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Why You NEED Xylitol (it’s seriously awesome…)

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Once upon a time, I was watching Good Things Utah…several years back.  Remember when we were on there??  What a bunch of geeks (we were so scared!) 
Anyway, they had a guest on that was giving the low-down on this stuff called Xylitol…ya know, the stuff that’s now in Trident gum??  Normally, I fast forward to the cooking and gardening segments on GTU, but this stuff really caught my attention.  They were saying that it was a natural sugar that tastes good but also prevents dental problems and improves dental health (among other things), what?!?  Being the curiosity nerd that I am, I went online and started researching it…so much so, that I was actually fascinated enough to do my senior project on it at Weber State University.  That’s right, Xylitol helped me graduate.  Thank you.
I’ve been a Xylitol fan ever since and have been meaning to tell y’all about it for a long time.  This stuff really is amazing!  So, kick up your feet and read on…
What Is Xylitol??
Xylitol is an all natural substance that looks similar to and tastes like sugar.  When I say “natural,” I really mean it…it’s actually produced by your own body.  It’s also found in the fibers of several fruits, veggies, mushrooms and wood.  What makes it different from real sugar is that it’s short one carbon unit…it has 5, rather than 6.  That shortage does something really awesome, it scares off the bacteria and yeast in your mouth…hence, an improved environment for your teeth.  You can’t say that for sugar or any other sweetener! I would choose Xylitol over any artificial sweetener any day…it’s natural, tastes better, and doesn’t have a yucky aftertaste!
What Will Xylitol Do For Your Health??
Dental – There have been numerous studies on the effects of Xylitol on dental health.  It can improve your dental health by up to 50%!!  You can read several of the studies, here.  Xylitol has proven to decrease cavities and plaque in MAJOR ways (more than just your Crest toothpaste and dental floss) and can actually promote the healing of damage already in the mouth.  It will even help fluoride absorb better…or it can replace fluoride.  Studies have shown that even after you stop taking Xylitol regularly, the benefits still continue up to several years.  When you have Xylitol in your mouth, the bacterias can’t metabolize it and produce acid that ruins your teeth.  Without Xylitol, it’s a completely different story.  I’ve asked a couple of my dentists for their opinion on Xylitol and neither one of them knew hardly anything about it!  It’s actually pretty surprising and disappointing when you realize how much it helps and see all of the documented studies that have been done on it.  Xylitol has been approved as safe by JECFA and the FDA.  It has also been recommended by the ADA, “Data increasingly support the regimen of chewing xylitol-sweetened gum three to five times per day for a minimum of five minutes after meals to inhibit plaque accumulation and enamel demineralization, enhance remineralization of early lesions and reduce mutans streptococci counts.”  A Harvard School of Dental Medicine doctor wrote, “Since the evidence suggests a strong caries protective effect for xylitol, it would be unethical to deprive subjects of its potential benefits.”
Diabetes – Xylitol is absorbed more slowly than sugar and doesn’t contribute to high blood sugar levels.  It also has low calories per gram, so it helps with weight control. Regular sugar has a glycemic index of 100, while Xylitol is at 7.  Make sure you are getting your Xylitol from a reputable company.  Google “Diabetes and Xylitol” and you can read lots about the benefits!
Osteoporosis – Xylitol has been shown to improve bone density and weakening bones.  Read the fascinating study, here and here.
 
Ear & Upper Respiratory Infections – Not only is chewing gum (which is one way to get your Xylitol) a great way to help reduce ear infections, but the addition of Xylitol will help ward off harmful bacterias that cause the infections.  A study was done on over 800 children that showed a 40% decrease in infections for those who were chewing Xylitol gum regularly!
How Much Xylitol Should I Take?
Despite Xylitol being found in nature, the amounts are small.  One cup of raspberries contain roughly 1 gram of Xylitol.  So, ya wanna add some to your body by other means…the best ways to consume the proper amounts is by eating Xylitol mints or chewing Xylitol gum.  Research shows that 6-10 grams is sufficient to yield the desired results.  It’s best to chew the gums/mints after eating (and snacking), and brushing.  For optimum results, it’s best to take a mint or chew the gum 3 to 5 times daily.  It’s important that Xylitol be the only sweetener in the gum or mint, rather than an addition.
Where Can I Get Xylitol??
The company I get my Xylitol products from is called Xlear (pronounced “Clear”).  It’s based in Utah (whoo-hoo!) and has an awesome selection of Xylitol products.  They also have an extensive database of Xylitol information.  On their web site you can read numerous studies, news articles, etc.  I’ve learned so much by just browsing around their site.
  At my house, we use the toothpaste, mints, gum, children’s toothpaste…and love them all!  In fact, my kids love the mints and gum so much that I have to hide them.  They especially love the fact that they feel like they are eating candy AFTER they’ve brushed their teeth!
 Xlear was founded in 2000 and is currently the leading manufacturer of Xylitol products.  Check out this story about how it got started, pretty neat!…

