REMEDIES: Xylitol: Our Sweet Salvation? (HEALTH, RECIPES)

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone, I hope this day finds you well.

I wanted to let everyone know about this awesome product called Xylitol.

You know me, I'm all about the natural and good-for-you types of foods

and medicines, so learning about Xylitol was really exciting to me! A

sugar substitute that actually tastes good, has NO aftertaste and no bad

side effects. Heck, it goes beyond not " being bad for you " .... and is in

fact, quite healthy!! This stuff is great and I think we all should

immediately replace the sugar in our diets with Xylitol as soon as

possible and as much as possible!!! It's more than likely you will have

to purchase it online or at a health food store at this point though...

a quick check of my local groceries came up with nothing. Of course

there is the occasional product that contains it (such as some Trident

gums) but that's about it. Maybe you will have more luck finding it in

your city - if not, talk to the grocery manager and ask him to order it

for you.

So please, read up on this incredible SAFE & ALL NATURAL sugar, try some

and then start pestering your local stores to carry it. Write to

Newman's Own and Kashi and other organic food manufacturers and ask them

to include it in their products and promote it to the public. Ask your

dentist if he has heard of it and if so, why has he never told you about

it before? Write your Senators and Reps and ask them why they aren't

encouraging folks to grow the proper plants to produce it. Let's get the

ball rolling on this topic folks!! Buy some single servings size

packages of it to hand out to your friends and family - I did and they

LOVED it!!! And that is coming from some very stubborn folks who are

tired of me telling 'em their favorite foods are killing 'em. LOL!! If

the taste and wonderful health benefits of Xylitol can convince them,

then I know you and your family will love it too.

I have absolutely NO financial incentive for telling you this

whatsoever. Xylitol is one of the most amazing, wonderful food products

to be found/invented in about FOREVER and I want everyone to be able to

get the healthy benefits from it. Remember, preventing dis-ease is

cheaper and easier than trying to cure one!! So try it and tell your

friends to try it... I promise you will LOVE IT!! Google it and read the

1000's of sites sharing this great information. Google " adverse affects

of Xylitol " too... You won't find anything bad or wrong with this

product - which is really the most amazing thing about it! It is GOOD

FOR YOU... even when you read between the lines and catch all the fine

print! lol... And believe me, that fact alone makes Xylitol more special

than any other sugar you could use. I'll be sharing recipes containing

Xylitol as often as I can find them - or make up my own! - so don't be

left out... get yours today!

Peace,

Mouse

ps. Did I mention it is low-carb and good for diabetes? Or that it

prevents cavities and osteoporosis and high blood pressure??? Read on....

******

Xylitol: Our Sweet Salvation?

by Sherill Sellman

From: The SPECTRUM Vol. 4 No. 8; February 2003, p.23 --

www.thespectrumnews.org

Editor's note: Considering the quantity of sugar we all consume in one

way or another each day, sometimes not by choice, the following is

perhaps the most important health article to come along in quite some

time, and should be shared as widely as possible with family and friends

of ALL ages.

This is reprinted from the January-February 2003 issue of NEXUS magazine

(www.nexusmagazine.com; phone: 1-888-909-7474) and we are grateful to

them for helping to bring this subject to public attention.

Likewise, it was our News Desk guru (and retired dentist), Dr. Al

Overholt, who originally identified this article for the News Desk. When

you get to the part of Xylitol's astonishing benefits to the mouth and

teeth, you'll see what may have acted as a strong factor in Dr.

Overholt's decision to want to share this information with you.

This article was written by Sherrill Sellman of GetWell International,

P.O. Box 690416, Tulsa, OK 74169-0416. (See the end of the article for

further biographical and contacting information.) Sherrill deserves loud

applause for assembling an easy-to understand and well-documented

dissertation on this important health matter having obvious far-ranging

implications. Perhaps copies of this article should be available in the

waiting rooms of all dentist's and doctor's offices.

-

Xylitol is not only a safe, natural sweetener without the bad

side-effects of sugar and artificial substitutes, it's also good for

your teeth, stabilizes insulin and hormone levels, and promotes good health.

Americans have a mighty hankering for sugar. It seems that we just can't

get enough of the stuff. On average, a half a cup of sugar is consumed

per person every day. It is estimated that the average American eats,

drinks, slurps, stirs, and sprinkles about 150 pounds of it annually.

Never in modern history has a culture consumed so much sugar.

Sugar truly does deserve its reputation as a " white poison " . Thinking of

sugar as a food is really a stretch of the imagination, because it is

more a chemical that is difficult for our bodies to utilize and digest.

Humans were really not designed to eat large amounts of sugar in

whatever form it may take: white and brown, corn syrup, sucrose,

dextrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose, barley malt, honey, rice

syrup, and maple syrup. Sugar is also highly seductive, acting like an

addictive drug that lures even the most well-intentioned person back

into its sweet clutches.

According to Chinese wisdom, sweetness is one of the flavors necessary

for maintaining balance in the body.

