We got a note today from a customer wondering if xylitol has anything to do with migraines. We wanted to make sure everyone has accurate information on this…
Xylitol has no connection with migraines.
In fact xylitol has a very low glycemic index ( 7.0) and does not use the insulin pathway.
Your body actually makes about 15 grams of xylitol each day so your body recognizes xylitol which is all good!
Aspartame the main ingredient in NutraSweet is implicated in many neurological problems especially connected with eyes.
Aspartame was classified as a neurotoxin before it was approved by the FDA as a sugar substitute in the 1980s.
Aspartame accounts for 75% of all side effects reported to the FDA’s adverse reaction monitoring system 10,000 complaints in one year!
Vertigo, nausea, seizures and memory loss are some of the reported reactions people experience with NutraSweet.
Aspartame is implicated so much in vertigo problems that pilots and the military are routinely warned about the dangers of aspartame.
Aspartame is in so many things from diet candy to ice cream and drinks.
Watch out because Trident chewing gum ( and several others) mix xylitol with aspartame in the ingredients.
They advertise “Now with Xylitol” on the wrapper but less than 2% is xylitol the main ingredient is an artificial sweetener sorbitol ( not good) and also aspartame with other artificial sweeteners.
This is particularly confusing for people.
Zellies chewing gum is 100 percent sweetened with xylitol to make it very simple and safe for you!
So don’t be fooled and let other people know the truth!
My suggestion for anyone with migraines to search the ingredient lists.
Remove all artificial sweeteners from you diet especially Aspartame and Spenda.
Here is where xylitol is a very useful alternative!
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hope this helps,
Ellie Phillips, DDS
Categories: Uncategorized
Interesting that I came across this anecdote about migraines and xylitol.I have made the personal observation that chewing gum with xylitol leads to headaches. I have also used xylitol as an additive sweetener and found that I have had headaches from that use, too.While there may be “no connection”, it is certainly notable that I have made this careful observation and so has another person who wrote to you. I’ll suggest that someday a connection might indeed be found.
I also suspect xylitol for 2 severe migranes that I had a few months ago. I had purchased ZipFiz from Sams Club and had 2 migranes that induced vomitting, light & sound sensativity – the works – one lasted and kept me in bed for over 24 hours and I went to the doctor for some fast disolving pills and it still continued for another 24 hours. We didn't know what caused it because I had had migranes in the past, but never this severe and never one that lasted over 12 hours. When I was cleaning out my cupboards a week or so after the last one I found the ZipFiz and instantly "knew" that's what it was. I haven't had another ZipFiz nor another migrane since.I found this article because I got an e-mail about the deadly reaction dogs can have from xylitol. I'm suprised that there is so much positive information and this is the only comment I've found linking the xylitol to migranes.
I had no idea what ZipFizz so I looked on line to give you some feedback.I still have no idea what the ingredients are – but I assure you it has nothing to do with Zellies. Zellies are made with pure xylitol – and all-natural ingredients.I hope you discover the difference between artificial sweeteners – and natural alternatives like xylitol. Xylitol is healing by nature.The sweetener most often associated with migraines would be aspartame.You may want to check the ingredients of ZipFizz again and see if aspartame is one of them. I hope you feel better soon,Ellie
I recently purchased Tom’s of Maine toothpaste for my family, having read about the horrors of fluoride. I have used this toothpaste about 7 times and each time I use it I get a headache within 2 minutes of brushing my teeth, even though I spit and rinse my mouth each time. It is sweetened with xylitol. This is the same headache I get when I consume aspartame, sorbitol, sucralose, etc. I don’t care what anyone says, there is a link between these sweeteners and headaches. Perhaps it does not occur in everyone, but it does occur in some people, and I am one of those people.
There is plenty of evidence that aspartame/NutraSweet is linked to vision disturbances and headaches.I would NEVER recommend you use any of these artificial sweeteners in your diet.Dr Mecola is co-author of a great book called “Sweet Deception” which goes into detail about the dangers of artificial sweeteners – including sorbitol, aspartame and sucralose(Splenda).http://products.mercola.com/sweet-deceptionXylitol is a completely different sweetener – and with Stevia represents the healthiest natural sugar alternatives. Stevia does not give the dental benefits that you will experience using xylitol. As for Toms of Maine. I do not recommend this toothpaste for a variety of reasons. You may be interested to know that Toms of Maine is a Colgate product.If you look at the Complete Mouth care System that I recommend it calls for Original Crest Paste – formulated years before the oral care industry became a money machine. http://www.zellies.com/client_images/catalog19708/pages/files/CompleteCareFlyer2.pdf I wish you luck and hope you find the solution for your teeth that brings you health and happiness.Ellie
I have had a horrible migraine ever since leaving my chiropractor’s office 7 days ago. Just today I realized that I been chewing the gum that I bought at the chiropractor (containing xylitol) every day for the last 7 days. My headache was better this morning. Then after lunch I chewed some of the gum and my migraine returned (horribly). I’m really diappointed. I’ve NEVER had such horrible headaches and certainly not for this long.
