Xylitol Allergy Symptoms
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in mints and chewing gums. Xylitol is a safe sugar alternative for individuals with diabetes or candida yeast overgrowth. Unfortunately, some individuals are allergic and unable to process xylitol. Symptoms include mouth sores, hives, bloating, gas, diarrhea and other digestive issues. If you are allergic to xylitol it is important to read labels and avoid foods containing this ingredient.
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Xylitol
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Xylitol, a commercial artificial sweetener, is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in most fruits and vegetables. Pure xylitol is a white crystalline substance that is as sweet as sucrose, also called table sugar, but is much lower in calories. For this reason, xylitol is often used as a sugar substute in traditionally sugary and high-calorie foods such as candy chewing gum.
Benefits
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Xylitol is safe for diabetics since it absorbs slowly and does not affect blood sugar levels in the body. Sugar, on the other hand, absorbs quickly, affecting blood sugar levels and causing a need for insulin. Xylitol is also a recommended sugar substitute for individuals with candida yeast overgrowth. Xylitol helps control yeast infections by killing the yeast, whereas table sugar feeds the yeast and helps it proliferate. Xylitol is also beneficial for the teeth, according to Dr. Ellie Phillips and Xylitol.org.
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Downsides
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Some individuals are allergic to xylitol or alternatively, cannot consume large amounts of xylitol without experiencing digestive discomfort and other symptoms. Like other sugar alcohols, xylitol can have a laxative effect in sensitive individuals. Individuals who are not allergic to xylitol but are instead only affected by over consumption can slowly build up a tolerance by gradually increasing xylitol in their diet.
Allergy Symptoms
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Individuals who are allergic or sensitive to xylitol may experience gas, bloating, diarrhea, mouth sores, itching, hives, rash, difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth or throat. Contact your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms after consuming xylitol and avoid all foods containing xylitol in the future.
Warning
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Lab tests and studies revealed that very high doses of xylitol may increase the risk of kidney stones, create acidity in the blood and interfere with liver function. Lab studies also showed that extremely high doses of xylitol for an extended period may be a carcinogen for cancer, as it may increase tumor growth.
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