You have taken all the steps necessary to avoid irritable bowel syndrome and are still battling bloating, cramps, gas, and other discomforts associated with IBS. You cannot imagine why this happens, but after careful examination of your life, you will find that you are missing an important factor. You may have overlooked the hidden sorbitol and other sugar substitutes that have crept into your life.
These sugar substitutes are found under the heading of “alcoholic sugars” and are used as sugar substitutes in many products, most of you are probably not aware of them and use them on a daily basis. They come under the name of sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol and not only cause symptoms of IBS (gas, cramps, bloating) but also create a laxative effect. If you are someone with a sensitive digestive tract, you have most likely been experiencing the reactions created by these chemicals.
They’re in:
Toothpaste
Plaque reducing rinses
Mouthwash
Breath mints
Chewing gum
Diet foods
Ice creams
Sugar-free foods and products
Now, not all toothpastes and mouthwashes contain these substances, but it’s worth figuring out which ones do and switching to the ones that don’t. You can’t help but swallow some toothpaste, mouthwash, or plaque-reducing formulas. The residue always remains in the mouth and then ingestion sends these chemicals directly to the intestine. Again, a sensitive digestive tract will often react.
Here are some tips and suggestions to avoid ingesting these products:
Start by checking the ingredients in your toothpaste, mouthwash, plaque reducers, gum, mints, and all other artificially sweetened products (ice cream, frozen desserts, drinks). Look for the word sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol on labels.
Any product or food with the term “sugar free” is usually an indication of one of these chemicals. Start removing these products from your home and replace them with those that do not contain these ingredients. There are many sugar substitutes that do not contain these ingredients. Opt for them if your problem is intestinal discomfort.
Whenever you are given a choice, select natural products rather than chemicals. Living better through chemistry doesn’t always correlate with a healthy intestinal tract. You will never go wrong doing it. Many manufacturers of diet or low calorie products also use these chemicals. If you are dieting and experiencing intestinal problems, check the labels. After these chemicals are removed, you will notice an absence of gas, bloating, and urgency in the bathroom.
To avoid this discomfort in the future, do yourself a favor and research all of their sugar-free products, snacks, pharmaceuticals, and hygiene products. You’re doing your digestive tract a favor.