I am certain/absolutely positive that this is not due to xylitol in your chewing gum.I would really like to know if this gum is sweetened with 100 percent xylitol ( in other words is xylitol the only ingredient in this gum?) If the gum has a list of ingredients – look for aspartame or sorbitol.Most often aspartame is the artificial sweetener that causes vision and migraine problems.Sorbitol is the ingredient that gives people stomach aches.Xylitol is not responsible for any of these kinds of problems, but it is usually the product listed on the wrapper – because it is the one and only healthy component!I only endorse gum and mints made with 100 percent xylitol. Aspartame is often used as an ingredient in chewing gum – because it helps gum retain its flavor.Aspartame has often been linked to vision disturbances, headaches and migraines.I believe that pilots of aircraft are not allowed to consume aspartame before flying.Aspartame is the sweetener that is in Equal ( the blue packets). I would like to know if this was the problem in the gum you ate – since I would like to warn others – so please respond and let us all know!Thanks so much – I put my money on the fact that this headache has NOTHING to do with xylitol.Ellie
“Watch out because Trident chewing gum ( and several others) mix xylitol with aspartame in the ingredients.”Rats! I just ordered a bushel of the stuff online. 🙁
I\'m getting mixed feelings on this product. I\'ve been off sugar completely for over a month. I am on the candida diet, so not even fruit except lemons, limes, cranberries(not dried), and recently rhubarb(though I think that\'s technically a veggie). I get my sugars from veggies and non glutenous low strach grains. It\'s quite a challange having to make everything from scratch and trying to still have a life.So last week I bought a package of 100% pure xylitol after all the reviews I\'ve read on its antibacterial effects. I made some rhubarb jelly with xylitol using only rhubarb, water, xiltol, a few pieces of lemon peel, half a vanilla bean, and some unflavored gelatin.After consuming a small amount on my home made alternative pancakes, I got a mild headache, and my sinus areas felt unusually warm. My stomach felt like it was turning a bit for a few minutes, but then settled. I made notice, but dismissed it as a coincidence. I skipped a couple of days of consuming the jelly. I consumed a little more of the jelly today as I had just returned from the dentist and could not eat any solids as my freezing hasn\'t completely worn off and I was a little warry of chewing into my cheeks, so decided to go for something soft like the jelly. I had 2 TBSP of it. I estimate that has about 1-2 TSP xylitol in it. Within 5 minutes I got the headache again, and the warming of the sinus area. No stomach problem though. Is this a sign of detox or is this not good for me? Not sure what to think….When splena came out everyone thought that was a healthy alternative too. I've done some research, and it seems promising, but who conducts these researches? We need to all just see how our bodied react and know that wisdom comes from within, not other peoples studies alone. I will experiment with the remainder of the jar of jelly and make a final decision on my own. Thank you all for asking questions here. I think it is very beneficial to compare notes, and to know that I\'m not crazy, or the only person who gets headaches from this stuff.
An interesting part of your story is that I had always believed xylitol stopped jelly becoming "jelly". If you are looking for a sugar substitute for your diet, I suggest you consult a holistic nutritionalist to help you. If you are looking for improved teeth – the best way to use xylitol is to eat 1 gram at the end of each meal, after your juices and fruits. You could eat it directly off a spoon or dissolved in some water as a little drink. Alternatively you could eat Zellie mints or gum which are made with 100 percent xylitol. Eating xylitol at the end of a meal protects your teeth from foods that your are eating and drinking. Xylitol stimulates a flow of natural alkaline saliva into your mouth – and you only need a tiny amount of xylitol to make this happen. The xylitol does not "do" anything to you. In fact, our bodies produce xylitol each day – so our body recognizes xylitol as a healthy substance. I would suggest you stop making xylitol into jams – Stevia may be better for that – and start having a little xylitol at the end of your meals, snacks and drinks. Best Wishes,Ellie
Yes, it was a bit of a challange to get the jelly to set, I had to reheat it 3 times and add a little more gelatin each time, but finally it did gel quite nicely.
Unfortunately in my case xylitol "does" give me a headache. Our bodies produce vitamin A from beta carotine too, but if we put too much vitamin A in our systems we end up with weaker bones that break easier. Just because something is naturally acurring does not necessarily make it OK to eat for everyone. I think I will stick to my tested and tried stevia.