[Editor's note: The concept of sweetness " referred to here likely means

alkalinity, as in the acid-alkaline balance within the body that was a

major topic of Edgar Cayce's medical discourses while in trance. In that

respect, Cayce's wisdom would agree with the ancient Chinese wisdom-but

the advice is actually OPPOSITE the implied conclusion. That is, you

want to eat ACIDIC things, like citrus, to produce an alkaline REACTION

in the body to keep it slightly on the " sweet " side.

This matter has long been a subject of obvious confusion for Cayce

readers, who often " get it backwards " until they understand the actual

reactions of body chemistry he was talking about. And that same concept

is likely what the ancient Chinese medical wisdom meant by " sweetness "

within the body.]

But regularly eating large amounts of sugar will cause serious harm.

Sugar can cause hypoglycemia and weight gain, leading to diabetes and

obesity in both children and adults. It leaches the body of vital

minerals and vitamins. It raises blood pressure, triglycerides, and the

bad cholesterol (LDL), increasing the risk of heart disease. It causes

tooth decay and periodontal disease, which leads to tooth loss and

systemic infections. It makes it difficult for a child's brain to learn,

resulting in a lack of concentration. Both children and adults exhibit

disruptive behavior, learning disorders, and forgetfulness from sugar

consumption. It initiates auto-immune and immune deficiency disorders

such as arthritis, allergies, and asthma. It also upsets hormonal

balance and supports the growth of cancer cells.

So what are we to do? Will our sugar cravings always hold us hostage, or

is there really a way to lick the sugar habit successfully?

Xylitol To The Rescue!

During World War II, Finland was suffering from an acute sugar shortage.

With no domestic supply of sugar, the Finns searched for an alternative.

It was then that the Finnish scientists rediscovered xylitol, a

low-calorie sugar made from birch bark. It had, in fact, been known to

the world of organic chemistry since it was first manufactured in 1891

by a German chemist.

By 1930, xylitol had been purified, but it wasn't until World War II

that the sugar shortages forced researchers to look at alternative

sweeteners. It was only when xylitol was stabilized that it became a

viable sweetener in foods. It was also during this time that researchers

discovered xylitol's insulin-independent nature. (It metabolizes in the

body without using insulin.)

By the 1960s, xylitol was being used in Germany, Switzerland, the Soviet

Union, and Japan as a preferred sweetener in diabetic diets and as an

energy source for infusion therapy in patients with impaired glucose

tolerance and insulin resistance. Since then, many other countries,

including Italy and China, have been producing xylitol for use in their

domestic markets-and with remarkable health benefits. It has been

relatively unknown in the U.S.A. and Australia, primarily because cheap

supplies of cane sugar made the more expensive xylitol less

economically. viable.

Xylitol is a natural substance found in fibrous vegetables and fruit, as

well as in corn cobs and various hardwood trees like birch. It is a

natural, intermediate product which regularly occurs in the glucose

metabolism of man and other animals, as well as in the metabolism of

several plants and micro-organisms. Xylitol is produced naturally in our

bodies; in fact, we make up to 15 grams daily during normal metabolism.

Although xylitol tastes and looks exactly like sugar, that is where the

similarities end. Xylitol is really sugar's mirror image. While sugar

wreaks havoc on the body, xylitol heals and repairs. It also builds

immunity, protects against chronic degenerative disease, and has

anti-aging benefits. Xylitol is considered a five-carbon sugar, which

means it is an antimicrobial, preventing the growth of bacteria. While

sugar is acid-forming, xylitol is alkaline enhancing. All other forms of

sugar, including sorbitol, another popular alternative sweetener, are

six-carbon sugars, which feed dangerous bacteria and fungi.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1963, xylitol

has no known toxic levels. The only discomfort that some sensitive

people may notice initially when taking large amounts is mild diarrhea

or slight cramping. Since the body makes xylitol daily, as well as the

enzymes to break it down, any discomfort usually disappears within a few

days as the body's enzymatic activity adjusts to a higher intake.

Xylitol has 40% fewer calories and 75% fewer carbohydrates than sugar

and is slowly absorbed and metabolised, resulting in very negligible

changes in insulin. About one-third of the xylitol that is consumed is

absorbed in the liver. The other two-thirds travels to the intestinal

tract, where it is broken down by gut bacteria into short-chain fatty acids.

Xylitol looks, feels, and tastes exactly like sugar, and leaves no

unpleasant aftertaste. It is available in many forms. In its crystalline

form, it can replace sugar in cooking, baking, or as a sweetener for

beverages. It is also included as an ingredient in chewing gum, mints,

and nasal spray.

Xylitol And Oral Health

Tooth decay and gum disease are serious problems. According to the

American Dental Association, 75% of American adults over the age of 35

suffer from some form of periodontal disease.1 Needless to say, diet

plays a major role in dental heath. When there is an excess of sugar in

the diet, this weakens the immune system and creates an acidic

environment; thus oral health suffers. The mouth is home to over 400

strains of bacteria. Most of these are benign, but when sugar enters the

scene, it feeds the destructive strains, allowing them to proliferate.

Periodontal disease is basically caused by bacteria. These deposits

permit the growth of bacteria that cause inflammation of the gums. The

bacteria also release minute amounts of toxins that break down guru

tissue, thereby helping the infection to progress. Plaque is an

invisible, sticky film of saliva and food residue that constantly forms

on the teeth. Ongoing low-grade bacterial infection also burdens the

immune system.

