Dear Dr. Ellie,
I have been using 2 packs of xylitol a day but now am having very loose bowels-is there something I can do or take? Also what do I do to make nasal mist with xylitol?
dk
Dear DK
I wonder how and when you are consuming your xylitol. I suggest eating a little xylitol (a quarter to half a teaspoon) at least four to five times a day preferably after meals. This is best for your digestion and your oral health.
Harmful mouth bacteria double in numbers after eating and xylitol will be there to help protect your teeth and remove any acidity from your drinks or meals.
If you do this you should not encounter any problems.
Our bodies make 15 grams of xylitol each day so our systems do not react to tiny amounts.
Xylitol is treated as fiber by the body. Someone who is not used to eating fiber may find they have some mild effects during the first few days.
FYI: Beware products containing sorbitol. Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener (the name sounds like xylitol but these products are completely different). People have all kinds of bad gastric reactions to sorbitol even when it is present in very small amounts. Check if you are using any drinks containing sorbitol or Splenda this could be your problem.
Studies show that even children can safely consume large quantities of xylitol. I recommend the amount you are taking one to two teaspoons each day. This amount is enough for dental health. Perhaps you could start with a quarter of a teaspoon four times a day. Then increase slowly each week until you reach two teaspoons a day.
Zellies mints are an easy way to enjoy a tiny amount of xylitol at time
http://www.zellies.com/catalog.asp?prodid=536148 . One Zellie mint is 0.5 grams so you can easily eat one or two of those without any problem. This may be an idea.
For a nasal mist I would recommend the Xlear product. They have been making a nasal mist for many years.It was developed by the founder of the company – who was a doctor that believed in xylitol. My son found great relief with this product check out www.Xlear.com
Hope this helps,
Ellie Phillips, DDS
Categories: Xylitol