Many people switch to sugar-free gum from the regular variety, thinking it has no harmful health effects. Some do so because of ongoing health complications like diabetes. While it is true that chewing sugar-free gum may have specific benefits and could help one improve their overall well-being, it also has significant downsides. Below are a few important things one should know before heading to the store and buying a pack.
Ingredients in sugar-free gum
Many brands manufacture sugar-free gum, each using different ingredients to give their product a distinct taste and set it apart. While they do not use sugar, they use substitutes that mimic the taste of sugar. Some of these substitutes are artificial sweeteners, while others are derived from natural sources. Let’s look at a few examples:
Besides the above, sugar-free gum may contain chemical and natural ingredients that help provide texture, long-lasting taste, and chewiness. The ingredients usually differ with each brand.
Benefits of sugar-free gum
Here are three probable benefits one might enjoy from chewing sugar-free gum instead of the regular type:
Reduced tooth decay
Studies show that chewing sugar-free gum for a short while after meals may help reduce tooth decay. This is perhaps because chewing causes the mouth to produce more saliva, which washes away microscopic food particles that remain behind and fuel bacteria. Experts reveal that chewing sugar-free gum may also prevent or reduce plaque formation.
Stronger tooth enamel and reduced sensitivity
Since salvia has phosphate and calcium content, it could strengthen tooth enamel. Furthermore, chewing sugar-free gum could help curb teeth sensitivity, which often results from in-office tooth whitening procedures.
Improved memory
Studies indicate that chewing gum, including sugar-free varieties, while performing tasks could improve various aspects of brain function, such as memory, alertness, decision-making, and understanding. Experts also suggest those who chew gum for longer may benefit from reduced signs of stress, anxiety, and depression. While the exact cause of these benefits is yet to be determined, studies point toward better blood flow to the brain caused by chewing.
Besides providing the benefits listed above, sugar-free chewing gum can help avoid conditions like dry mouth (xerostomia). However, one should chew gum as a remedy only if they receive the go-ahead from their healthcare provider.
Disadvantages
Any product consumed in excess may have adverse effects on the body, including sugar-free gum. Chewing it may cause:
Headaches and allergies
Sugar-free gum contains aspartame, a highly debated ingredient among experts. While used as an alternative to sugar, aspartame contains a chemical carcinogen that could increase the risk of headaches. Some may develop hives on the body or suffer from gastrointestinal or respiratory issues if allergic to the ingredient. Therefore, one should speak to an expert before chewing sugar-free gum that contains aspartame.
Gastrointestinal problems
Some manufacturers use sorbitol in their sugar-free gum. When a person consumes too much of the ingredient, it may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal cramps, bloating, and gas. Too much sorbitol may also trigger diarrhea in some people.
Jaw disorders
Chewing gum all the time, including sugar-free options, could cause the jaw muscles to tighten. As a result, one may experience jaw pain. Chewing gum regularly has also been associated with increased temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). Those with this disorder may experience chronic symptoms like soreness, discomfort, and headaches.
Dental device damage
Chewing gum of any kind may have adverse effects on dental devices. The product could damage implants, which could hamper one’s oral health and also be quite expensive to fix.
Besides increasing the risk of the problems listed above, sugar-free chewing gum can lead to cancerous developments in the body and an unusual increase in appetite. People with a rare hereditary disorder called phenylketonuria are especially advised to limit their consumption of phenylalanine (a component of aspartame) as their bodies cannot metabolize it.
Tips to reduce gum-related problems
Learning about the benefits and downsides of sugar-free gum can help one make better decisions for their well-being. Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of health problems from chewing gum:
Following these guidelines will help minimize the harmful effects of chewing gum. One should speak to a health expert if they have any questions regarding any ingredient used in the product.
Apple is the leading electronics companies in the country and with the launch of each new model; the model sets a new benchmark for itself. Apart from launching iPhones, the leading organization has invented iPads that are one of the remarkable instances of development of technology.
What is an iPad anyway?
iPad is a tablet that is manufactured, designed and developed by Apple Inc. that can operate on the iOS operating system. The multi-touch screen of the product along with Wi-Fi connectivity and other enticing features has attracted people’s attention in buying it. Over the course of time, Apple has kept running the development of iPad which leads to release of iPads every now and then having better performance capability and improved specifications.
History of iPad
The inception took place in the 20th Century; however, the prototype came to life in the 21st Century. Apple iPad has gone through some serious development that has always lived up to cater people’s needs and demands.
1991 – The work of iPad began in the year of 1991 when Jony Ive, the chief designer of Apple designed the prototype of iPad. The prototype looked like a slate computer with a stylus. However, the work took place in full swing after 2004.
2010 – The first model of iPad was launched in 2010 by Steve Jobs.
2011 – The company launched iPad 2 that had better specifications than the previous model. The third-generation of Apple iPad was launched with 4F connectivity.
