ARTICLE - "IS XYLITOL SWEETENER REALLY A SAFE SUGAR SUBSTITUTE?"

IS XYLITOL SWEETENER REALLY A SAFE SUGAR SUBSTITUTE?

By Dr. David Jockers DC, MS, CSCS

 Below is a summary of the article.  To read the article in its entirety click on this link:  https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/xylitol-sweetener-sugar-substitute/?gl=59e0c520595c97e401404500&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=facebook&utm_content=xylitol-sweetener-sugar-substitute

ARTICLE SUMMARY 

• The sweetener xylitol is increasing in popularity amongst consumer looking for zero calorie sweeteners. But is xylitol safe?

• Unfortunately the answer isn’t clear-cut. You may want to avoid xylitol or other otherwise limit your daily consumption depending on your own health circumstances. 

• While xylitol is low on the glycemic index, there are conflicting reports on how xylitol sweetener affects blood glucose levels. There are also concerns that the sweetener may accumulate in the liver and cause long term toxic consequences. 

• On the pro side, Xylitol has been shown to have a number of benefits including: oral health, antimicrobial properties, and even anti-cancer abilities. In several lung cancer studies, xylitol was shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation and stimulate the natural process of autophagy (cell destruction).  

• Some of the negative health consequences identified with xylitol include: potential for metabolic disturbance (flatulence, abdominal cramping, bloating, and diarrhea), interference with absorbing nutrients from foods, interaction with some medications. Xylitol can also be deadly for pets − particularly dogs.  

• Xylitol sweetener may be a healthier alternative to health-damaging sugar and sweeteners such as aspartame, but exercise caution and consume in small doses.