Bacteria help to create plaque and they also thrive within it. Unless

removed, plaque formed along the gum-line can lead to gum disease. When

left untreated, plaque at or below the gum line hardens into tartar.

Periodontal disease takes two forms: simple gum inflammation, called

gingivitis, and a more severe gum infection, called periodontitis, which

may lead to tooth loss and receding gums.

Gingivitis results from the build-up of plaque and tartar which irritate

the gum or periodontal tissue. The more advanced state of gum disease,

periodontitis, occurs when inflammation of the gums is accompanied by

bone and ligament destruction. Bleeding gums are usually the first

indication that gum disease is developing, but obvious symptoms may not

always be present.

Gum infection can also lead to other serious health problems. It doubles

the risk of stroke, triples the risk of heart attack, increases the

incidence of premature, low-weight babies, and also contributes to

bronchitis, pneumonia, and emphysema. In fact, the same bacteria that

cause gum disease end up either directly or indirectly infecting your

heart and arteries. A study conducted at the University of Minnesota in

1998 found that rabbits injected with tooth plaque developed blood clots

which led to heart disease. 2 It seems that the bacteria first attack

the bones and gums in the mouth and then enter the bloodstream through

small cracks in the gums.

Eating sugar causes tooth decay by creating a highly acidic condition in

the mouth. Acidity strips tooth enamel of minerals, causing it to weaken

and making it more vulnerable to attack by bacteria, leading to tooth

decay or demineralization. Ordinarily, saliva bathes the mouth with an

alkaline solution that neutralizes all acidity and actually

remineralizes the teeth. Saliva also washes away leftover bits of food

and helps the digestion process. But when saliva turns acidic because of

too many sweets, bacteria in the mouth have a feeding frenzy. These

nasty bacteria, along with carbohydrate waste, stick to the teeth and

tongue and hold the acid close to the teeth where it eats away enamel.

Virtually whatever food you ingest, the remaining particles become food

for plaque-producing bacteria. Using xylitol helps to raise plaque pH,

thereby reducing the time that teeth are exposed to damaging acids, as

well as starving harmful bacteria of their food source.

Xylitol is a dentist's dream. It reverses all these destructive effects

of sugar on oral health. Xylitol is non-fermentable and therefore cannot

be converted to acids by oral bacteria, thus it helps to restore a

proper alkaline/acid balance in the mouth. This alkaline environment is

inhospitable to all the destructive bacteria, especially the worst

variety, Streptococcus mutans. It also inhibits plaque formation.

Using xylitol right before bedtime, after brushing and flossing,

protects and heals the teeth and gums. Unlike sugar, it can even be left

on the teeth overnight. With proper use, xylitol actually stops the

fermentation process leading to tooth decay. Long-term use suppresses

the most harmful strains of oral bacteria, making a long-lasting change

in those bacterial communities. Xylitol even has the ability to enhance

the mineralization of the enamel. It is most effective in treating small

decay spots. Although larger cavities won't go away, they can harden and

become less sensitive.

Consistently using small amounts of xylitol tends to increase protective

factors in saliva. Xylitol stimulates saliva flow and helps keep

salivary minerals in a useful form. Prolonged xylitol use increases the

buffering capacity and protective factors in saliva. Increased saliva

production is especially important for people suffering with a dry mouth

due to illness, aging, or drug sideeffects.

Since the oral environment becomes less acidic with continued xylitol

use, it is advisable to chew xylitol gum or suck a xylitol mint after

every meal or after eating sweet snacks. The best news is that studies

have shown that xylitol's effect is long-lasting and possibly even

permanent.

Xylitol has recently received positive support in the Journal Of The

American Dental Association. " Xylitol is an effective preventive agent

against dental caries... Consumption of xylitol containing chewing gum

has been demonstrated to reduce caries in Finnish teenagers by 30-60%.

Studies conducted in Canada, Thailand, Polynesia, and Belize have shown

similar results.... " 3 A study conducted at Harvard School of Dental

Medicine concluded that: " Xylitol can significantly decrease the

incidence of dental caries. " 4

Another unexpected benefit came from a Finnish study which showed that

children whose teeth are colonised between 19 and 31 months of age by

Streptococcus mutans bacteria are more likely to have a large number of

cavities. Most children acquire this bacteria from their mother's saliva

through food tasting, sharing cups, and kissing. The study showed a

dramatic 70% reduction in tooth decay among children whose mothers

chewed xylitol gum.5

Xylitol, however, isn't just for the young. In a paper published in the

Journal Of The American Geriatrics Society, researchers tested 111

adults, aged 60 and older, over a 12-month period. All were frail but

healthy adults. In the study, one group of volunteers chewed no gum, a

second chewed gum containing xylitol, and a third group chewed gum

containing both xylitol and an antimicrobial. In the two groups

receiving gum, the participants chewed two pieces for 15 minutes, two

times per day. At the end of the study, the researchers reported that

the group who received xylitol gum had substantially lowered their risk

of developing thrush, a fungal or yeast infection that can cause mouth

soreness. (The group who received xylitol plus the antimicrobial had

equal benefits.) It had also reduced their risk of developing angular

cheilitis, a condition in which sores develop in the corners of the

mouth. The researchers noted that xylitol gum can provide a " real

clinical benefit " to frail, elderly people.6

Xylitol And Ear, Nose & Throat Infections

Recurring middle-ear infections pose a great health threat to children.

