If I were to tell you that by chewing gum, you are gradually poisoning your body, would you consider giving it up? It appears that seemingly harmless gum has proven to be a significant detriment to one’s health. Have you ever taken the time to examine the ingredients listed on the back? It is likely that most of us have not. We tend to believe that there is no harm in chewing a few pieces of gum each day, especially if it is sugar-free! However, allow me to dispel this misconception – gum is actually toxic to your body, and the health risks associated with chewing gum are very real.

Most Conventional Brands Contain Bioengineered Ingredients

What does bioengineered food mean?

Bioengineered, also known as “BE,” is the term used by the federal government to refer to GMOs. According to the Bioengineered Food labeling law, specific BE foods that contain detectable modified genetic material are required to disclose the presence of BE ingredients. The inclusion of the term “detectable modified genetic material” is significant as it provides an exemption for numerous products made with GMOs from the labeling requirement. Many products created using advanced GMO techniques like CRISPR, TALEN, and RNAi are currently impossible to test for. In the absence of a commercially available test, the modified genetic material remains undetectable, thereby eliminating the need for a BE label on those foods.

Most brands contain these dangerous ingredients:

• Sorbitol
• Gum Base
• Maltitol
• Mannitol
• Aspartame
• BHT
• Calcium Casein Peptone-calcium Phosphate
• Candelilla Wax
• Sodium Stearate
• Titanium Dioxide

• Artificial and ‘Natural’ Flavoring
• Acacia
• Acesulfame Potassium

To start with, don’t assume that chewing gum won’t affect your health just because you’re not swallowing it. Harmful ingredients can still be absorbed into your bloodstream through your mouth. In fact, gum can be so dangerous that it can even be fatal to some animals.

Let take a look at some of the ingredients. What are the health dangers of chewing gum?

Aspartame

All sugar-free gums are advertised as a healthier option compared to gums that contain sugar. You’re constantly bombarded with information about how harmful sugar is for your teeth, so they suggest going for the sugarless kind. However, they conveniently forget to mention that instead of sugar, it contains a sugar substitute like aspartame, which is actually worse. Why is it worse? Well, aspartame is a synthetic chemical combination made up of 50% phenylalanine, 40% aspartic acid, and 10% methanol. Each of these substances poses a serious threat to your health. Aspartame has been linked to almost every disease out there (study). When you chew gum, aspartame gets absorbed by the lining of your mouth, which is even more dangerous than consuming it internally. Once absorbed, it passes through the blood-brain and spinal cord barriers, making its way directly into your brain. It’s the same aspartame that’s added to pretty much all diet sodas.

Gum Base

Chewing gum contains a variety of synthetic ingredients like petroleum, lanolin, glycerin, polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, petroleum wax, stearic acid, and latex. While the exact formula is a closely guarded secret, these components are essential for elasticity and as binding and softening agents. For instance, Polyvinyl acetate is commonly found in glues, paper coatings, and textile finishes. Therefore, is chewing gum safe to consume?

Titanium Dioxide

Chewing gum often contains titanium dioxide which is used as a whitening agent but this ingredient has been associated with autoimmune disorders, asthma, and Crohn’s disease. It’s even considered potentially cancer-causing. A study discovered that children are particularly exposed to titanium dioxide in sweets, especially in chewing gum which has the highest levels of this substance.

 Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol

These sweeteners that are made artificially belong to the sugar alcohol group. If you consume them, it can cause various health issues like heart problems, tummy ache, upset stomach, allergies, diabetes, and even weight gain. Our bodies struggle to digest and break down sugar alcohol in the small intestine.

BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)

BHT has been deemed so harmful that numerous countries have already prohibited its use. Surprisingly, in the United States, it is frequently employed as a preservative in chewing gum and various processed foods. This chemical has been associated with detrimental effects on vital organs like the kidneys and liver, as well as hyperactivity in children. Moreover, there are concerns that it may even have carcinogenic properties. Astonishingly, every single ingredient found in chewing gum poses a threat to your well-being. It is truly one of the most perilous substances you consume. Would you really risk your health just to enjoy a minty-fresh breath? I highly doubt it…

There are some better alternatives to chewing gum such as this!