Does sugar-free gum break a fast?

November 24 2019 by , medical review by in Dr. Jason Fung, Intermittent fasting, Q&A
Ask Dr. Jason Fung

Does sugar-free gum break a fast? Is it a good idea to have one cheat day per week?

It’s time for this week’s Q&A about intermittent fasting and low carb with Dr. Jason Fung:

Does sugar-free gum break a fast?

I fast by skipping breakfast. I worry that gum is breaking my fast unintentionally. Everyone says something different!

Thanks,
Anne

Technically yes, sugar free gum would not be allowed on a fast. But the amount of sugar alcohol in a stick of gum is so small that it likely makes no difference. If you are doing well with gum, then continue. If you are not getting the results you think you should, then cut it out. But I wouldn’t worry a lot about gum, unless you are eating a lot of it.

Dr. Jason Fung

Cheat day while on LCHF and intermittent fasting

If I am on an LCHF and on alternate day fasting diet, is it better to have one cheat day a week, or not?

Thank you,
Tony

It’s not better to have a cheat day unless it allows you to follow a stricter diet otherwise. Some people do well, and others not. I don’t recommend a cheat day in general.

Dr. Jason Fung

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13 comments

  1. 3 comments removed
  2. 4
    mgmason1963
    November 28 2019
    I've been told my blood ketones are outside the normal range, being 0.2-0.3 mmol/L 2 hours after a keto meal, and after 60 hours fasting 5.1 mmol/L. I'm also starting to develop urology blockage problems (as shown by an ultrasound). I'm have an appointment to see the urology specialist. Any suggestions Dr Fung?
  3. 1 comment removed
  4. 6
    Colleen
    January 19 2020
    Would taking medication of 3 garlic tablets, 125 mg DHEA .and a vitamin D3K2 tablet in the morning break my fast ?
  5. 7
    Kim Slocum
    January 29 2020
    how do you do fasting with your meds? TYPE II Diabetes . Do you stop is there a routine to follow. If you ask your current MD they freak out.
    Does DR Fung have any openings for patients?
    Reply: #8
  6. 8
    Reply to comment #7 by Kim Slocum
    Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
    January 29 2020

    how do you do fasting with your meds? TYPE II Diabetes . Do you stop is there a routine to follow. If you ask your current MD they freak out.
    Does DR Fung have any openings for patients?

    You may find this helpful.
    Taking medications with food
    For those who need to take prescription medications with food more than once per day, OMAD presents a significant hurdle. If this is the case for you, discuss with your healthcare provider if other options exist. If not, then OMAD is likely not safe for you.
    https://www.dietdoctor.com/intermittent-fasting/omad#concerns

    Please read this also.
    https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/with-diabetes-medications

  7. 9
    Sean
    March 14 2020
    Hello,

    Are their any thoughts on alternate day fasting for 36 hours during this COVID-19 outbreak?

    Does your immune system drop during a long fast?

    Reply: #10
  8. 10
    Reply to comment #9 by Sean
    Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
    March 14 2020

    Hello,
    Are their any thoughts on alternate day fasting for 36 hours during this COVID-19 outbreak?
    Does your immune system drop during a long fast?

    Our fasting guides should be helpful for you! https://www.dietdoctor.com/intermittent-fasting/guides

  9. 11
    Shahzad Yousuf
    December 28 2020
    Hi Doctor Jason
    I am a type 2 Diabetic and have gone on low carb diet for about 3 months and stopped taking diabetes oral medicine. I have no problems with fasting. I am unable to bring my glucose level below 6. How can you help me? I need your advice.
    Shahzad
    Reply: #12
  10. 12
    Reply to comment #11 by Shahzad Yousuf
    Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor
    December 28 2020

    Hi Doctor Jason
    I am a type 2 Diabetic and have gone on low carb diet for about 3 months and stopped taking diabetes oral medicine. I have no problems with fasting. I am unable to bring my glucose level below 6. How can you help me? I need your advice.
    Shahzad

    Shahzad, check out this article about high fasting blood glucose for tips on how to deal with this. https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/fasting-blood-glucose-higher

  11. 13
    Plaw
    January 1 2021
    Is there a vegetarian broth you can have while fasting?
    Reply: #14
  12. 14
    Reply to comment #13 by Plaw
    Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
    January 1 2021

    Is there a vegetarian broth you can have while fasting?

    You could add salt to a vegetable broth to help with electrolytes.

  13. 15
    GG
    March 16 2021
    I am baffled that so many of you don’t understand “ fasting “? My major question to all would be “ how much Are YOU Worth “ in it’s selflessness to achieve “ balanced Wellness “....looking at the big picture of all these questions professionally would be get a official all in compassed check up, let your physician know your goals to wellness, secure a dietary counselor to help with important direction for each individual, this is important we all don’t fit into the same glove! Change in the short term first by focusing on bad eating habits. “ food shopping” being if you go hungry and unprepared will set you to fail before getting off the plate...by the by “ plate “ is your next issues portion is the key to wellness as well as healthy frequent fasting. If you change your habits in eating first medications will no longer be needed. Nothing happens over night for some of you it has taken years to accomplish this state of Being! Don’t set goals you can’t achieve, this is not good for your mental devotion to Self! Clean out the house of temptations, sugars first, stagnate snacks which you know are fillers and chemical based! Learn the basics. Most of us in the professional fields have gone to years of school and thrive to heal people but WE need your help. It helps us to help you IF you listen clearly, don’t substitute and research, seek answers to help yourself to UNDERSTANDING. Once we become a team with you at the helm goes well with better outcomes on both sides! Go simple first achieve food changes first after you have accomplished this tough job the rest becomes easy for you will understand why to do fasting the Way it was made to be done No cheating or substitutes involved it will come natural as breathing. In fact learn breathing techniques, meditation and natural ways to sustain your mind, body and Soul these are inseparable while your alive! Bless all of you seeking wellness!! GG natural healer, retired RN specializing in recovery
  14. 16
    John Godfrey
    September 6 2021
    In Britain we were locked down at the beginning of March 2020. I decided to try intermittent fasting following seeing one of Dr Fungs YouTube videos. I generally do 16/8 but sometimes go for longer and I have lost 2 stone (28 pounds) to date. I do weight lift regularly as well. I also go to the pub and drink so not all bad. At 57 I feel healthy and well.
    I really recommend it. Thanks Dr Fung
    Reply: #17
  15. 17
    Reply to comment #16 by John Godfrey
    Estela Lopez
    September 6 2021

    In Britain we were locked down at the beginning of March 2020. I decided to try intermittent fasting following seeing one of Dr Fungs YouTube videos. I generally do 16/8 but sometimes go for longer and I have lost 2 stone (28 pounds) to date. I do weight lift regularly as well. I also go to the pub and drink so not all bad. At 57 I feel healthy and well.
    I really recommend it. Thanks Dr Fung

    Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your progress!

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