Intermittent fasting has become a popular way for people to lose weight and improve their health. One of the most common questions emerging from this trend is whether it is safe to chew gum while fasting.
Sugar-free gum minimally affects insulin levels and contains very few calories, meaning that it’s unlikely to break your fast. However, stricter forms of intermittent fasting may not allow for the consumption of sugar-free gum.
Does Chewing Gum Break a Fast?
The short answer is yes – chewing gum breaks a fast. Intermittent fasting expert Dr. Jason Fung stated that “The one issue with chewing gum while fasting, Dr. Fung added, is that “gum is usually not recommended because the act of chewing and the flavors can trigger cravings and hunger.”
That’s why he typically recommends a good rule of thumb is to keep your chewing gum to your eating window (if you choose to have it at all). So, if you are following a strict 16:8 intermittent fasting schedule, for example, it’s best to stick to chewing gum during your 8-hour eating window.
Can I Chew Sugar-Free Candies While Fasting?
Unlike chewing gum, sugar-free candies are not allowed during intermittent fasting. Unlike chewing gum, they also contain more calories and can affect your insulin levels more significantly.
Chewing sugar-free gum for an hour while fasting also reduced hunger in one study, which means that gum can help you eat less and prevent hunger cravings during your fast.
So, Should I Chew Gum During Intermittent Fasting?
So, the answer is simple: yes, chewing gum breaks your fast. You should avoid chewing gum while fasting, as it can trigger hunger cravings and disrupt your fast. Intermittent fasting expert Gin Stephens also agrees that chewing gum can affect your fasting results.
If you are looking for a healthy snack to have during your eating window, try some nuts and seeds. They are high in protein and healthy fats, and can help curb your hunger cravings.
When it comes to intermittent fasting, it’s important to remember that everyone is different. Some people may be able to handle chewing sugar-free gum during their fast, while others may find it too difficult. Experiment and see what works best for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not recommended to chew gum during intermittent fasting. Sugar-free gum does contain very few calories and minimally affect insulin levels, but the act of chewing and the flavors can trigger cravings and hunger. So, it is best to keep your chewing gum to your eating window and choose healthier snacks that can help curb hunger cravings.
Is it permissible to chew gum while following an intermittent fasting diet?
Dr. Fung said that although gum can cause an insulin response and technically break the fast, the effect is usually so small that it is unlikely to have an impact on the fasting window.
Which brand of chewing gum is best for someone who is intermittent fasting?
The conclusion is that sugar-free gum has minimal impact on insulin levels and is low in calories, so it won’t disrupt your fast.
Does chewing gum interfere with fasting?
Chewing gum won’t affect your calorie intake, but it could interfere with your fasting routine if you’re practicing intermittent fasting. The sugar content in the gum could cause your insulin levels to spike, which could take you out of ketosis. Therefore, it’s advised to avoid gum if you’re strictly following an intermittent fasting schedule.
Is chewing gum considered a form of consumption?
Eating gum is not a substitute for having a nutritious meal, as it has no nutritional value. Therefore, it should not be used to replace meals.
Are you interested in learning more about Intermittent Fasting?
Visit Fasting Books where you can find a variety of books on Intermittent Fasting.
