Xylitol and Gastrointestinal Upset

Sometimes people can experience gastrointestinal issues when first using xylitol. Xylitol is a prebiotic fiber food that supports mouth and intestinal probiotic bacteria, which can cause digestive upset when first using, especially for people with digestive imbalances.

Xylitol's hygroscopic pull

Because of xylitol's hygroscopic pull, it may allow body liquids to flow through a leaky gut lining and into the gut, which can cause loose stools as well as gas, bloating, or upset stomach. Adequate tolerance to xylitol’s special hygroscopic effects can take a few months, depending on a person's gastrointestinal health.

Solutions

• Anyone with digestive sensitivities should begin very slowly, using only one gram of xylitol at the end of one meal each day, and then gradually adding more as digestive health improves.
• If you find that you need to reduce or eliminate the amount of xylitol you're consuming, Dr. Ellie suggests focusing on other lifestyle habits to maintain oral health, such as:
  • practicing mouth resting (taking breaks from constant snacking/drinking) to allow your beneficial saliva time to strengthen your enamel
  • eating particular protective foods that alkalize your mouth

Continue learning about mouth resting here: Mouth Resting