If you chew gum, read this

I used to be ADDICTED to gum. I would totally freak out if I didn't have some in my purse or pantry after eating. 

I was led to believe if I chewed gum, I would reach less for sugary substances and it would help me maintain my weight. But after giving up this habit over 12 years ago, I've never been more healthy or had better digestion and here's why: 

First of all, check out the ingredients in the popular brands of chewing gum: 

All those sugar alcohols disrupt healthy gut bacteria and can cause all kinds of digestion issues. 

Chewing gum is also packed with artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, and artificial dyes that are a disaster for your health.

If you're chewing gum thinking it will help you lose weight, you are actually sabotaging yourself…

Artificial sweeteners (like Aspartame and Acesulfame K) are shown to stimulate your appetite, increase sugar cravings, and promote fat storage and weight gain! 

Besides the ingredients… there's another big reason to stop chewing gum:

It messes with your body's ability to produce digestive enzymes. 

When you chew gum, you send signals to your brain that you are chewing actual food. This tricks your pancreas and stomach to produce digestive enzymes when they don't need to use them.

Over time the digestive organs become overtaxed and stop producing the amount of enzymes they once did.

This makes it difficult to digest and get nutrients from your food, and leads to bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Blech! This even goes for gum that doesn't have controversial ingredients… 

Thankfully, there is a great alternative.

What if you could chew something that was GOOD for you, freshened your breath and helped to digest food without the threat of reducing your natural digestive enzymes?

You can! 

I keep a jar of Organic Fennel Seeds in my purse. I like the Simply Organic or Frontier brands.

You just chew a pinch (about a ½ tsp) and it's just enough to get your mouth instantly fresh and clean. And when you're done, you don't spit them out! You swallow them, because they are food. 

And it does more than freshen your breath! 

Chewing on fennel seed as an after dinner digestive is no secret. It has been used for many years in Asia for medicinal purposes. It helps to prevent gas, heartburn, bloating and upset stomach. Win Win! 

I hope you ditch the gum and give fennel seeds a try! The next time someone asks you if you'd like a piece of gum, what are you going to say?

Know anyone who chews Extra, Trident, Orbit, or any of these gums? 

Share this tip with them on Instagram or Facebook. Or forward this email to them. 

Thank you for spreading the word! 

Xo,

Vani

P.S. There's a BIG update to the Kellogg's campaign. (HINT: They've agreed to a meeting!) Read the details here and please share.

Food Babe

P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

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