“A few years before Xlear, Inc. was founded, Dr. Lon Jones, a general practice physician, was treating his granddaughter for a persistent ear infection and conducting extensive research on antibiotic immunities and alternative antibacterial treatments. His studies lead him to a large volume of research done in Finland about the beneficial effects of xylitol chewing gum on upper respiratory infections in children.

Dr. Jones then determined that a more direct delivery of this agent to the sinus tissues should have an even better result, so he mixed xylitol powder into a mild saline solution and administered it to his granddaughter in a nasal spray. In hours her condition improved, and the infection was completely cleared in only a few days – all without the use of antibiotic drugs.

Dr. Jones soon began dispensing this solution to other patients with ear, nose and throat infections, and the results were astounding. In 2000, Nathan Jones, Dr. Jones’ son, founded Xlear, Inc. in order to make the nasal wash commercially available. Since then, the company has expanded its research, product development and distribution of xylitol-based products.”

I have nothing but good things to say about Xlear.  I’ve loved their products, fast shipping, customer service, and helpful information.
Anyway, you’re welcome for all the great information.  It kinda made my brain hurt trying to remember what I learned about Xylitol 6 years ago and then researching it again.  Ouch, it hurts.  Ouch, ouch…you better love me.  Now, go comment.

Comments

  4. Lanie says

    We love Xylitol at our house. We learned about it a while back when we wanted to cut down on sugar and the effects of it on our family’s bodies. Spry gum is good, but if you are out at the grocery store it isn’t easy to find. Did you know there are about 4-5 Trident flavors that are made with Xylitol. I let my girls have gum whenever they want if it contains Xylitol. Good stuff! Hope I win and thanks for the opportunity!

  10. tarabrose says

    I have never heard of this product. I was put on a diet due to having high blood sugar. I would love to try this! Can you get it in the South?

  16. rebelmom says

    Have never tried it but very interested…my husband has horrible teeth and my children all were blessed with the same problem. Would love somehting to help combat the whole mess.

  20. Jenny-Two-Tries says

    I. WANT. THIS!!! Thanks so much for the info- I’m going to try it out- too many upper respiratory infections at our house. It would ROCK to win the giveaway!

  21. Jenny-Two-Tries says

    I. WANT. THIS!!! Thanks so much for the info- I’m going to try it out- too many upper respiratory infections at our house. It would ROCK to win the giveaway!

  22. Jenny-Two-Tries says

    I. WANT. THIS!!! Thanks so much for the info- I’m going to try it out- too many upper respiratory infections at our house. It would ROCK to win the giveaway!

  23. Jenny-Two-Tries says

    I. WANT. THIS!!! Thanks so much for the info- I’m going to try it out- too many upper respiratory infections at our house. It would ROCK to win the giveaway!

  27. Cari says

    would love to try this, have a son with very bad teeth, maybe this would help, because he hates it when I brush with the floride treatment.

  28. Cathie says

    Thanks for the good information. My daughter has type I Diabetes, and we have done a fair share of research re: artificial sweeteners, but I had no idea about this stuff. Very interesting!

  31. Julie says

    I would LOVE to win this giveaway! My 4 year old daughter LOVES gum…now I can feel good about letting her have it!

  32. Kristin says

    How cool! I have seen the ingredient on packages of Trident but really never new how awesome it was for you! Would love to try some! Thanks Mariel!

