A trend to chew on.(Goodnews: essential natural health news)

Despite its long-standing use in Europe against tooth decay, most Americans have never heard of xylitol. But increasingly, word of this naturally effective cavity fighter is spreading across the United States and Canada.

Xylitol is a sweetener found in fruits, vegetables, mushrooms and the human body.

The rising popularity of xylitol here may stem from the realization that, unlike fluoride, which carries risks and must be added to water or painted on teeth by a dentist, xylitol protection is derived from simply chewing xylitol gum. Ironically, xylitol candy can offset sugar's dental devastation.

Also, fewer cavities were found among children of various ages whose mothers consumed xylitol while the children were younger than 2 years of age. Here's why: In addition to killing cavity-causing organisms, xylitol decreases the contagiousness of Mutans streptococci. Transmission of these bacteria to toddlers occurs chiefly by parents kissing their children or by sharing spoons. The germs reside in the child's body until later years--when they cause tooth decay.

Xylitol was discovered by Finnish scientists. The most conclusive study of its action was completed at the University of Turku in 1991. Fluoride combats cavities only through direct contact with teeth, and its ingestion is linked to weakened bones and other problems.

 
Natural Alternatives to Mass Meds 
 
Each month, Amber D. Ackerson, ND, informs you about complementary and 
alternative choices to mass-produced over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. 
 
CONDITION        OTC DRUG 
 
Muscular         Bayer, Ecotrin, Bufferin (aspirin); 
aches and        Advil, Motrin, Nuprin (ibuprofen); 
pains            Aleve (naproxen); Tylenol 
                 (acetaminophen) 
 
Sinusitis        Bayer, Ecotrin, Bufferin (aspirin); 
                 Advil, Motrin, Nuprin (ibuprofen); 
                 Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) 
 
Canker sores     Anbesol, Nun-Zit, Zilactin-B (benzo- 
                 caine) for pain relief, and Gly-Oxide 
                 Liquid, Orajel Perioseptic (antiseptics 
        ...