Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 I'm including this excerpt from the April 13 Mercola.com newsletter. If you go to the actual website, there are links in this comment to several things, including one about the sweeteners used in gum. Dr. Mercola's Comment: Wrigley is jumping on the health bandwagon, spending millions of dollars to pay for research to prove that chewing gum is good for you. The researchers are supposedly independent. We've certainly seen that one before; they're taking the lead from the multi-national drug corporations that pay for research that is rife with massive conflict of interest and manipulated in the best medical journals in the world to deceive and influence medical professionals and consumers. Let's get this one straight folks. This is not rocket science. Chewing gum is NOT healthy for you. Never was, never will be, no matter how many millions or hundreds of millions of dollars is spent on research by potentially corrupted and conflicted independent researchers. Why? Quite simply, you were never designed to be constantly chewing. There are some very sophisticated neurological mechanisms in chewing that every medical student is taught in basic physiology class. When you chew, your brain sends a signal to your stomach to start producing digestive elements, like acid and digestive enzymes, in preparation for what it believes to be food coming down that needs digestive attention. When you fool your body by chewing without food you create a potential physiological nightmare that can easily lead to a variety of digestive dysfunctions, like acid reflux ulcers and bruxism (teeth grinding and clinching). This chewing dysfunction does not even address the problem with the sweeteners and chemicals used in gum, which typically have their own adverse consequences. No folks, let's get this one straight up front before the research is done. It doesn't matter what their studies show, you can predict with virtual certainty that these studies will be fatally flawed and seek to sell more of the product Wrigley seeks to promote. Chewing gum is not healthy for you. Chewing it occasionally will not likely result in any serious problems, but a steady diet of gum chewing is in no way, shape or form going to improve your health, and can only worsen it. --- In , " Betty Pearson " <betty@...> wrote: > > Is there a healthy chewing gum? I chew gum to keep me awake while driving. > I was reading the ingredients of Trident last night, and it says " natural > flavors " . That is pretty obscure. What does that mean? I'm diabetic, so I > look for gum sweetened with xylitol. > > Betty in Lehi > protect your memories! > store photos online: > http://www.bettykarl.myphotomax.com > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 --- In , " Betty Pearson " <betty@...> wrote: > > Is there a healthy chewing gum? I chew gum to keep me awake while driving. > I was reading the ingredients of Trident last night, and it says " natural > flavors " . That is pretty obscure. What does that mean? I'm diabetic, so I > look for gum sweetened with xylitol. > > Betty in Lehi > protect your memories! > store photos online: > http://www.bettykarl.myphotomax.com > Suck on a slice of raw fresh ginger, chewing occasionally to release some flavor. It will certainly keep you awake and its good for you too. - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 Betty, I've heard good things about xylitol, that it's the best scientifically-proven means to prevent tooth decay. I got a library book about edible landscape plants (sorry - I forgot the title) that says Native Americans used to chew spruce sap. It has a strong flavor at first, then a pleasant, and somewhat addictive flavor. It said it was not uncommon for people chewing spruce sap to spit several times at first to get the bitter taste out of their mouths. I tried some spruce tips and they did have a pleasant after-taste. Just be sure if you try this you can identify spruce, some evergreens like yew aren't good to eat, I think yew is deadly. --- In , " Betty Pearson " <betty@...> wrote: > > Is there a healthy chewing gum? I chew gum to keep me awake while driving. > I was reading the ingredients of Trident last night, and it says " natural > flavors " . That is pretty obscure. What does that mean? I'm diabetic, so I > look for gum sweetened with xylitol. > > Betty in Lehi > protect your memories! > store photos online: > http://www.bettykarl.myphotomax.com > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 I have no information on gum, but wanted to share that my Mom used to leave for a long car trip to her folks with a big package of carrots, she munched them all the way there to stay awake. I doubt eating that much of one thing is a good idea, but a few snacks of raw fruits & veggies might help a bit if you can't find a healthy chewing gum option. Tana chewing gum Is there a healthy chewing gum? I chew gum to keep me awake while driving. I was reading the ingredients of Trident last night, and it says " natural flavors " . That is pretty obscure. What does that mean? I'm diabetic, so I look for gum sweetened with xylitol. Betty in Lehi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 On 5/16/06, Betty Pearson <betty@...