This edition of our newsletter will focus on the “Xylitol Experts,” Xlear. Popular xylitol-based products from Xlear (pronounced “clear”) include their Xlear® Sinus Care line, Spry® Dental Defense system, as well as stand-alone xylitol sweeteners.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a sweetener derived from natural sources such as birch or corn. It is also produced in the human body as a by-product of a normal metabolism. It also occurs in small amounts in plants, especially in fruit, berries, vegetables, and mushrooms. Raspberries, strawberries, yellow plums, and endives also contain xylitol.

Xylitol was discovered almost simultaneously by German and French chemists in the late 19th century. In Russia, it has been used for decades as a sweetener for diabetics and in Germany xylitol is used in solutions for intravenous feeding. Its dental significance was researched in Finland in the early 1970s when scientists at Turku University showed it had significant dental benefits.

Chemically speaking, xylitol (C₅H₁₂O₅) is not actually a sugar but a sugar alcohol. It differs from other sweeteners such as sorbitol, fructose, and glucose because its molecule has five, not six, carbon atoms and is much sweeter than sorbitol. In terms of calories, xylitol’s sweetening power is the same as sucrose (table sugar), but with 40% fewer calories. Most bacteria and yeast in the mouth can’t use xylitol, whereas sucrose actually feeds these detrimental organisms and thus may cause tooth decay. Xylitol is important because it may help to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Anyone interested in good oral health should be familiar with this sugar alcohol.

It is important to note that xylitol is extremely toxic (potentially fatal) to dogs because of differences in their metabolism. If a dog ingests even a tiny amount of xylitol contact your veterinarian immediately. See this ASPCA article for more information.

About the Company

After reading the extensive research done in Finland about the benefits of xylitol, Dr. Lon Jones developed a xylitol nasal spray to treat patients with persistent upper-respiratory infections. He successfully treated his granddaughter’s ear infections and soon began dispensing the solution to other patients with ear, nose, and throat issues. The results were astounding. In 2000, Nathan Jones, Dr. Jones’ son, founded Xlear Inc. in order to make the nasal spray commercially available and to spread the message of proactive health.

Xlear is the leading manufacturer of xylitol-based products in North America. In their words:

“We provide simple and cost-effective prevention. We are committed to providing natural, health-enhancing products based on the safety, effectiveness, and science of xylitol. We offer drug-free sinus and dental/oral care as well as a line of natural Xylitol sweeteners.”

Xlear® Sinus Care

Since the nose is an area where bacteria and viruses enter the body, cleansing the nasal passages can dramatically boost your immune defenses by rinsing away pathogens. Xlear Nasal Spray and Nasal Rinse feature a natural saline solution with the added benefits of xylitol which boosts your body’s natural defenses in three ways:

1. It breaks up bacterial biofilm, the colonies where bacteria thrive and grow.
2. It reduces bacterial adhesion to tissue for more effective cleansing in your nose and sinuses.
3. Saline with xylitol increases peak airflow 35% more than saline alone. It effectively opens the airway by reducing swelling in nasal and sinus tissues by osmotically pulling extra moisture out.

Many studies have supported the effectiveness of this sugar alcohol for nasal health. A 1998 study found that xylitol blocked adhesion of bacteria to epithelial cells (cells that line the body’s surfaces such as skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, and organs), showing that xylitol inhibits bacteria from sticking to tissue thereby allowing the body to wash them away. A 2011 study concluded, “Xylitol irrigations result in greater improvement of symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis as compared to saline irrigation.”

Xlear Natural Saline Nasal Spray safely and effectively alleviates congestion, dry sinuses, and irritated nasal tissues. Xylitol also moisturizes and soothes nasal/sinus passages. It is safe for pregnant and nursing mothers as well as infants, and is safe for daily use or anytime.

Spry® Dental Defense

 

The mouth is a gateway for bacteria which cause cavities and gum disease. But germs can also infiltrate the body through the mouth and cause greater problems elsewhere. Studies have shown that when people have poor oral hygiene and suffer from gum disease, bacteria can slip into the bloodstream of infected gum tissue.

The mouth can also host viruses. From there they can get into the airway and infect the lungs. Xylitol has been proven to inhibit bacteria and viruses from sticking to teeth and tissues. Without the ability to adhere, the germs are washed out of the body through the body’s natural processes.

Spry® Dental Defense is a line of oral xylitol products including toothpaste, oral rinse, baby tooth gel, gum, mints, and candies.

Spry Peppermint Toothpaste contains no fluoride or sodium lauryl sulfate. Instead, it uses only proven, natural ingredients like xylitol, cranberry extract, and Aloe vera. The xylitol inhibits harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums so they can’t form the colonies that cause dental problems. Cranberry extract offers further protection from bacteria and enhances the anti-irritation properties of the aloe. You get fresh, cool breath in the healthiest of ways.

Spry Oral Rinse is a low-alcohol formula that gets into the places a toothbrush can’t reach. It has xylitol to inhibit bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums while aloe and echinacea help soothe irritated tissues to naturally promote a healthy oral environment.

Spry Peppermint Mints are sugar-free mints that provide a powerful punch of refreshing, peppermint flavor in a tiny package — and they are sweetened with 100% xylitol. The mints are gluten-free and non-GMO. Spry mints also come in spearmint, berry, cinnamon, and lemon flavors and are available in jars of 240 pieces or pocket-sized 40 count tubes.

Spry also makes chewing gums which are gluten free and non-GMO, too. Spry gums are available in peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, and fruit flavors and are available in jars of 100 pieces or convenient 30 count tubes. Chew the gum until the flavor is gone, then you will know that the xylitol has done its job.

Let the sweet power of xylitol help you to improve your immune, respiratory, and oral health today!

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