Chewing gum frequently can damage the spleen and stomach!
Gum has become an indispensable part of people's lives. In emergencies, it can prevent bad breath. Xylitol gum not only prevents cavities and repairs tooth decay but is also low in sugar and calories, making it suitable for diabetics. However, we should note that excessive consumption can also harm the digestive system.
Experts remind us that while xylitol gum does have many benefits for oral hygiene and health, it offers no real help for cavities, and its side effects from overconsumption cannot be ignored. It can easily damage the digestive system, leading to abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, and may also cause weight gain and increased blood lipids.
Xylitol is not easily broken down and absorbed
Excessive xylitol is not easily broken down and absorbed, which can easily harm the digestive system and cause diarrhea
As a natural plant-based sweetener, xylitol has certain nutritional value and is a normal intermediate in human carbohydrate metabolism. However, excessive intake can easily harm the digestive system. According to health experts, xylitol itself is considered "cool" in nature and is not easily broken down by stomach enzymes. It usually goes directly to the intestines, where its absorption rate is less than 20%. This can easily lead to accumulation on the intestinal wall. Therefore, excessive intake of xylitol can irritate and damage the digestive system, easily causing issues like abdominal discomfort, bloating, bowel sounds, and diarrhea.
In Western countries, foods containing xylitol are required to have a consumer warning on their labels stating, "Excessive consumption may cause diarrhea." However, foods sold in the domestic market, including xylitol gum, rarely have such warnings on their packaging. Many consumers are unaware of this, so they chew gum without restraint all day long, unknowingly causing harm to their health.
Excessive xylitol can also lead to weight gain and increased blood lipids
Although xylitol is low in calories, excessive consumption can still lead to weight gain and increased blood lipids
Xylitol looks and tastes very similar to sucrose but has the unique advantage of being low in calories. Each gram of xylitol contains only 2.4 kilocalories, about 40% less than other carbohydrates. Moreover, only a portion of it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. Therefore, many businesses heavily promote this, and many consumers mistakenly believe that eating xylitol gum and other xylitol-containing foods will not cause weight gain or increase blood sugar, and may even help control diabetes. However, in reality, excessive consumption of xylitol can also lead to weight gain and increased blood lipids, which is harmful to health rather than beneficial.
Experts point out that xylitol, like sucrose, is a carbohydrate composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen elements, and it can also release heat energy after being oxidized in the body. Therefore, excessive consumption can also lead to obesity.
At the same time, in the initial stage of metabolism, xylitol may not require insulin, but in the later stage, insulin is needed to promote it. Therefore, although diabetics can use xylitol as a sweetener, they should not consume too much, especially those who experience insulin-induced hypoglycemia, who should avoid it altogether. Additionally, excessive consumption of xylitol can increase triglycerides in the blood, leading to coronary atherosclerosis, so people with high blood pressure should also limit their intake.
Pay attention to controlling the total daily intake of xylitol
Pay attention to controlling the total daily intake of xylitol. The frequency and duration of chewing gum matter
So, how many pieces of xylitol gum is appropriate to chew per day? Experts state that while there are no strict standards for xylitol intake in China, considering the physique of the Chinese population, the upper limit of daily intake should not exceed 50 grams.
It is worth noting that xylitol is widely found in fruits, vegetables, grains, mushrooms, and plants like rice straw and corn cobs. It is also widely used as a sweetener, nutrient, and pharmaceutical in industries such as chemicals, food, and medicine. Besides gum, xylitol is often used as a sugar substitute in ice cream, chocolate, yogurt, coffee, health drinks, throat lozenges, and more. Therefore, individuals must strictly control the total daily intake and specifically regulate the amount of gum consumed.
Experts suggest that when chewing xylitol gum, one should pay attention to the frequency and duration. It is best not to exceed 5 pieces per day. Chewing after meals and snacks can achieve a good anti-cavity effect. At the same time, each chewing session should not exceed 15 minutes, and people with stomach problems should chew even less.
Because chewing gum for a long time keeps the "chewing muscles" in the face constantly tense and can reflexively secrete a large amount of stomach acid, which can easily damage the stomach. Especially on an empty stomach, it may not only cause adverse reactions like nausea, dizziness, and acid reflux but can also worsen stomach conditions, leading to gastritis and stomach ulcers.