(*Nothing in this newsletter is to diagnose, prescribe, treat, or cure disease. Use at your own risk and as a springboard for your own research.)
The Forum – February 9, 2005 –
Sweets That Don’t Rot the Teeth!
I’ve read all about the EVILS of sugar.
I don’t doubt the bad, but I know God gave us taste buds for a reason – (mainly to savor DARK chocolate with, I’m certain), and my Daddy taught me,
”Life is uncertain. Eat dessert FIRST!”
I want to have my dark chocolate CAKE, and eat it, too,
without losing my teeth!
So, I’m exploring dental health.
Today I’ll share what I’ve learned of “xylitol”!
(* sounds like a musical instrument, doesn’t it?
“Xylitol” Or an artificial sweetener, but it’s neither! )
Today is the day you learn MORE than you ever wanted to know about this mysterious sweetness that could be part of a healthy Dental Defense System!
Most of the information came from a brochure and phone conversation with the company I’ll introduce at the end.
They offer mints, chewing gum, and packets of sweetener that might protect against the bacteria that cause cavities in teeth.
They also offer a nasal spray that protects against the 3 most common bacteria that cause respiratory ills.
A friend tested the spray and said, “I’m real impressed with its effects. My husband has cleared up a chronic sinus thing in about 24 hours that had been hanging on for over two weeks.”
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WHAT IS XYLITOL?
Xylitol was discovered in the late 1800’s, and has been in use in the Scandinavian countries since the 1940’s.
Xylitol is as sweet as sugar, mixes and measures like common table sugar, with no aftertaste, yet has 40% fewer calories.
One brochure says, “Xylitol is a natural sugar derived most commonly from corn cobs, corn stalks and birch trees. This sugar is unique, however, in that it contains only 5 carbon atoms per molecule instead of the 6 found in common sugar.”
“This molecular difference is the key to xylitol’s antibacterial properties. When exposed to this 5-carbon sugar, bacteria in the mouth lose their ability to adhere to the surface of the teeth. Tooth–destroying acids are reduced, and plaque is more easily brushed and rinsed out of the mouth…. Clinical studies show that the use of xylitol in toothpaste, gum and candy can reduce cavity-causing effects in the mouth up to 80%.”
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HOW DOES XYLITOL WORK?
As I understand it, bacteria feed off of sugar and it gives them a “Velcro-like” stickiness which allows them to adhere to our cells, even our teeth, in the form of plague.
When bacteria try and feed on xylitol, they can’t metabolize it, hence they can’t create their sticky “biofilm”, therefore they become slippery and cannot attach to our cells or teeth.
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING XYLITOL?
DENTAL:
This company makes xylitol chewing gum, mints, and dental products like toothpaste and mouth rinses.
The Xlear brochure says, “Xylitol was discovered to have cavity fighting properties in the 1940’s when, due to sugar shortages in Europe, the Scandinavian countries began to use xylitol as a sugar substitute. By the 1950’s, children in these countries were observed to have fewer cavities than children in countries still using sugar. Today, Finland leads the world in overall dental health as they continue to depend upon xylitol as a healthful alternative to sugar.”
Another brochure stated, “Clinical studies show that products rich in xylitol can reduce cavities up to 80%.”, and they say this has been proven in several, large scale clinical studies.
UPPER RESPIRATORY HEALTH:
This company also makes Xlear Nasal Wash with xylitol. A physician and developer of Xlear, Dr. Lon Jones, writes, “90% of all infection-causing bacteria enter the body through the nose. Clearing these breathing passages may be the most effective way to prevent upper respiratory infection.”
The brochure also says, “When used in daily hygiene, this saline nasal solution not only hydrates the sinuses, but actually helps your body rinse away infection-causing bacteria as well. And, unlike prescription remedies, this daily use will never damage tissues, nor result in antibiotic resistance.”
“When exposed to xylitol, bacteria lose their ability to adhere to sinus tissues, allowing your body to more easily clear them away.”
With Xlear Nasal Wash, you might be able to:
* breathe easier,
* smell more clearly,
* enjoy better upper respiratory health
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IS XYLITOL SAFE?
I searched the internet for hours and everywhere I went said it was safe with the only known side effect being a laxative effect, if taken in large doses.
One website said xylitol could be safely used in small amounts.
Another said a 1986 study said it was safe, and gave it the highest, safest “acceptable daily intake” rating.
The Xlear brochure says, “The FDA and the World Health Organization have given XyloSweet their highest rating for food additives,…”
Based on all that, it appears to be very safe, FOR PEOPLE!
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BUT XYLITOL IS NOT SAFE FOR ANIMALS!!!! KEEP YOUR CHEWING GUM & MINTS OUT OF FIDO’S REACH!
I’ve heard that a lot of things we humans ingest safely can be dangerous for our pets.
Even the dark chocolate I love and crave is supposed to be toxic for the family bird, (*except for my grandparents 40 year old African Gray Parrot who managed to survive a chocolate “Kiss” each night, until we learned he was being killed with kindness!). Bottom line - Keep your xylitol away from your pets.
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IS XYLITOL THE SAME AS SORBITOL AND MANNITOL?
No, evidently they are very different.
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HOW IS XYLITOL USED?
Xylitol is used in place of sugar in a 1-to-1 ratio. In other words, if a recipe calls for 1 cup sugar, you could substitute 1 cup xylitol.
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CAN YOU COOK WITH XYLITOL?
I was told xylitol can be used in most recipes like cookies, cakes, pies and even chocolates, but there are 2 instances in which it does not work well. Xylitol does work well in yeast breads. Xylitol does not work well in hard candies because it doesn’t crystallize well.
I’ve heard that one major manufacturer is replacing the sugar in their rice pudding with xylitol.
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IS IT SAFE FOR ALL AGES?
The brochure I have says it is “Safe for all ages”.
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IS IT SAFE FOR DIABETICS?
I was told it is very diabetic safe, has a minimal effect on the blood sugar, and doesn’t make blood sugars rise or fall.
My brochure says, “…diabetics use it because it has a very low glycemic index of 7.”
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Whew! I’m tired! But now you know more about xylitol than you EVER wanted to know! ha!
Check it out under our Dental Care section!
Cindy
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