A trend to chew on

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
                 containing carbamide peroxide)

Vaginal yeast    Gyne-Lotrimin, Mycelex (clotrima-
infections       zole); Monistat (miconazole);
(Candida         Femstat (butoconazole)
vaginitis)

CONDITION        ALTERNATIVE

Muscular         The amino acid D-phenylalanine (DPA) or DL-phenylala-
aches and        nine (DLPA Take 1,000 mg daily. Anti-inflammatory
pains            enzymes such as papain, bromelain, protease, or pan-
                 creatin: Take as directed. Oils and creams such as
                 capsaicin, arnica, and, if nerve involvement, St.
                 John's wort: Use as directed.

Sinusitis        Vitamin C: 1,000 mg daily. Bromelain: 500 mg four
                 times daily. Formulas such as Activated Quercetin
                 (Source Naturals) provide bromelain, vitamin C and
                 quercetin (a bioflavonoid used to reduce allergy
                 symptoms). Eucalyptus oil in a steam inhalation, and
                 salt water nasal rinses also reduce symptoms and
                 promote recovery.

Canker sores     Vitamins [B.sub.1]: 300 mg daily, [B.sub.2]: 20 mg
                 daily, [B.sub.6]: 150 mg daily and zinc: 150 mg daily.
                 Include acidophilus-containing foods such as yogurt in
                 your diet. Do not use toothpaste that contains sodium
                 lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Vaginal yeast    Lactobacillus acidophilus orally in the form of cap-
infections       sules (three capsules two to three times daily),
(Candida         powder (1/4 teaspoon two to three times daily), or
vaginitis)       yogurt (8 ounces daily). This may also be done for
                 prevention during antibiotic use. Lactobacillus
                 acidophilus suppositories (use as directed) or yogurt
                 douche (before bed for 3-5 nights, or up to 2 weeks
                 depending on severity). For chronic yeast infections:
                 Boric acid vaginal suppository supplying 600 mg boric
                 acid twice daily for 2 weeks.

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