Chewing on Plastic?

Thinking of popping in a piece of gum to freshen up after lunch? Think again! In addition to chewing gum possibly causing chronic low-level headaches, negative health effects may also be caused by the ingredients in the gum. These ingredients include sugar substitutes and gum base which may be carcinogens and have been linked to a variety of negative health effects, such as cancer and diabetes. Chewing gum can also damage dental fillings or braces, and large amounts of swallowed gum may even require medical

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Gum Base.

“Gum base” is a blend of elastomers, plasticizers, fillers, and resin. Some of the other ingredients that go into this mix are polyvinyl acetate, which is frequently referred to as “carpenter glue” or “white glue”. This is a suspected carcinogen. Paraffin wax is another ingredient that is a byproduct of refined petroleum. Is chewing plastic, petroleum and rubber safe? As you chew, these substances leach into the mouth and body. These chemicals may just be hidden in the ingredient list as “gum base”, making it difficult to avoid gum that contains it.

Aspartame.

The controversy surrounding this substance is widespread. It is one of the most toxic substances we can consume. According to researchers and physicians studying the adverse effects of aspartame, the following chronic illnesses can be triggered or worsened by ingesting of aspartame: Brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, mental retardation, lymphoma, birth defects, fibromyalgia, and diabetes. It is in many diet products on the market today, but in the long run actually contributes to obesity due to his extreme acidity.

Hydrogenated Coconut Oil and Starch.

Hydrogenation is chemical process that modifies oils to increase the shelf life of a product, turning oil into a more plastic like substance. This process also creates Trans fats, which are now known to be very harmful to health. Hydrogenated oils cause many different health problems. They raise LDL cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol, while also lowering the good HDL cholesterol. High LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream lead to the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries that forms hard deposits called plaque. Plaque narrows the interior of the arteries and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Artificial Colors (titanium dioxide, blue 2 lake, red 40).

Titanium dioxide is a nanoparticle that is very common in sunscreen and many other health products, including synthetic nutritional supplements. New evidence is showing the possibility of this substance being carcinogenic, leading to cancer. Artificial food colorings, such as red 40, are made from petroleum and are dangerous to our health. Many people have extreme allergies to these substances and they have been implicated in contributing to ADD and other disorders and diseases.

Sorbitol, Xylitol, Mannitol, Maltitol.

Sweeteners used in sugar-free chewing gum could be a severe health risk. Sorbitol, can trigger severe weight loss, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Users of sugar-free gum should bear in mind the known link between high levels of sorbitol and potential abdominal problems and limit their intake. Sorbitol consumption is also associated with irritable bowel syndrome. This highlights a need for clearer packaging information on chewing gum about ingredients. These sugar alcohols are originally made from sugar but are altered so much that they are considered sugar free. As a general rule, when natural foods are changed to make a “better” product, more often than not, the result is something that is not healthy.

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