Tubes are often inserted into the eardrum in children with these

recurring infections to reduce the fluid that is attempting to wash out

the infection from the middle ear. Whil this procedure sometimes helps

to reduce the frequency of infections, it is also designed to help with

hearing.

Language, a critical part of learning, is built by auditory input during

the first two years of life-the same period when ear infections are most

common. If this input is dampened by infection or fluid in the middle

ear during this important period, it can cause learning problems.

Another study followed children longer and showed significant learning

and social problems extending up to age eighteen. One researcher

demonstrated that, even when properly treated, recurrent middle ear

infections during the first two years result in significant impairment

in reading ability up to the age of nine.78

One of xylitol's versatile benefits is its ability to inhibit the growth

of bacteria that cause middle-ear infections in young children. In two

recent studies involving over 1,000 children, xylitolflavored chewing

gum was found to reduce the incidence of middle-ear infections by 40%,

significantly decreasing ongoing middle-ear complications and the need

for antibiotics.

Regularly washing the nose with a spray containing xylitol decreases the

number of harmful bacteria and stimulates normal defensive washing of

this area. A clean nose reduces problems with allergies and asthma that

originate from nasal irritants and pollutants.

Current research shows how bacteria attach to cells in the body, causing

infection. Some sugars like xylitol are known to be able to interfere

with this binding, blocking the attachment of the major

infection-causing bacteria that live in the nose. Dr. Lon , a

physician in Plainsview, Texas, reported that the use of a xylitol nasal

spray in his practice prevented 93% of ear infections and resulted in

comparable reductions in sinus infections, allergies, and asthma.9

Xylitol has been shown to be effective in inhibiting Candida Albicans, a

serious systemic yeast problem, and other harmful gut bacteria including

H. Pylori, implicated in periodontal disease, bad breath, gastric and

duodenal ulcers, and even stomach cancer.

Xylitol And Osteoporosis

Another exciting benefit from xylitol is its role in reversing bone

loss. Studies in Finland found that xylitol maintained bone density in

rats that had their ovaries removed. Without ovaries, estrogen levels

plummeted and so did the bone density in rats that were not given

xylitol. However, in the rats that had ovaries removed and were given

xylitol, bone density actually increased.10 Another study showed that

xylitol was effective in decreasing age-related bone loss in older male

rats by 10%. 11

In an unprecedented action, the Finnish researchers made bold

recommendations for human application of their studies. They suggested

that an effective human dose would be about 40 grams daily. The

scientists speculated that xylitol's bone density-enhancing properties

are due to its ability to promote intestinal absorption of calcium.

Including xylitol in one's diet is certainly an enjoyable way to reap

the benefits of greater bone density, along with other health benefits.

Xylitol And Insulin Resistance, Diabetes Hypertension, And Hormonal

Imbalances

Consuming sugar and other refined carbohydrates results in the rapid

release of glucose, or blood sugar. In response, the pancreas secretes

insulin to usher glucose into the cells, where it is burned for energy.

Excess glucose stresses the system, and over time the cells become less

responsive to insulin. This condition, known as insulin resistance, is a

huge health problem and it is estimated to affect half the American

population. Insulin resistance is associated with abnormalities in

cholesterol and triglyceride levels, hypertension, increased risk of

heart disease, and diabetes.

The dramatic rise in type-2 diabetes since the mid-1900s directly

coincides with our increased consumption of sugar. One long-term study

of more than 65,000 women demonstrated that a high-sugar, low-fibre diet

increased the risk of type-2 diabetes by 250%. Another recent study

found that excessive intake of sugar was the single most important

dietary risk factor for heart disease in women and for men. It has been

estimated that sugar intake may account for more than 150,000 premature

deaths from heart disease in the United States each year.12

Xylitol has been demonstrated in repeated clinical studies to be very

slowly metabolised. In fact, on the glycemic index, which measures how

quickly foods enter the bloodstream, sugar is rated at 100 and xylitol

at just seven! Xylitol is a natural insulin stabilizer, therefore it

causes none of the abrupt rises and falls that occur with sugar. In

fact, it actually helps in stopping sugar and carbohydrate cravings.

Foods sweetened with xylitol will not raise insulin levels. This makes

it a perfect sweetener for people with diabetes as well as those wanting

to lose weight. There is a growing consensus amongst anti-aging

researchers that maintaining low insulin levels is a key to a successful

anti-aging program.

Insulin resistance also plays a significant role in hormonal imbalances,

including those that lead to breast cancer. High insulin levels increase

the production of estrogens, leading to an estrogen-dominant condition,

and also interfere with healthy ovarian function. Insulin resistance is

a major cause of a growing hormonal problem called polycystic ovarian

syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes the ovaries to become anovulatory, which

means that the normal cyclic production of estrogen followed by

progesterone either ceases or becomes dysfunctional. Insulin stimulates

the ovaries to produce predominantly male hormones, which, in

combination with higher insulin and glucose levels, increase weight gain

around the waist-a body type that is a risk factor for breast cancer.