2012 – New versions of iPad were introduced during this period in which Apple maximized the storage capacity. Later, iPad Mini was introduced that had smaller screen size compared to other iPad models.
2013 – iPad Air is a thinner and lighter version of previous tablets which eventually replaced the fourth-generation of iPad.
2016 – iPad Pro came to the market which resembled the design of an actual computer with a stylus and keyboard.
Which one is the perfect iPad for you?
When you consider buying an electronic device, there are certain aspects that you need to keep in mind. Screen size, speed, and portability are the factors that you look for while buying the iPad and here is detailed account of the factors related to iPad,
West Nile virus is a mosquito borne infection which causes West Nile fever. Common West Nile virus symptoms start showing up between 2 to 15 days after onset normally depending on the severity of the condition. However, in most cases, it is very difficult to identify the symptoms since 8 out of 10 people don’t seem to develop any in the first place.
Fever, headaches, and fatigue can be indicators of developing West Nile fever. Muscle pain, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting and developing rashes might be more prominent and noticeable when it comes to West Nile Virus symptoms. There is a high chance of people developing a Febrile illness which is a type of fever with the symptoms that last for weeks and even months.
However, there are serious symptoms which can develop over time, which tends to affect the central nervous system. Severe symptoms include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or even inflammation of the membranes (meningitis)
Here is a comprehensive list of West Nile virus symptoms:
Numbness and paralysis, vision loss, muscle weakness, uncontrollable convulsions, tremors, disorientation, stupor, stiffness in the neck, headaches and high fever which indicate developing signs of severe illness due to West Nile virus.
People with medical conditions will experience a greater risk of developing West Nile virus symptoms. Common medical conditions include hypertension, diabetes to even more complex conditions like kidney disease and cancer. People who have received any organ transplants are at a greater risk, compared to other possibilities.
There is no particular age at which this virus is fatal. However, people who are over the age of 60 will have a much harder time dealing with the symptoms and adapting themselves to a course of treatment to cure the same.
West Nile virus symptoms affecting the central nervous system might be permanent, however the normal recovery time for will range from a couple of weeks to even more than a couple of months. Medical attention is advised as soon as some of the more noticeable symptoms show up.
There is no specific course of treatment which includes a vaccine and antiviral prescription to tackle the virus. For mild symptoms, over the counter pain killers can be used to control the fever. Supportive treatment for more severe symptoms includes a course of intravenous fluids, pain medication and round the clocks nursing after hospitalization.
Since this is a mosquito borne and spread infection, effective mosquito control will ensure the infection doesn’t spread.
Live cancer is of the most deadly illnesses of all time. It is a rare condition that generates, primarily in the liver and can later spread to other parts of the body. It causes the degeneration and mutations of the tissues of the liver and makes them grow in an abnormal manner.
This cancer is also known as hepatic cancer and primary hepatic cancer and it originates inside the liver. Cancer that spreads to the liver from other parts of the body is called liver metastasis. The size of the liver is as big as the size of a football and it is one of the largest organs of the human body. This organ is located below the right lung under the ribcage. Primary liver cancer is known as Hepatocellular carcinoma. It originates in livers that have damages caused by excessive alcohol, birth defects, or chronic infections like hepatitis B and C.
Symptoms Of Liver Cancer
The signs and symptoms of this cancer aren’t visible till the later stages. Visit your doctor immediately, if you experience the following symptoms:
– Sudden weight loss
– Feeling of fullness after a small meal
– Feeling of nausea and vomiting
– Loss of appetite
– A sensation of pain in the abdominal region or close to the right shoulder blade
– Yellowness in the skin, eyes, and nails (similar to jaundice)
– Swelling in the stomach due building up of enzymes in the stomach
– Itching
– White chalk-like stools
– Fever and abnormal bruising or bleeding
Causes Of Liver Cancer
Scientifically speaking, liver cancer occurs when the liver cells develop mutations. These mutations are different than the usual growth and they develop in their DNA, the material that ensures that all the chemical process in the body takes place in the right way. The mutations in the DNA disrupt the flow of these processes and brings about an unnatural change in the regular functionality of the body. The cell begins to grow in a haphazard manner, forming a tumor and eventually cancer.
Prognosis Of Liver Cancer
The average survival rate is generally used as a standard method of assessing an individual’s survival. It differs from person to person and it doesn’t really say how many years you’ll survive. However, it opens a gateway to understand the stage of cancer and understanding the prognosis in a more effective way.
Here are the ways to diagnose liver cancer:
– Imaging scans like CT scan or MRI scan can be useful.
– Blood test is another way of determining this cancer. Alpha Fetoprotein, a type of protein secreted by the tumorous liver cells can be detected by blood test.
– Biopsy where a sample of the infected tissues is analysed to understand the gravity of cancer.
Visit your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the higher is the chance of survival.