I am always on the lookout for new research, especially when it comes to natural substances that truly help the body. There is newly published research on a natural sweetener called Xylitol.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a naturally occurring sugar substitute. It is found in the fibers of various fruits and vegetables such as plums, berries and mushrooms; as well as the bark of birch trees. What’s so great about it? Xylitol appears to "unstick" the bacteria that adhere to the cells that line the nose and sinuses.
There are some doctors currently using this sweetener as a nasal spray that helps to remove allergens that trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks. In certain asthma patients, an attack can be caused by infection in the back of the nose or sinuses, other upper respiratory infections, chronic sinus problems, and/or allergies.
In research done by Dr. Lon Jones, patients were able to control their asthma by the simple means of regularly washing the bacteria and pollutants that may trigger it, from the back of the nose. For many of his patients, no other medications were needed.
Childhood ear infections are also being studied as far as the effects of xylitol. Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is currently the most frequent cause of childhood visits to physicians. Recurrent AOM infections can lead to serious long term problems requiring lots of antibiotics and even surgery. As we now know, continued use of antibiotics is not only a problem for the child’s gastrointestinal and immune systems, but it leads to the development of resistant strains of bacteria as well.
Well controlled studies in children demonstrate that using Xylitol sweetened products prevents the recurrence of AOM. In one such study, the children were given gum containing either Xylitol or sucrose and then watched over a 2 month period. The Xylitol group showed statistically less ear infections as well as less use of antibiotics (Uhari M, et al, 1996).
Clinical studies on tooth decay are also proving xylitol a useful substance. When carbohydrate or sugars are consumed, acid is produced in the mouth, and the pH drops rapidly below pH 5.7. This drop causes demineralization of tooth enamel and potential cavities. Oral bacteria are unable to metabolize xylitol and therefore no acid is produced.
When chewing Xylitol gum, for example, the pH balance in the oral cavity is quickly returned to a safe level. The enamel erosion is then minimized which in turn enhances the re-mineralization process. The pleasant sweetness also stimulates saliva fl ow, which helps to rinse away excess sugar residues and neutralize any acids that have been formed. Xylitol is not only able to prevent or reduce the incidence of cavities, but it reduces the amount of plaque as well. So far, no other sugar substitute has been shown to function in this way.
The effects and mechanisms of action of Xylitol are still being investigated. So until more is understood, you can at least chew Xylitol gum such as Xyli-Chew (found at most health food stores). This way you are able to stay away from gum packed with sugar or aspartame, plus decrease bad bacteria at the same time. I love it; it’s a WIN-WIN!
As always, do your own research before trying Xylitol for yourself, but in my opinion, Xylitol is proving to be a great way to eliminate bad bacteria and freshen breath at the same time.