Generally, no, 5 gum (or a similar amount) is unlikely to break a fast, provided it's sugar-free and consumed in moderation. The key factors determining whether gum breaks a fast hinge on calorie count and sugar content.
Understanding the Impact of Chewing Gum on Fasting
Most sources agree that consuming under 50 calories during a fasting period maintains the body's fasted state. One or two pieces of regular chewing gum might not significantly disrupt this, while sugar-free gum is less likely to have any effect. [^1] However, even small amounts of calories technically break a fast; the impact of those calories is a matter of opinion and varies among individuals and types of fasts. [^2, ^3, ^4]
- Sugar Content: Sugar in gum triggers the digestive system, potentially breaking your fast. [^5, ^6, ^7] Sugar-free varieties generally have minimal impact, although some contain sugar alcohols that could still have minor effects. [^8, ^9]
- Calorie Count: While some sources suggest that even a few calories could interrupt fasting, others emphasize that low-calorie intake (under 10 calories) is typically acceptable. [^10] The total calorie intake from multiple pieces of gum becomes more crucial than a single piece. [^11, ^12]
Practical Considerations:
- Type of Fast: For strict water fasts, any calorie intake, including from gum, breaks the fast. [^2] Intermittent fasting allows for more flexibility, and the impact of low-calorie gum is debated.
- Number of Pieces: A small number of low-calorie pieces is less likely to affect the fast than larger quantities.
- Individual Sensitivity: Some individuals might be more sensitive to small calorie intakes than others.
Therefore, consuming a small amount of sugar-free gum might be acceptable in certain contexts, while larger quantities or sugary options could potentially break a fast. Always prioritize your chosen fasting protocol and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
[^1]: Naked Nutrition. (October 16, 2023). Does Chewing Gum Break a Fast? – Naked Nutrition. https://nakednutrition.com/blogs/diets/does-chewing-gum-break-a-fast
[^2]: Healthline. (June 11, 2021). Can You Chew Gum While Fasting? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/can-you-chew-gum-while-fasting
[^3]: Quora. (January 28, 2020). Can I chew gum while intermittent fasting considering each piece has 5-10 calories and is mostly sugar. https://www.quora.com/Can-I-chew-gum-while-intermittent-fasting-considering-each-piece-has-5-10-calories-and-is-mostly-sugar
[^4]: Hone Health. (August 24, 2023). Does Chewing Gum Break a Fast? https://honehealth.com/edge/does-chewing-gum-break-a-fast/
[^5]: MedicineNet. (January 19, 2023). Is It Ok to Chew Gum While Fasting or Does It Break Your Fast? https://www.medicinenet.com/is_it_ok_to_chew_gum_while_fasting_does_break_fast/article.htm
[^6]: Reddit. (June 18, 2023). can i chew gum while intermittent fasting? https://www.reddit.com/r/intermittentfasting/comments/14coifv/can_i_chew_gum_while_intermittent_fasting/
[^7]: Welltech. (June 8, 2023). Does Gum Break a Fast? Here is What You Should Know. https://welltech.com/content/does-gum-break-a-fast-here-is-what-you-should-know/
[^8]: Diet Doctor. (November 24, 2019). Does Sugar-Free Gum Break a Fast? https://www.dietdoctor.com/does-sugar-free-gum-break-a-fast
[^9]: Simple Life. (November 20, 2023). Can You Chew Gum While Intermittent Fasting? Simple's Guide. https://simple.life/blog/can-you-chew-gum-while-intermittent-fasting/
[^10]: January.ai (May 1, 2024). Does gum break a fast? https://january.ai/blog/does-gum-break-a-fast
[^11]: Most agree that as long as you consume no more than 50 calories during your fast, your body will remain in a fasted state. In this case, one or two pieces of regular chewing gum likely won't break your fast, and sugarless gum almost certainly will not. (Source: Naked Nutrition, October 16, 2023)
[^12]: Nope, not in our book. Anything under 10 calories is A-OK — just remember that they add up. Three pieces of 3-calorie gum do not break a fast, but 10 pieces of 3-calorie gum probably will. (Source: Simple Life, November 20, 2023)