Signs that the body is being exposed to higher levels of the male

hormones include acne, loss of head hair, and an increase in body hair.

Lowering insulin levels is crucial for not only treating PCOS but also

resolving most other hormonal imbalances, including those leading to

breast cancer.13

Dr. Lee, author of What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast

Cancer, explains the connection between insulin resistance and breast

cancer:

" Overeating junk food makes you fat. Increased body fat and lack of

exercise lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance leads to further

craving of sugary carbohydrates to generate energy for the body. More

insulin is released in response to increased carbohydrate intake,

leading to more weight gain. More fat leads to more estrogens, which, in

turn, lead to earlier breast development and menstruation. Earlier onset

of menstruation leads to more ovulatory cycles and a greater lifetime

exposure to estrogens without adequate progesterone. A greater lifetime

exposure to estrogens increases breast cancer risk.

" Simultaneously, increased consumption of simple carbohydrates, coupled

with insulin resistance, leads to polycystic ovaries and lack of

ovulation during menstrual cycles, resulting in excess production of

androgens and estrogens, along with inadequate production of

progesterone. Excessive estrogen production in the absence of

progesterone production leads to estrogen dominance and increased breast

cancer risk. Use of contraceptive hormones increases insulin resistance,

exacerbating all the above problems. " 14

Using xylitol instead of sugar, as well as reducing intake of

high-glycemic, refined carbohydrate foods, helps to lower the risk not

only of PCOS but also of ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, PMS,

hot flashes, weight gain, and depression.

The Safer Sweetener

Increased sugar consumption has bedeviled Western cultures with more and

more health problems, many of which are putting an enormous strain on

healthcare systems. Finally, there is an answer to our collective

prayers for something truly healthy that can also satisfy our sweet

tooth. Over 1,500 scientific studies have found that the more you use

xylitol, the more you can eliminate sugar cravings, reduce insulin

levels, and alkalinize your body. It's a great aid on the way to good

health and long life.

Imagine never having to feel those twinges of guilt when you bite into a

xylitol-sweetened brownie. Or how about increasing your bone density

while enjoying your favorite hot drink with two spoonfuls of xylitol

crystals, or knowing that xylitol-sweetened chewing gum is preventing

cavities and gum disease?

With xylitol, you can now have your sweet tooth and treat it, too!

References

1. Zeines, Victor, DDS, MS, FAGD. Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body.

Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2000, p. 55.

2. ibid., p. 29.

3. Beiswanger, BB, Boneta AE, Mau MS, Katz BP, Proskin HM, Stookey GK.

The effect of chewing sugar-free gum after meals on clinical caries

incidence. J. Am. Dent. Assoc. 1998;129:1623-6.

4. , , DMD; DMSc. The effect of non-cariogenic sweeteners

on the prevention of dental caries: A review of evidence. Harvard School

Of Dental Medicine. See the

http://www.lib.umich.edu/dentlib/nihcdc/abstracts/hayes.html Internet

website.

5. How Xylitol-containing Products Affect Cariogenic Bacteria. J. Am.

Dent. Assoc., April 2000.

6. J. Am. Geriatrics Soc. 2002;50. See the

www.globalaging.org/health/world/medgum.htm Internet website.

7. Luotonen M, Uhari M, Aitola, L et a1. Recurrent otitis media during

infancy and linguistic skills at the age of nine years. Pediatr Infect.

J. 1996;15:854-8.

8. KE, Haggard MP, Silva PA, IA. Behavior and

development effects of otitis media with effusion into the teens. Arch.

Dis. Child 2601 Aug;85(2):91-5.

9. See www.nasal-xylitol.com Internet website.

10. Svanberg M; Mattila P, Knuttila M. Dietary xylitol retards the

ovariectomyinduced increase of bone turnover in rats. Calcif. Tissue

Int. 60:462-466.

11. Mattila P, Svanberg, M, Knuttila, M. Increased bone volume and bone

mineral content in xylitol-fed aged rats. Gerontology 2001;47:300-305.

12. Carbohydrates: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Dr. Whittaker

Newsletter, vol. 13, no. 4, April 2000.

13. , Lee MD. What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer.

Warner Books, 2002, p. 61.

14. ibid, p. 62.

About The Author:

Sherrill Sellman is the author of the bestselling book Hormone Heresy.

What Women Must Know About Their Hormones. She can be contacted via her

website (www.ssellman.com) or by email (golight@...). To

subscribe to her monthly HormoneWise e-Digest, send an email to the

hwise@... Internet location.

PLEASE visit the site for additional information and to follow the

research links : http://www.laleva.cc/food/xylitol.html

***

Xylitol, also called wood sugar or birch sugar, is a five-carbon sugar

alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute. It can be extracted from

birch, raspberries, plums, and corn, which is primarily imported from

China and is the most popular source due to its potential renewability,

unlike birch trees.

Xylitol, gram for gram, is roughly as sweet as sucrose, but contains 40%

less food energy. Its formula is C5H12O5, with relative mass 152.15 amu.

It is very popular in Finland, which is considered its " home country " .