  35. Heather says

    Wow, thanks so much for the info! My husband has type 1 diabetes and doesn’t eat as well as he should, so this would be awesome if it can still provide good tasting food without raising his blood sugar!

  36. Mandy says

    We have tried the nasal spray and love it. I would love to try the other products. I am always on the lookout for good products for my kids teeth, great giveaway!!!

  40. Laura says

    My husband has such a struggle with his teeth. Maybe this will counteract the job that his genes are doing to his teeth.

    Laura

  42. Kara says

    You continue to surprise me with all of the interesting things you know and do in your house!!! I love to read all about it:)

  44. T says

    I love Xylitol and have been looking for a reasonable source actually! my kids officially have the worst teeth on the planet so anytime we call them sweetie or sugar we are risking cavities!

  48. A Little R and R says

    I have to cut my sugars because of really high triglycerides and I was clueless about what to use as a substitute! I would love to try it!!! Thanks for the information!

  50. daer0n says

    Great giveaway, – my father in law uses Xylitol instead of sugar, not only does it taste good, but I read all of the benefits of it and I think it’s awesome. A little bit expensive to buy, but totally worth it.

    Thanks!

  51. Molly says

    Wow! Intersting stuff, I’m willing to try it, my teeth are terrible and my daughter is prone to ear infections, thanks for the giveaway!

  53. The Colby's says

    I had only heard of xylitol in Trident before today. Who knew it was such an amazing product. Thank You so much for sharing your wisdom with us all! Can’t wait to try some – wink, wink!

  56. Brooke says

    How awesome that you did your senior project on Xylitol! I have been using it for years. I used to be a Orthodontic assistant and once went to a conference about Pediatric Dentistry. They spent a lot of time discussing Xylitol. It is exciting stuff! I would love to win!

  64. Jessica says

    We went to the dentist today and Halle got her first cavity- you can bet I’ll be getting me some of this! Great post chica!

  67. jill says

    Hahahaha! Thanks for posting about this. I thought Xylitol was some sort of allergy medication. 🙂 Whoops! I now feel all educated. Thanks!

  68. Nichols Family says

    Toothpaste that your kids like to use that doesnt’ have a cartoon or Hannah Montana on it? I am all over that! I would love to try these products! Thanks for the info.

    Melanie

  71. Kristen says

    Please BEWARE that Xylitol is poisionous to dogs. It causes them to go into liver failure if ingested. So make sure to keep it away from them!!!

  79. B.J. says

    I am amazed and very thankful for you writing about it. My daughter has Osteoporosis. My granddaughter has frequent ear infections. Please enter me as I would love to share these products with my daughter.

  80. Michele says

    I love gum with Xylitol. However, we found out the hard way that Xylitol is toxic for dogs. So, be sure to keep the yummy Xylitol away from your furry friends!

  85. MamaCta! says

    Very cool, I had heard of Xylitol but had no idea about all the benefits. My kids would love to eat ‘candy’ after brushing their teeth!!

  93. karen wall says

    I have never heard of this product. I am 55, and seem to always have teeth issues. And I am trying to give up aspartame. Give me some good reasons to stop drinking diet coke and to chew this gum! I think I would like to try it.

  95. Lisa says

    This was so exciting to read! I started working with Xlear in the beginning stages in 2000 and they grew so fast because xylitol does amazing things and everyone loves it! I would love to win something from them.

  99. SUPAHMAMA! says

    is it too late for this? don’t let me be too late! i’ve got two kids who it’s like pulling teeth (NO PUN INTENDED) for mommy to try and brush the sugar bugs off.

  100. Tran says

    Not entering the contest but wanted to make a comment.. Thanks so much for sharing this information. I work for Xlear Inc and truly appreciate your post. I was excited to have found your blog and more so excited when I saw this post. I will be emailing your link to our web marketing manager. Not many ppl know the other benefits of Xylitol excluding dental benefits so it’s great that you went into detail. More and more ppl should use it. I know I do. Thank you again.

  103. Heather B says

    I think Xylitol is the GREATEST invention on the PLANET. Xlear cured me of sinus infections (I don’t get them anymore) and I think they work wonders on ear infections on kids for sure. LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff.

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