Can You Chew Gum While Fasting? [Intermittent Fasting FAQ]

Can you chew gum while fasting? Does gum break a fast? If you have ever wondered about this, we are here to help!

If you’re anything like me, chewing gum can be a great distraction – especially when you’re trying not to eat. Gum is also a great way to keep your breath fresh!

Does chewing gum break a fast? Can you chew any kind of gum while fasting? If you have every wondered the answers to these questions, we will break it all down in this article. Keep reading to learn more!

Can I chew gum while fasting? If you’re looking for the quick answer – chewing gum will break your fast.

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Can You Chew Gum While Fasting?

Chewing gum will break a fast. According to Dr. Jason Fung, “Sweeteners can certainly produce an insulin response, but generally, for gum, the effect is so small that there is likely no problem from it. So yes, technically it does break the fast, but no, it usually doesn’t matter.”

However, the one issue with chewing gum while fasting, Dr. Fung added, is that “gum is usually not recommended because the act of chewing and the sweetness usually triggers salivation and hunger.” So for some, even if you chew sugarless gum, it might actually make fasting more challenging.

So yes, chewing gum breaks your fast. You should avoid chewing gum while fasting.

Intermittent fasting expert Gin Stephens also agrees that chewing gum should be avoided while fasting. She advises to chew gum during your eating window if you desire to have gum.

Does Sugar-Free Gum Break A Fast?

Can you chew sugar-free gum while intermittent fasting? Even sugar-free gum will break your fast. Sugar-free gum still contains ingredients that will spike your insulin levels, therefore removing you from a fasted state.

If you are following the rules of a clean fast, sugar-free gum will break your fast.

This post is all about can you chew gum while fasting and will chewing gum break a fast.

How To Keep Your Mouth Busy While Fasting

Kuchisabishii is a Japanese word for when you’re not hungry but you eat because your mouth is lonely. If you can relate, here are a few ways to keep your mouth busy while fasting.

Drink water
Sip on tea
Drink warm water to switch it up
Try sparkling/bubbly water

If you’re looking for a great water bottle to keep your mouth busy while fasting, this is a great option!

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What Can I Consume While Fasting?

If you are following a clean fast, you can consume the following items when fasting:

Water (unflavored, no added fruit)
Black coffee
Plain green tea or black tea
Mineral water, unflavored sparkling water, seltzer water (with no added ingredients)
Salt, electrolytes, or minerals (unflavored, no additives)
Medications as prescribed by your doctor

Intermittent Fasting Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I chew sugar-free gum while fasting?

This is going to be a judgment call on your end. Sugar-free gum contains ingredients that will spike your insulin levels, therefore removing you from a fasted state. In my opinion, chewing sugar-free gum does not follow a clean fast, so I do not chew gum while fasting.

Does gum break a fast?

Yes, gum will break a fast. The act of chewing and the sweetness triggers salivation and hunger, therefore breaking your fasted state.

How many calories break a fast?

When determining if something will break your fast, you need to focus on your body’s insulin response, not the number of calories. If you spike your insulin levels, you will be pulled out of a fasted state – no matter how many calories you consume.

Will gum break a fast?

Yes, chewing gum will spike your insulin levels and break your fast.

Can you chew gum while water fasting?

If you are following a strict water fast, which is typically a clean fast, you should not chew gum while fasting.

Bottom Line

Hopefully, this post gave you some insight about chewing gum while fasting. Ultimately, you will need to decide what works best for you and your lifestyle!

This post was all about can you chew gum while fasting.