Many Finnish confectioneries employ xylitol, or have a xylitol version

available. In 2004, popular North American Trident gum was reformulated

to include xylitol.

Medical applications

Dental care:

Xylitol is a " Toothfriendly " sugar substitute. In addition to

discouraging tooth decay by replacing dietary sugars, xylitol may

actively aid in repairing minor cavities caused by dental caries. Recent

research confirms a plaque-reducing effect and suggests that the

compound, having some chemical properties similar to sucrose, attracts

and then " starves " harmful micro-organisms, allowing the mouth to

remineralize damaged teeth with less interruption. (However, this same

effect also interferes with the yeast micro-organism and others, so

xylitol is inappropriate in making bread, for instance.) A report from

February 2004 claims that the United States Army, acting on this data,

will eventually pack xylitol-sweetened gum in MREs (meals ready to eat). [1]

Diabetes:

Possessing approximately 40% less food energy, xylitol is a low-calorie

alternative to table sugar, and is absorbed more slowly than sugar; thus

it doesn't contribute to a rapid rise in blood sugar level and the

resultant insulin response.

Osteoporosis:

Xylitol also appears to have potential as a treatment for osteoporosis.

A group of Finnish researchers have found that dietary xylitol prevents

weakening of bones in laboratory rats, and actually improves bone

density.1,2

Ear infection:

Studies3 [2] have shown that xylitol chewing gum can help prevent ear

infections (acute otitis media); the act of chewing and swallowing

assists with the disposal of earwax and clearing the middle ear, whilst

the presence of xylitol prevents the growth of bacteria in the

eustachian tubes which connect the nose and ear. [3]

Health concerns:

Xylitol, like most sugar alcohols, can have a mild laxative effect at

high doses. It has no known toxicity, though; people have consumed as

much as 400 grams daily for long periods with no apparent ill effects.

For canines, however, xylitol can cause serious – possibly

life-threatening – problems. Dogs ingesting large amounts of products

sweetened with xylitol may have a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting

in loss of coordination, depression and seizures within 30 minutes of

consumption. [4]

References:

*1 Mattila PT, Svanberg MJ, Jämsä T, Knuuttila ML (2002). Improved bone

biomechanical properties in xylitol-fed aged rats. Metabolism

51(1):92-6. (online abstract)

*2 Mattila, PT (1999). Dietary xylitol in the prevention of experimental

osteoporosis: Beneficial effects on bone resorption, structure and

biomechanics. Dissertation, Institute of Dentistry, University of Oulu.

(online)

*3 Uhari M, et al. (1998). A novel use of xylitol sugar in preventing

acute otitis media. Pediatrics, 102(4): 879–974.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xylitol

***

CHEWING GUM & XYLITOL GUM

Decay Preventing Gum - Xylitol causes bacteria to lose the ability to

adhere to the tooth, stunting the cavity causing process!

If Mom Chews Gum, Children Have Healthier Mouths

Researchers in Finland reported six-year results of a study that tested

whether mothers who chew gum sweetened with xylitol are less likely to

transmit cavity-causing bacteria to their children.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in plants, trees, fruits and

vegetables. Some sugar free gums use xylitol as a sweetener, it's these

gums that will help keep your kids cavity-free.

The study originally enrolled 195 pregnant women whose mouths had high

levels of Streptococcus , known to be a major cause of tooth decay. The

women were divided into three groups:

-The xylitol group began chewing xylitol-sweetened gum three months

after giving birth and continued for 21 months, until their children

were 2 years old. Xylitol is a natural sweetener.

-The fluoride group received fluoride varnish treatments at 6, 12 and 18

months after giving birth.

-The chlorhexidine group received a chlorhexidine varnish (an

antiseptic) at 6, 12 and 18 months after giving birth.

Six years after the women gave birth -- several years after the

treatments stopped -- their children were tested for the presence of the

cavity-causing bacteria. Children whose mothers chewed xylitol gum had

significantly lower levels of these bacteria in their mouths than did

children in the other two groups. S. mutans generally is passed from

mothers to children when they are between 6 and 31 months old. Higher

levels of bacteria in a child's mouth increase the risk of tooth decay.

Research published last year from the same study found that at 5 years

of age, the children whose mothers had chewed xylitol gum had 70 percent

less dental decay, compared with children whose mothers received the

varnish treatments.

Xylitol has received a lot of attention in recent years as studies have

shown that chewing xylitol-sweetened gum can slow the buildup of plaque

on the teeth and inhibit the formation of cavities. Other sweeteners

don't have the same effect.

-May-June issue of Caries Research. By Volkers InteliHealth News

Service

-Xylitol and Dental Caries: An Overview for Clinicians Lynch H, Milgrom

P March 2003 Journal of the California Dental Association.

www.dentalgentlecare.com

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Xylitol News Updates

Xylitol is promoted in caries-preventive strategies, yet its effective

dose range is unclear. This study determined the dose- response of

mutans streptococci in plaque and unstimulated saliva to xylitol gum.

Participants (n = 132) were randomized: controls (sorbitol/maltitol), or

combinations giving xylitol 3.44 g/day 6.88 g/day , or 10.32 g/day .

