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Xylose is one of the eight essential sugars needed to optimal health
and functioning in humans. Xylose has both antibacterial and antifungal
properties and like the other glyconutrients aids in communication
between cells. According to research, Xylose may help prevent cancer
in the digestive system. In some patients with colitis, diabetes
and other digestive diseases, the absorption of Xylose is decreased.
So for many diabetics, Xylose or the commercial derivative can be
used as a sugar substitute.
Xylose (also known as the sugar substitute, Xylitol) can be found
in chewing gum, toothpaste and corn sweeteners. Unlike sucrose,
Xylose does not promote cavities. In its commercial form, Xylose
is made by fermenting yeasts into a form of sugar / alcohol.
Xylose is absorbed in the small intestine where it also increases
the friendly flora helping for all other nutrients to be absorbed
more efficiently as well. The transporter for Xylose is different
from that of glucose and is absorbed quickly from the bloodstream
into the liver where it is metabolized. Xylose can also be found
in the kidneys, muscles and fat where it is needed most in the human
body.
Approximately one-fourth of Xylose that is ingested is excreted
in about five hours after ingestion from the kidneys and bladder.
This suggests that Xylose supplementation occurs twice per day for
maximum effect.
Besides supplements, Xylose may be found naturally in blackberries,
raspberries, aloe vera gel, kelp, guava, pears and loganberries.
Xylose may also be found in broccoli, green beans, okra, echinacea,
boswellia, psyllium, cabbage, corn, spinach, eggplant and peas.
Notice: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been notifying
health care professional recently about the potential for false
elevated glucose readings for those diabetics who take Xylose orally.
This in turn can lead to fatal or life-threatening hypoglycemia
due to inappropriate administration of insulin in patients. A list
of the substances that can lead to false glucose readings may be
found at the FDA
website.
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