Chew On This

So many times I have reached for a stick of sugarless gum despite knowing full well the damage artificial sweeteners can do just to keep from eating or craving dessert…

Here’s the skinny …

Chewing without eating food can be counterproductive. This sends the signal to your body that food is coming.

Your body was designed to activate digestion through chewing. This motion activates enzymes and acids necessary in the breakdown and digestion of foods.

This can be very confusing.

Chewing gum also brings in an excess of swallowed air which can put pressure on the intestine and cause cramping and bloating.  For those who suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) this can be very uncomfortable.

What about sugar–free gum?

Sugar free gum just doesn’t contain cane sugar but it still contains sugar alcohols which still have both calories and a glycemic impact. All chewing gums contain some form of added sweeteners , even xylitol or sugar alcohols that are just plain detrimental to your health!

In case you forgot, artificial sweeteners have been linked to birth defects, cancer, brain tumors and weight gain.

Reason being for a greater weight gain than sugar is it stimulates your appetite, increases carbohydrate cravings, and stimulates fat storage.

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production for an unnaturally long time and this can take away from other important metabolic functions like losing weight.

While chewing gum probably wont stop you from losing weight it may potentially slow it down. : (

Other side effects include:
Bloating and an overproduction of stomach acids which can compromise your ability to produce sufficient digestive secretions when you actually do eat food.

So if you do chose to chew gum, do it right before a meal when the acid & enzyme stimulation can work to your advantage.

Chew On This instead:
•Mint leaves
•Fennel seeds
or
•Brush your teeth more frequently

Surely, I will have to consider cutting back on chewing gum

After all this, dessert doesn’t sound so bad  ; )

GO for Life!

In peace, health & with much love, 

Joycelyn Bejar
Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Certified Personal Trainer