Groups chewed 3 pellets/4 times/d. Samples were taken at baseline, 5

wks, and 6 mos, and were cultured on modified Mitis Salivarius agar for

mutans streptococci and on blood agar for total culturable flora.

At 5 wks, mutans streptococci levels in plaque were 10x lower than

baseline in G3 and G4 (P = 0.007/0.003). There were no differences in

saliva. At 6 mos, mutans streptococci in plaque for G3 and G4 remained

10x lower than baseline (P = 0.007/0.04). Saliva for G3 and G4 was lower

than baseline by 8 to 9x (P = 0.011/0.038). Xylitol at 6.44 g/day and

10.32 g/day reduces mutans streptococci in plaque at 5 wks, and in

plaque and unstimulated saliva at 6 mos. A plateau effect is suggested

between 6.44 g and 10.32 g xylitol/day.

Mutans Streptococci Dose Response to Xylitol Chewing Gum P. Milgrom,

K.A. Ly, M.C. , M. Rothen, G. Mueller, and D.K.

Yamaguchi, J Dent Res 85(2):177-181, 2006

Recent studies report that subjects who chewed gum had fewer cavities

than non gum chewers. Xylitol in chewing gum caused the GREATEST

REDUCTION in cavities. The greatest reduction in cavities occurs when

gum chewing is begun at least 1 year prior to the eruption of permanent

teeth. The antimicrobial effect of xylitol on strep mutans. Children

chewing xylitol gum had a greater reduction in the number of strep

mutans than those children who were not gum chewers. Maximum effect of

sugarless gum chewing occurs when it is chewed 3 time a day directly

after meals.

Oral Care Report Vol. 13 No. 2,2003

Use of xylitol chewing gum in daycare centers: a follow-up study in

Savonlinna, Finland.

The use of toothbrushes in daycare centers has been questioned because

of the possibility of infections spreading through unsupervised

brushing. Several field studies have demonstrated a caries-preventive

effect of xylitol chewing gum--a measure that could be a practical way

of taking care of oral hygiene during daycare hours without brushing. A

community trial was conducted in total of 921 children. Oral health

status in the xylitol group was a little bit better than in the control

group. The use of xylitol can therefore be recommended, especially if

the personnel do not have the possibility to supervise the brushing.Acta

Odontol Scand. 2003 Dec;61(6):367-70. Kovari H, Pienihakkinen K, Alanen

Remineralization effects of xylitol on demineralized enamel.

We morphologically determined the effects of xylitol on the

remineralization of artificially demineralized enamel. The samples were

demineralized and then immersed in a remineralizing solution with or

without 20% xylitol at 37 degrees C for 2 weeks. Samples immersed in a

xylitol solution demonstrated less mineralization in the outer 10 microm

of the outermost surface layers, but more mineralization in the middle

and deep layerss. The MIP evaluation indicated that remineralization was

more prominent in layers at depths of 50-60 microm in the xylitol

samples than in the non-xylitol samples. These results indicate that

xylitol can induce remineralization of deeper layers of demineralized

enamel by facilitating Ca2+ movement and accessibility. Clinical Trial

Randomized Controlled Trial PMID: 14960009 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE] J Electron Microsc (Tokyo). 2003;52(5):471-6.Miake Y, Saeki Y,

Takahashi M, Yanagisawa T.

Xylitol and dental caries: an overview

Xylitol is a naturally occurring, low-calorie sugar substitute with

anticariogenic properties. Data from recent studies indicate that

xylitol can reduce the occurrence of dental caries in young children,

schoolchildren, and mothers, and in children via their mothers. Xylitol,

a sugar alcohol, is derived mainly from birch and other hardwood trees.

Short-term consumption of xylitol is associated with decreased

Streptococcus mutans levels in saliva and plaque. Aside from decreasing

dental caries, xylitol may also decrease the transmission of S. mutans

from mothers to children. Commercial xylitol-containing products may be

used to help control rampant decay in primary dentition. Studies of

schoolchildren in Belize and Estonia, along with data from the

University of Washington, indicate that xylitol gum, candy, ice pops,

cookies, puddings, etc., in combination with other dental therapies, are

associated with the arrest of carious lesions. PMID: 14700079 J Calif

Dent Assoc. 2003 Mar;31(3):205-9.Lynch H, Milgrom P.

In vitro testing of xylitol as an anticariogenic agent.

A number of studies involving xylitol chewing gum have demonstrated that

xylitol is both noncariogenic and anticariogenic. The ability of xylitol

to act as an anticariogenic agent most likely is due to its ability to

be transported into caries-causing oral bacteria and inhibiting

fermentation either by depleting the cell of high-energy phosphate or by

poisoning the glycolytic system. In vitro tests were conducted to

determine the concentration of xylitol required to inhibit the growth of

three strains of oral streptococcus (S. mutans, S. salivarius, and S.

sanguis). All three strains were inhibited significantly at xylitol

concentrations of 12.5% and higher; however, only S. mutans was

inhibited significantly at a xylitol concentration of 1.56%. Gen Dent.

