Free Gum
Many people are turning to sugar-free gum as a way to reduce their sugar intake and freshen breath. However, it is important to understand the potential side effects of chewing too much sugar-free gum. In this blog, we will explore the possible side effects of sugar-free gum, how to avoid them, and some alternatives to chewing gum.
Sugar-free gum is made with alternative sweeteners such as xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol. These sugar alcohols have been used in the past to sweeten food and drinks, but they have recently become popular in sugar-free products like chewing gum. While these sugar alcohols may be beneficial for oral health, there are potential side effects associated with their use.
2. Side Effects of Chewing Too Much Gum
Chewing too much gum can have some serious side effects. Jaw pain, headaches, and tooth decay are just a few of the health issues that can arise from excessive gum chewing. Additionally, sugar-free gum can cause digestive problems like diarrhea and weight loss. It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of chewing gum, as well as how to mitigate them.
3. The Problem with Sugar Alcohols
Chewing gum is a popular pastime and a great way to freshen your breath. But if you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you may need to be aware of the potential side effects. Many sugar-free gums contain sugar alcohols, which can be harmful to your health if ingested in large quantities. Sugar alcohols are a type of carbohydrate used to sweeten products, but they are not fully digested by the body and can lead to uncomfortable side effects.
Sugar alcohols, such as maltitol, erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol, are often found in packaged sugar-free gums. While they have fewer calories than sugar and don’t cause cavities, consuming too much can lead to digestive issues like gas, bloating and diarrhea. These symptoms are more common in those who are unaccustomed to sugar alcohols and can worsen with higher consumption. In addition, sugar alcohols can cause dry mouth and bad breath if consumed in large quantities.
4. Dry Mouth and Bad Breath
Dry mouth and bad breath can be caused by a reduced saliva flow, and chewing sugar-free gum can help alleviate these symptoms. Xylitol and artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, stevia, xylitol and sorbitol, are found in sugar-free gums and act like dietary sugars, suppressing our natural ability to generate saliva. Chewing too much gum sweetened with sugar or corn syrup can contribute to plaque buildup and lead to erosion of your teeth’s enamel, increasing your cavity risk. Fortunately, ACT Dry Mouth Moisturizing Gum with Xylitol can help reduce the unpleasant symptoms of dry mouth (including bad breath), while also providing relief from Xerostomia, a condition that causes dryness of the throat and soreness of the mouth.
5. The Dangers of Sugared Gums
Chewing sugary gum introduces more sugar into your mouth and as the sugar dissolves in your saliva, the bacteria in plaque absorb it, giving the bacteria plenty of fuel to produce acid that can lead to tooth decay. In addition, frequent gum chewers who prefer their gum with sugar may experience unwelcome side effects such as cavities and gum disease. Even more worrying is the fact that long-term use of sugared gums has been associated with jaw pain, headaches, and even tooth fracture. This is why it’s important to be aware of the dangers of sugared gums and to monitor how much you are chewing.
6. Diarrhea as a Side Effect of Sugar-Free Gum
One of the most common side effects of sugar-free gum is diarrhea. Studies have shown that excessive consumption of sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, which are often found in sugar-free gums, can lead to diarrhea. In fact, some people have even experienced severe weight loss and abdominal pain due to consuming too much sugar-free gum. This is because the sugar alcohols can cause an osmotic effect in the body, leading to an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes. The good news is that these problems can usually be avoided by limiting your consumption of sugar-free gum.
7. Weight Loss and Other Symptoms
Chewing too much sugar-free gum can also have more serious consequences. German physicians reported that consuming sugar-free gum containing the artificial sweetener sorbitol can cause diarrhea, leading to potentially dangerous weight loss. Higher doses (20-50 g) of sorbitol may cause osmotic diarrhea, resulting in substantial weight loss. In addition, side effects noted by the authors included chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and severe weight loss of up to 20%. People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience digestive side effects from sugar alcohols found in sugar-free gum. It is important to be aware of the dangers associated with chewing too much sugar-free gum and to take steps to avoid them.
8. How to Avoid the Side Effects of Chewing Too Much Sugar-Free Gum
Fortunately, there are ways to help avoid the side effects of chewing too much sugar-free gum. For example, it’s important to limit your intake of sugar-free gum and never chew more than one piece at a time. Additionally, try to opt for gum that contains natural sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit, instead of artificial sweeteners like sorbitol. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to chewing gum, you can try chewing on sugarless mints or hard candies, or drinking a glass of water to keep your breath fresh.
9. Alternatives to Chewing Gum
Fortunately, if you’re looking for an alternative to sugar-free gum, there are several options available. You can try sugar-free mints or lozenges, which are sweetened with artificial sweeteners like xylitol or maltitol. You can also opt for natural alternatives like chamomile tea, herbal teas, and licorice root. These natural alternatives offer a variety of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved digestion. Additionally, you can try chewing on a piece of raw ginger or celery to help stimulate your saliva production and eliminate bad breath. With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can avoid the side effects of chewing too much sugar-free gum.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to be mindful when chewing sugar-free gum. While it can provide some benefits, it can also cause unpleasant side effects such as jaw pain, headaches, and diarrhea. It is important to speak with a doctor if any of these symptoms occur after chewing gum. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of sugared gums and to avoid them if possible. Finally, there are alternatives to chewing gum that can provide the same benefits without the risks associated with sugar-free gums.