> wrote: > Is there a healthy chewing gum? I chew gum to keep me awake while driving. > I was reading the ingredients of Trident last night, and it says " natural > flavors " . That is pretty obscure. What does that mean? I'm diabetic, so > I > look for gum sweetened with xylitol. > > Betty in Lehi Hi Betty, Licorice root would make a good substitute, I think. I love chewing on it while driving. It's supposedly a great adrenal support as well. The taste is sweet but it doesn't have any sugar. I was also going to suggest pieces of honey comb, but if you're diabetic that might not work out (unless you found it mostly flushed of honey or something). Plus, it's not that portable... There are also natural tree gums to be found, but I don't know much about them or what's added etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 So, gum is an appetizer rather than a snack? Interesting... I wonder if I chewed gum 20-30 minutes prior to a meal - would that improve the availability of HCl and enzymes for digestion? If you use traditional gum, it looks like most of the ingredients are bitter, so perhaps the gum would even act positively on your bile production and eliminate the need for sweedish bitters... I'm going to keep an eye out for some of that spruce gum. Thanks! -Lana On 5/16/06, tometron <franxious@...> wrote: > > When you chew, your brain sends a signal to your stomach to start > producing digestive elements, like acid and digestive enzymes, in > preparation for what it believes to be food coming down that needs > digestive attention. > > When you fool your body by chewing without food you create a > potential physiological nightmare that can easily lead to a variety > of digestive dysfunctions, like acid reflux ulcers and bruxism (teeth > grinding and clinching). > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 16, 2006 Report Share Posted May 16, 2006 I used to chew honey comb. love it... But, found that I wanted to shallow it. Is it harmful to the gut to do that?? jafa Furbish <efurbish@...> wrote: On 5/16/06, Betty Pearson <betty@...> wrote: > Is there a healthy chewing gum? I chew gum to keep me awake while driving. > I was reading the ingredients of Trident last night, and it says " natural > flavors " . That is pretty obscure. What does that mean? I'm diabetic, so > I > look for gum sweetened with xylitol. > > Betty in Lehi Hi Betty, Licorice root would make a good substitute, I think. I love chewing on it while driving. It's supposedly a great adrenal support as well. The taste is sweet but it doesn't have any sugar. I was also going to suggest pieces of honey comb, but if you're diabetic that might not work out (unless you found it mostly flushed of honey or something). Plus, it's not that portable... There are also natural tree gums to be found, but I don't know much about them or what's added etc. <HTML><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC " -//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN " " http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd " ><BODY><FONT FACE= " monospace " SIZE= " 3 " > <B>IMPORTANT ADDRESSES</B> <UL> <LI><B><A HREF= " / " >NATIVE NUTRITION</A></B> online</LI> <LI><B><A HREF= " http://onibasu.com/ " >SEARCH</A></B> the entire message archive with Onibasu</LI> </UL></FONT> <PRE><FONT FACE= " monospace " SIZE= " 3 " ><B><A HREF= " mailto: -owner " >LIST OWNER:</A></B> Idol <B>MODERATOR:</B> Wanita Sears </FONT></PRE> </BODY> </HTML> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Hello jrrjim, With regard to the aspartame I can only say what I would do. I would not chew that gum. Manitol and sorbitol have low glycemic indexes because they are virtually indigestable. They pass through the intestines unchanged. This can be a problem if candy or similar things are eaten in even moderate amounts when these are the sweeteners. They throw off the osmotic balance of the gut and can cause a lot of diarrhea and distress. In gum this probably won't happen due to the small amount used., if you just have one piece. If you keep popping new pieces of gum all day with these sweeteners, then you could end up with the gut changes. Mike Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 9:31:26 AM, you wrote: j> Coming from a long history of