Does sugar-free gum break a fast?

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

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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10 comments

3 comments removed
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?
1 comment removed
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 ?
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
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
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
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
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
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
13
Plaw
January 1
Is there a vegetarian broth you can have while fasting?

Reply: #14
14
Reply to comment #13 by Plaw
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
January 1

Is there a vegetarian broth you can have while fasting?

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

Does sugar-free gum break a fast?

Cheat day while on LCHF and intermittent fasting

Q&A videos

Top Dr. Fung videos

More

More with Dr. Fung

10 comments

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