Thanks for your comment – I appreciate your message,The great thing is we all have a choice! Ellie http://www.zellies.com26 Corporate WoodsRochester, NY 14623(585) 272-1270
I have been having severe headaches since I switched my old gum out for xylitol gum. I am certain that this is the trigger for me. I feel stupid that it took me so long to figure this out, but I have tested the connection and found it to be true. I was very reluctant to blame xylitol at first, since I have read so much good information about it. Note: I always chew sugar-free gum and drink diet cola with aspartame. Only the xylitol gum triggers the headaches.
I would suggest you look for products that are 100 percent xylitol.If you are eating any of the cheaper/commercial xylitol gum, it probably contains lots of artificial additives – colors etc. I would only buy high grade xylitol gum like Zellies.Alternatively, you may want to try Zellies quick dissolving mints – perhaps chewing is the problem I will not comment on the diet soda – but aspartame is a recognized neuro-toxin.Ellie http://www.zellies.com26 Corporate WoodsRochester, NY 14623(585) 272-1270
Just recently read your book. And decided to start your whole mouth care system. The reason I've looked on the blog is I too seem to be having migraines after ingesting xylitol. And yes I did read all of the above comments about making sure the product was 100% xylitol. And mine is. My thought is it's giving me migraines because xylitol is derived from birch trees…and I've always had severe allergies to trees. Any thoughts?
I would use Zellies mints for a while – since we have never had any problem with them. One mint after each meal or snack – so that you have about 5 mints a day to start – after meals. Then you can increase slowly to two mints after each meal or snackThis way you will increase your "dose" slowly and make sure you are not experiencing any problems – which I am sure you will not!!! Your body will get used to xylitol gently.Each mint is 0.5 grams and when you have two mints five times a day – you will be having 5 grams a day – which is a good amount. Recent research shows the benefits of multiple exposures rather than taking a whole teaspoon at one time! Let me know how this works.Thanks so much for your question – we love to hear back from Zell-ites!! Ellie http://www.zellies.com26 Corporate WoodsRochester, NY 14623(585) 272-1270
The funny thing is- we KNOW when something is not right when we consume it! I would advise anyone to steer clear of anyone (or any company) that says they are 100% right no matter what. Our bodies produce lots of things… That does not mean the synthetic form will not cause problems! Ie~insulin. Eat whole foods and get your sweet fix from fruit. It seems humans are always trying to one up nature to have their way. Drop the packaged foods, grow it yourself and get your information from unbiased sources.
agree that our bodies are very good at KNOWING and helping us in most ACUTE or urgent situations. Our bodies are great at immediately sending cleaning cells and blood to the site of an infection. The body responds at all levels – even at cellular and enzyme levels – quite fantastic actually! Changes occur that protect the body and (at the same time) deal with any foreign body, bacteria or whatever has caused the infection. However, the body gets confused when chronic conditions exist or when we pay no attention to this initial cry for help.Take a simple gum infection for example. What happens in the mouth reflects body confusion perfectly. A simple gum infection can precipitate a bunch of reactions – and this example shows how a simple problems can cause sickness all over the body, if you ignore the signs.Suppose plaque is allowed to accumulate on the gums.It will produce poisons that cause gum inflammation. The body tries to deal with these poisons by becoming swollen (cells beneath the skin try to eat up the infection and get rid of the poisons). BUT this problem is too great for these cells – our body needs YOUR help – YOU must get rid of the plaque.This signal is bleeding gums – they NEED you to brush more and use xylitol to rid the mouth of infected plaque.What happens if the problem is not resolved ( by cleaning away the plaque)?The next step is that our body goes to another level of reaction. This is when bleeding gums turn into a more complicated disease – known as periodontal disease. NOW the body becomes confused. YOU may think everything is better since periodontal disease is painless, does not cause bleeding and the infection is below the gums – so you don't see anything.Most people are completely unaware of periodontal disease – you don't FEEL anything. Next steps – the body gets FRANTIC!Over time, your body goes nuts – because nothing is making this situation better. This is when the body sends out inflammation cells and more blood (not just to the gums any more) it now sends out help to many parts of the body. This is when suddenly a gum infection will precipitate an inflammation in other body places. This is when people start to suffer heart, lung, joint and blood chemistry changes – all because of the GUM DISEASE…….I agree that the body is great to tell us stuff.Problems occur if we don't react or don't see this "cry for help".It does not take long for the body to turn against us!!Check with your dentist – and make sure your gums are healthy – really, really healthy!!My system can help prevent plaque, prevent gum infection, and most important of all it can help prevent a simple infection turning into periodontal disease and causing reaction all over the body.Maybe I help save lives???Thanks for your message,Ellie
ZipFizz gives me migraines because of the green tea it contains. I am sensitive to green tea. Just my two cents.