various addictions (most socially j> acceptable and legal but still very damaging) my only remaining j> addiction seems to be chewing gum. j> I've done a bit of studying on the various gums out there, and found j> that there are chewing gums which use nothing but xylitol as their j> sweetener. However, these are relatively expensive. j> The " Extra " brand of chewing gum uses sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and j> the baddie aspartame, but is much cheaper than the pure xylitol j> gums. In reality, sorbitol and mannitol have much LOWER glycemic j> indices than xylitol -- they are better for you as sweeteners than j> xylitol, at least from a glycemic index point of view. j> The aspartame content of the chewing gum is of concern. However, my j> aspartame intake from the gum is the equivalent of 6 ounces of diet j> soda a day on the worst days, and more like 3 ounces of soda on j> average days. ( 1/4 to 1/2 can of soda a day). j> The gum tastes so SWEET it freaks me out -- I keep thinking " this j> can't be good for me " . However, I've done several muscle tests on j> the gum, and they all say the same thing -- the gum isn't a problem. j> Any feedback? -- Best regards, goldenmike mailto:goldenmike@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 On Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:31:26 -0000, " jrrjim " <jim.mcelroy10@...> said: > The gum tastes so SWEET it freaks me out -- I keep thinking " this > can't be good for me " . However, I've done several muscle tests on > the gum, and they all say the same thing -- the gum isn't a problem. > > Any feedback? I understand these types of addictions. My personal opinion is that when you are ready to give it up, you will. However, even if the muscle tests have shown gum is not a problem, it is still putting something you don't need into your body. ar -- Arlyn Grant arlynsg@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 > What about xylitol? And what other forms of safe chewing gum are there? > Hello jrrjim, > > With regard to the aspartame I can only say what I would do. I would > not chew that gum. > Manitol and sorbitol have low glycemic indexes because they are > virtually indigestable. They pass through the intestines unchanged. > This can be a problem if candy or similar things are eaten in even > moderate amounts when these are the sweeteners. They throw off the > osmotic balance of the gut and can cause a lot of diarrhea and > distress. In gum this probably won't happen due to the small amount > used., if you just have one piece. > If you keep popping new pieces of gum all day with these sweeteners, > then you could end up with the gut changes. > > > Mike > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Hello jrrjim, Xylitol can cause a laxative effect too, but I cut it a lot of slack due to its good effect on teeth. You can actually get some re-mineralization of teeth by chewing xylitol gum. Sweet!! Mike Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 9:55:31 AM, you wrote: j> >> j> What about xylitol? j> And what other forms of safe chewing gum are there? >> Hello jrrjim, >> >> With regard to the aspartame I can only say what I would do. I j> would >> not chew that gum. >> Manitol and sorbitol have low glycemic indexes because they are >> virtually indigestable. They pass through the intestines unchanged. >> This can be a problem if candy or similar things are eaten in even >> moderate amounts when these are the sweeteners. They throw off the >> osmotic balance of the gut and can cause a lot of diarrhea and >> distress. In gum this probably won't happen due to the small amount >> used., if you just have one piece. >> If you keep popping new pieces of gum all day with these sweeteners, >> then you could end up with the gut changes. >> >> >> Mike >> -- Best regards, goldenmike mailto:goldenmike@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Jim- my co-op, out of Oregon with routes up and down the west coast, http://www.azurestandard.com/search.php?q=Peelu+xylitol+gum has the Peelu brand, natural gum with only xylitol. Xylitol is a 5 carbon sugar so bacteria can't use it, in fact it kills them and can be used to kill caries-causing bacteria in the mouth. Last time I ordered it on sale it was $6.45 for 100 pieces, the regular price would be more. Their website has changed and wants me to set up an account with password to get the price.:-( I don't need that normally as I have a catalog and am on a delivery route. Health food stores and websites probably also carry Peelu gum. Aspartame is ant poison and toxic to the neural system. I would avoid it. On Jul 1, 2008, at 7:31 AM, jrrjim wrote: > The " Extra " brand of chewing gum uses sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and > the baddie aspartame, but is much cheaper than the pure xylitol > gums. In reality, sorbitol and mannitol have much LOWER glycemic > indices than xylitol -- they are better for you as sweeteners than > xylitol, at least from a glycemic index point of view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Oh my. You guys are so full of information. I know artifical sweeteners are bad for you. I still chew sugar free gum too. I also use extra because I like the taste better. I have sensitive teeth. I buy the full size sticks and tear in thirds. I still get the chewing effects. I don't have a need to eat other bad for me things. Yes it is very sweet. That is another reason i tear my pieces. lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Artificial sweeteners are highly toxic to brain tissue. Unless the gum is sweetened with xylatol or stevia, it likely contains derivatives of aspertame. Dr. Blaylock wrote a book about it. " Excitotoxins: A Taste that Kills " Read it and then decide if you want to continue with your habit. > > Oh my. You guys are so full of information. I know artifical > sweeteners are bad for you. I still chew sugar free gum too. I also > use extra because I like the taste better. I have sensitive teeth. I > buy the full size sticks and tear in thirds. I still get the chewing > effects. I don't have a need to eat other bad for me things. Yes it is > very sweet. That is another reason i tear my pieces. > lori > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Xylitol gum can be purchased reasonably if you buy it " in quantity " from a number of sites on the internet. It doesn't contain any aspartame and is no more expensive than regular gum when bought in containers of 300 pieces. I have used the gum, as well as xylitol toothpaste, mouthwash and breath mints. I have not experienced the laxative effects, but on my last visit to the dentist, the hygenist remarked how much my gums had improved and my pockets were 2-3 instead of 4's and 5's. I asked the dentist if xylitol might be responsible, and she responded, " Oh yes, xylitol is very good! " Made me wonder why she, or any other dental professional, has never TOLD ME ABOUT IT!!! You don't suppose they have an ulterior motive for keeping xylitol quiet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 On Jul 1, 2008, at 4:47 PM, myspagirl951 wrote: > Oh my. You guys are so full of information. I know artifical > sweeteners are bad for you. From a previous post, there doesn't seem to be a URL- ===================== Artificial Sweetener Raises Lifelong Concerns Long-term use of aspartame-sweetened sodas and candy may risk brain function/development and accelerate aging by Craig Weatherby " What is aspartame? In the body, this synthetic chemical compound breaks down into methanol (10 percent), aspartate (40 percent), and phenylalanine (50 percent). Aspartate and phenylalanine alike act as neurotransmitters and as precursors to other neurotransmitters. Consumption of aspartame can cause big spikes in aspartate levels, which are known to damage brain cells. Phenylalanine can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause large changes in the production of key neurotransmitters. Methanol breaks down into formate, which is lethal to cells, is linked to a broad range of toxic effects, and also turns into toxic formaldehyde. Previous studies have found that aspartame can induce neurological and behavioral disturbances in some people, with symptoms that include headaches, insomnia and seizures. These effects appear related to changes in brain concentrations of amino acids, neurotransmitters, and hormones such as norepinephrine, epinephrine and dopamine. And the new findings suggest that aspartame could be responsible for more subtle, long-term problems with brain function. " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Can you supply a few URL's? > > Xylitol gum can be purchased reasonably if you buy it " in quantity " from a number of sites on the internet. It doesn't contain any aspartame and is no more expensive than regular gum when bought in containers of 300 pieces. I have used the gum, as well as xylitol toothpaste, mouthwash and breath mints. I have not experienced the laxative effects, but on my last visit to the dentist, the hygenist remarked how much my gums had improved and my pockets were 2-3 instead of 4's and 5's. > > I asked the dentist if xylitol might be responsible, and she responded, " Oh yes, xylitol is very good! " > > Made me wonder why she, or any other dental professional, has never TOLD ME ABOUT IT!!! You don't suppose they have an ulterior motive for keeping xylitol quiet? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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