2002 Jul-Aug;50(4):340-3. _Sahni PS, Gillespie MJ, Botto RW, Otsuka

Maintaining Mutans Streptococci Suppression: With Xylitol Chewing Gum

One strategy for treating dental caries is to suppress oral mutans

streptococci, or MS, with chlorhexidine, or CHX, mouthrinse. Oral MS

levels, however, tend to quickly return to baseline values without

further intervention. In this clinical study, the authors evaluated the

effect of xylitol chewing gum on MS regrowth. Subjects rinsed with 0.12

percent CHX gluconate mouthrinse twice daily for 14 days.Those in the

test group chewed a commercial xylitol gum three times daily for a

minimum of five minutes each time for three months. The placebo group

subjects used a commercial sorbitol gum, and the control group subjects

did not chew gum. After three months of gum chewing, the test group

subjects had significantly lower salivary than did the placebo or

control group subjects. Conclusions. Xylitol chewing gum appears to have

the ability to prolong the effect of CHX therapy on oral MS. .

[Maintaining Mutans Streptococci Suppression: With Xylitol Chewing Gum

Hi= ldebrandt G.H., Sparks B.S. JADA The Journal of the American Dental

Association, July 2000, vol. 131, no. 7,pp. 909-916]

How Xylitol–Containing Products Affect Cariogenic Bacteria

The authors examined the effect of xylitol on levels of Streptococcus

mutans and S. sobrinus. In the first study, 187 children received

xylitol containing snacks in school for four weeks. The children's

salivary S. mutans levels remained stable before and after xylitol

exposure. Bacteria from five of these children grew with 10 percent or

less xylitol at baseline, while the bacteria from all seven children

grew with 15 percent xylitol after exposure to the xylitol containing

snacks, suggesting that the S. mutans increased in tolerance to xylitol

during exposure. Overall, consumption of xylitol-containing snacks and

candy did not reduce S. mutans levels. However, bacteria from five

children and one adult became more xylitol tolerant. [How

Xylitol–Containing Products Affect Cariogenic Bacteria M.C.,

Riedy C.A., Coldwell S.E., Nagahama S., Judge K., Lam M., Kaakko T.,

Castillo J.L., Milgrom P. JADA The Journal of the American Dental

Association, April 2002, vol. 133, no. 4,pp. 435-441.]

Cavity Killer

If you tend to get cavities, chew on this: Gum that is sweetened with

xylitol can help prevent tooth decay.

Study participants who chewed on gum with xylitol after meals had far

fewer cavity-causing bacteria in their mouths five minutes afterward

than people who chewed gum sweetened with sorbitol or people who didn't

chew gum at all. Check the label on your favorite gum to see if it

contains the cavity-fighting ingredient.

RealAge Benefit: Flossing and brushing your teeth daily can make your

RealAge as much as 6.4 years younger

http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/trident_advantage_gum.htm#Xylitol%20News%20Updat\

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All Natural Xylitol Sweetener - Sugar sweet with no Aftertaste

A delicious, low calorie sweetener

XyloSweetT has all the sweetness of common sugars, yet has 40% fewer

calories. XyloSweet is an ideal alternative sweetener in foods prepared

for weight loss or for anyone concerned about the overuse of sugar in

their diet. But XyloSweet's low cal sweetening characteristics are only

the beginning of its nutritional story.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is the commercial name for a naturally occurring sugar called

xylose commonly derived from corncobs and birch trees. It is much like

many other sugars, but with a significant difference - the xylose

molecule contains only 5 carbon atoms rather than the 6 of most other

sugars.This molecular difference is the key to xylitol's beneficial

qualities both as a food source and as a bacterial inhibitor in both

medical and dental use.

XyloSweet in Diabetes Management:

XyloSweet can be substituted by most common sweeteners without

compromising taste or texture. XyloSweet is metabolized without insulin

so it creates a significantly lower glycemic effect when eaten - a

glycemic index of only 7. Good news for diabetics.

Anti-bacterial Benefits:

XyloSweet inhibits the ability of bacteria to attach to the tissues of

the mouth, nose and throat. This is why physicians are using xylitol to

reduce the symptoms of middle ear infections (otitis media) -

particularly in children.

Dental Benefits:

The health benefits of Xylitol extend to dental use as well. XyloSweet

in diets inhibits the ability of bacteria to adhere to the teeth,

reducing the production of the acids that dissolve tooth enamel and lead

to tooth decay.

XyloSweet is the sweetener for the 21st Century

As more and more Americans discover xylitol's great taste and many uses,

it will soon replace the more commonly used sugars in our diets. And

soon, like the people of Scandinavia, Americans will enjoy stronger,

healthier teeth, less bacterial infection, and a more sensible and

manageable diet through the used of XyloSweet instead of sugar.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 1 Teaspoon (4 g)

Servings per container: 340

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value

Calories 9.60

Total Fat 0 mg 0%

Sodium 0 mg 0%

Total Carbohydrates 4 g <1%

Sugars 0 g 0%

Xylitol 4 g <1%

Protein 0 g 0%

Directions:

When cooking, replace sugar with XyloSweet in equal measurements.

XyloSweet is heat-stable for cooking and baking, it also mixed and

dissolves just like common sugar.

Warnings:

XyloSweet will not cause breads and pastries to rise and is not a good

choice for hard candies since it will not crystallize with heating.

Xylitol is not recommended for sweetening juices and instant beverages

that require large amounts of sweetener.

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