Wood

Why You Need It

• Protects Your Teeth: It actively fights cavity-causing bacteria.
• Supports Blood Sugar Control: Safe for diabetics as it doesn't spike insulin.
• Promotes Ear & Gut Health: Used to prevent bacterial growth in the respiratory tract.

Deep Dive

Xylitol works via a mechanism called 'non-fermentability.' Unlike sugar, the bacteria in your mouth (Streptococcus mutans) cannot ferment xylitol to create the acid that eats away your enamel. By starving these bacteria, you remineralize your teeth and reduce plaque buildup. Furthermore, because it has a low Glycemic Index (GI of 7 vs. sugar's 65), it provides sweetness without triggering insulin resistance. When taken in lozenges, it can also reduce the frequency of middle ear infections (otitis media) by preventing bacterial adhesion in the nasopharynx.

Natural Food Sources

Xylitol occurs naturally in small amounts in various plant foods. While commercial production extracts it from wood pulp (birch/beech) or corn cobs for concentrated doses, you can find it in:

Supplementation

To get the therapeutic benefits (like cavity prevention), you cannot rely on the trace amounts in vegetables alone. Look for Xylitol lozenges, gum, or mints specifically. A common dosage for oral health is 5–10g per day, divided into 3–5 doses. Always check labels to ensure it is the primary ingredient.